On the Water

On the shores of Bethsaida, Jesus sent His disciples away in a boat. Then He dismissed the crowd. And then Jesus went up on the mountainside to pray.

Later that evening, the disciple had rowed about three or four miles and they were out in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. A strong wind was blowing, and the sea had grown agitated. Jesus could see that the disciples were straining to row the boat because the wind was against them and they were being buffeted by the waves.

Finally, during the fourth watch of the night, or between the hours of 3 and 6 in the morning, Jesus went out toward the boat, walking on the sea. And He intended to pass them by. But when all the disciples saw someone walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.

But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”

“Come,” said Jesus.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

And when Jesus and Peter had climbed into the boat, the wind died down. And the disciples were utterly astounded, for they had not understood about the loaves, and yet their hearts had been hardened. But those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!” And at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

See Matthew 14:23-33; Mark 6:47-52; John 6:17-21

Notes: Of the three Gospels that record the story, only the Gospel of Matthew records the incident of Peter walking on the water to Jesus.

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