When Peter Walks on Water

The story of Peter walking on water, found in Matthew 14:22-33, is one of the most captivating narratives in the new testament. Not because Peter managed to defy the laws of physics. After all, who walks on water? But because it vividly reveals the dynamics of faith, fear, and the grace of Jesus in the midst of life’s storms.

Here’s a brief overview. After feeding the five thousand (men, women, and children who had gathered to hear Jesus teach), Jesus sends His disciples ahead by boat while He retreats to pray. During the night, a storm arises, and the disciples find themselves battling strong winds and waves. As Jesus approaches them, walking on the water, they are overcome with fear, mistaking Him for a ghost. But Jesus reassures them with His words, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter, bold as ever, responds: “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus invites him, saying, “Come.” With remarkable faith, Peter steps out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus.

However, as Peter notices the wind and waves, fear sets in, and he begins to sink. Desperately, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out, catches Peter, and says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

The Stormy Sea: A Lesson in Faith and Fear

Why didn’t the disciples recognize Jesus?

Despite just witnessing one of His greatest miracles, they weren’t looking for Him. Had they been waiting in faith, they likely would have recognized Him immediately. Instead, they quickly assumed they were seeing a ghost. Their lack of expectation made room for fear rather than faith.

This moment highlights a powerful truth: fear and faith cannot coexist. Fear distorts our perspective, blinding us to the presence of the Lord and preventing us from seeing Him clearly in the midst of our storms.

When Faith Wavers

Peter steps out in faith, walking on water toward Jesus, but then something changes. He takes his eyes off Jesus and focuses on the wind and waves. Overcome by fear, he begins to sink. It’s not stated that the storm grew stronger, nor had the waves risen higher. The only thing that seem to have changed was Peter’s focus. He diverted his attention from Jesus (the source of his strength) and allowed fear to take control.

This moment is a powerful reminder for us today: faith isn’t about pretending the storms don’t exist; it’s about keeping our eyes on the One who has power over them. As long as Peter fixed his eyes on Jesus, he did the impossible. But the moment he focused on the storm, fear overtook him. The same is true for us; where we set our eyes determines whether we sink or stand in faith.

The Grace of Jesus

Now the most beautiful part of this story comes when Peter begins to sink. Desperate, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” And immediately, Jesus reaches out His hand and rescues him.

Pay close attention to the order: Jesus doesn’t rebuke Peter before saving him. He rescues him first and only then, with the loving firmness of a teacher, He corrects him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

This moment is a profound testament of Jesus’ patience and grace. He understands our human frailty and the brokenness of the world we live in. He knows how quickly fear overtakes us when we shift our focus from Him to the “waves” of life—our struggles, uncertainties, and anxieties. Yet, as Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us,"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

An Invitation to Trust

Peter’s experience invites us to trust, not in ourselves or in favourable circumstances, but in the One who calls us to step out in faith, even when the ground beneath us feels uncertain, like water. When we stumble, His hand is always outstretched, ready to lift us up. Jesus calls us to grow in faith and trust Him, but His love for us is not just measured by the strength of our faith; it is defined by the limitless greatness of His grace and mercy. He meets us where we are.

So, as we face life’s storms, may we remember to fix our eyes on Jesus, the One who walks with us through the impossible. With Him, fear has no power, and we can find peace in the midst of any storm. Take a moment today to reflect on this story. How can you refocus your eyes on Jesus in the midst of your struggles? Share this message with someone who might need encouragement to trust in His unfailing love.