Matthew 14:22–33 (NASB 2020)
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”
Here’s a story within the story for you. Almost sounded like Paul Harvey there 🙂
We read in verse 23 that late in the evening Jesus separated Himself from the crowds, and even His disciples sending them on ahead of Him. He had earlier that day performed one of the most well-known miracles in the Bible, where He fed well over 5,000 people, multiplying just five loaves of bread and two fish.
Side Note#1
Matthew 14:21 (NASB 2020)
21 There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children.
They only counted men. I would think a good portion of that crowd was families, including wives, daughters, and young sons. That being the case, there were way over 5,000 people there to hear this Jesus they had heard about. Seeing and hearing Jesus meant so much to these people that they traveled a respectful distance, with hearing Him being more important than food. Craving in our hearts to experience the Word of God that much is an example we should all strive for! There’s so much more here, but I need to get back to my original thought I want to share.
Ok, I’m back.
In verse 23, I fully believe that Jesus, resulting from this prayer, was setting up a meaning, a message, a lesson, that would give even greater meaning than the miracle of His walking on the water. Ponder this with me! Perhaps His being left behind as the disciples set out across the sea and waiting until they had gone a great distance (must have been a long prayer!) was very intentional.
When the storm arose in the sea and the disciples found themselves too far to turn back, struck with fear for their very lives, what do you suppose was their greatest struggle at that moment? The raging sea, of course, and the fear of this storm taking their lives! Right!?
Jesus could have interceded in several ways. He walked to them on this raging sea. How long did it take Him to get to them? Could it have been in the eleventh hour and fifty-ninth minute in their hearts and minds? You bet!
By his walking on the water to them in this peril that was consuming them with overwhelming fear, I believe He intended to show not only them, but US today, this Truth!
When the problems of life seem way over our heads, Jesus already has them under His feet!
John 16:33 (NASB 2020)
33 These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
God bless you brothers!