Walking on Water
Primary Reference: Matthew 14:22-33
In the fourth watch of the night, as the disciples struggled against strong headwinds on the Sea of Galilee, they saw a figure approaching them walking on the surface of the water. Terrified, they cried out in fear, believing it to be a ghost. But Jesus immediately spoke to them: "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." His words — literally "I AM" in the Greek — echoed the divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush.
Peter, emboldened by faith, asked to come to Jesus on the water. At Christ's command, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the sea. But when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" This exchange beautifully illustrates the relationship between faith in Christ and the believer's ability to transcend natural limitations.
When Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat, the wind immediately ceased. The disciples worshiped Him, declaring, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God." Walking on water is an act that Scripture attributes to God alone — Job declares that God "alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea." By walking on water, Jesus was making an unmistakable claim to deity, and His disciples recognized it.
Scripture References
Matthew 14:22-33
The primary account of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee and Peter's attempt to do the same.
Mark 6:45-52
Mark's account, noting that the disciples' hearts were hardened because they had not understood the loaves.
John 6:16-21
John's account, recording that the boat immediately reached shore when Jesus entered it.
Job 9:8
"Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea" — an attribute of God claimed by Jesus.
Exodus 3:14
"I AM THAT I AM" — the divine name echoed by Jesus when He said "It is I" (ego eimi) on the water.
Psalm 77:19
"Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known" — God's dominion over the deep.
Isaiah 43:16
"Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters."
Psalm 93:3-4
"The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea."
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" — the lesson of Peter's experience on the water.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" — the principle Peter learned on the waves.