Walking on Water: A story of miracles, fear, and faith
(Read Matthew 14:22-33)
One of the coolest miracles that a lot of people would probably like to do, was when Jesus walked on water. It was important for Jesus’ disciples to see him perform this miracle. Equally important, was for him to get one his disciples to join him – in this walk of faith.
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.”
What is significant about this part of scripture is that Jesus didn’t want any distractions. He dismissed the crowd. This was a real lesson in faith that he wanted solely for his chosen disciples at this time. Jesus knew God’s plan for his future and his disciples futures and it was critical for them to have real faith.
Have there been times in your life, when you were with someone who had done something before you’re about to embark on it and their calm and guidance gave you the confidence to go ahead? I had a friend who had run several marathons join me in my first one. He knew what was in store for me. He knew the pain, struggles, challenge, and joy that comes from a grueling event like that. So, it was reassuring for me to have him guiding me. I had faith in him and myself in completing the race.
How much larger was it for those disciples who were on an uncharted life journey, giving up everything to follow Jesus to consider stepping into the water? For some of them it might have been life or death. To say that they were fearful, would be a massive understatement. They were in a small boat in a rough, stormy sea in the dark and many of them probably did not know how to swim.
When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Jesus could have said anything to them. “Don’t be afraid” meant that Jesus was in control and that they needed to trust him — having faith in him. Peter who claimed to be closest to Jesus, was willing to leave the boat. In the one sense, he had faith that Jesus would protect him.
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Peter took his eye off the prize. He had faith in Jesus. He believed Jesus, he knew that this was for God’s glory, but clearly his faith had never been tested. It’s easy to be confident and even boastful about our faith until things get real.
Jesus led Peter back into the boat. Jesus calmed the storm and silenced the wind. A deafening statement was made that morning. No matter what, you’re in Jesus’s hands if you believe in him. “Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
Application:
- Do you talk about your faith around people who might not believe? Do you share your faith around people who are skeptical about Christianity?
- Do you go boldly when you feel a Godly urge calling you to do something?
- Do you trust in yourself more than God’s plan for you?
Key Takeaways:
- When you read the Bible, pay close attention to Jesus’s protection of people he loves. Remember that he is with you and in you. You can do all things, if it is his calling for you.
- Be bold and respectful, not agressive, about displaying your faith. If Jesus calls you to walk, then walk.
- When you do go on a new journey in life or make a big decision in life, trust that Jesus will support you and will always be with you.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.