Walking on Water (Mt 14:22-33; Mk 6:45-51; Jn 6:15-21)
by Pastor Cesar Crisostomo | September 9, 2018
Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-51; John 6:15-21This event where Jesus walks on the water and eventually Peter walking on water as well is a good illustration of the life of discipleship being a constant experience of testing and deliverance. The disciples were not in this situation of difficulty because of being willfully disobedient or stubborn, but they were in this predicament again (Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 8:23-27) simply because of their obedience to the commands of Jesus. In other words, they found themselves in this danger because of obedience. Being pounded by the waves because the wind was against them does not mean they have strayed from the path of God’s will, but instead, God’s path for them lay through the storm. In Matthew’s account includes an event about Peter asking Jesus to walk on the water and come to Him. Let us look at this particular event and then ask the question: why did Peter want to walk on water and be open to listening to what God may speak to our own hearts.
The amazing event.· Walking On Water - Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-51; John 6:15-21
The Apostle Peter· People often make fun of Peter, I know I do. He is sometimes labeled as being proud or foolish. It is one way to look at this man who had the courage to ask questions, who tried to answer difficult questions, who tried to do things too hard for him, or was willing to fight to protect Jesus from harm. I think the way we react to Peter reveals much about our own approach to life. Fearful people think of him as foolish, but bold people think of him as someone brave enough to take a risk and fail. But whatever we might think about Peter’s behavior before the Day of Pentecost, there can be no argument about who he became afterward. Remember that he became one of the main leaders for the early church and performed miracles as remarkable as those done by Jesus Himself. We have to admit that Peter’s aggressive approach to discipleship doesn’t seem to have damaged his spiritual potential. No doubt he became a great leader. He was vital in welcoming Gentiles into the Jewish church, he wrote two great letters that we still use today, and he died as a martyr, bravely confessing Jesus to the very end.
· Today, let us focus on one particular event in Peter’s life which revealed his heart – the moment when he stepped out of the boat and walked on water. Why did Peter want to walk on water? The other disciples all stayed on the boat. It never probably crossed their minds to ask Jesus if they could walk on the water.
· But we know Peter did and we know the Jesus was pleased with his request because He answered, “Come” and then scolded Peter when he became frightened. That means that amid that terrible storm Peter did not do anything foolish but did something right. He was an example of what Jesus would want you and me to do, and not an example of what to avoid. You and I may think that because we were not there, sitting in the boat, that we will never know how we would have responded, but that is not true. Jesus tests us all. Sooner or later everyone of us finds ourselves deciding whether or not to “step out of the boat.” Jesus gives us opportunities in life which force us to decide whether or not we are willing to “walk on water.” If, however, we allow fear to keep us in the boat, we won’t experience the joy that comes when we are forced to desperately depend on Him.
One simple question.· Why did Peter want to get out of the boat? Why did Peter want to walk on water? The answer to this question will explain why you and I also want to walk on water. But first, we need to recognize that no answer is given in the text. We only have a description of what Peter and Jesus did and said, but we are not told why. So, we have to guess.
Several possibilities.1. Peter simply wanted to be near Jesus. This was a common characteristic of him. He followed Jesus and waited in the courtyard during Jesus’ trial (John 18:15). He ran to the empty tomb after Jesus was resurrected (John 20:3-4). He even jumped into the lake and swam to shore when he recognized the resurrected Jesus (John 21:7).
2. Another possibility is that Peter wanted to be like Jesus so much that he wanted to do whatever He did. If Jesus walked on water, then he wanted to walk on water too.
3. May I suggest to you this other possibility that I think is the main reason Peter called out to Jesus in the middle of the storm, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” I truly think Peter longed to feel the joy of having God’s miraculous power hold him above the water. After experiencing a miracle like that, who could ever doubt the reality of God again? Peter would be like his ancestors who walked through the Red Sea, or the priests who stepped into the Jordan River and then watched the water stop flowing. He would know the power of God, not as a spectator but as a participant. And who can blame him? Don’t you and I long for that same joy?
Growing Deeper.· Has God ever asked you to “step out of the boat”? What did He want you to do?
· What was the fear-factor? Why did it seem impossible?
· Did you do it? Why, or why not?
· What happened?
