What can we learn from the account of Peter walking on water?

Answer

One of Jesus Christ’s most instructive miracles occurs when the apostle Peter jumps out of a boat and walks on turbulent water to meet the Lord on the sea. This event, which follows another enlightening miracle, the feeding of the 5,000, is documented in Matthew 14:22–36. Not only does Jesus walk on the Sea of Galilee in this instance, but Peter also walks on the water.

Several valuable lessons—some obvious and some less apparent—are presented in the narrative of Peter walking on water. Jesus has just finished feeding a multitude with two fish and a few loaves of bread. The disciples are starting to comprehend who Jesus is, but their faith in Him still has room to grow. Immediately after this miracle, Jesus moves on to His next teaching. It is now evening, and Jesus has not yet had time to be alone with His Father—the very purpose for His presence in this secluded area near the sea. Consequently, Jesus instructs His disciples to go ahead in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus prioritizes spending time alone with God. This is the initial crucial lesson we can glean from the narrative to help us navigate life’s challenges. Jesus sends the disciples away so He can have solitude on the mountain for prayer. Despite the demands of numerous people seeking Him, the Lord makes solitary communion with God His primary focus.

While the disciples are crossing the sea, a fierce and terrifying storm arises. In the early hours of the morning, Jesus approaches them by walking on the water. Mistaking Him for a ghost, the disciples are filled with fear. Even though they have been with Christ for a considerable time, they fail to recognize Jesus as He draws near in the midst of the storm. At times, we overlook the presence of the Lord when He stands by us during our personal storms. However, Jesus acknowledges the infancy of our faith. To comfort His disciples, the Lord utters these reassuring words: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” «Bu

Immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27).

Peter, always enthusiastic and impulsive, responds, “Lord, if it’s you, command me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). The Lord invites Peter to come, and the disciple steps out of the boat. Peter walks on water toward Jesus. His initial steps of faith last only a moment, and then he takes his eyes off the Lord. Seeing the wind and waves around him, Peter becomes afraid (verse 30) and starts to sink.

Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30), and Jesus immediately reaches out His hand to rescue Peter. “You of little faith,” Jesus says, “Why did you doubt?” (verse 31). The lesson for believers is clear. If we shift our focus from Jesus to our circumstances, we will falter under the weight of our problems. Calling out to Jesus in faith, He will catch us and lift us above our seemingly insurmountable situation. Peter allowed doubt to overshadow his faith. Even after spending time with Jesus, Peter, one of Christ’s closest companions, was still learning to have complete trust in the Lord.

As Jesus and Peter enter the boat, the storm subsides. The disciples react to all they have witnessed with awe, reverence, and worship of the Lord. They declare to Jesus, “Truly, you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).

(Matthew 14:33). Starting to understand that Jesus is omnipotent, even over natural forces, the disciples move closer to developing mature faith. Jesus utilizes this turbulent event to deepen His followers’ comprehension of His identity as their God and King. He is the Supreme Ruler of the winds and the waves, and when He is present with us in our boat of life, we can rely on Him to either calm the storm or calm us.

A vital lesson remains to be examined. When Peter steps out of the boat, his intentions are noble. At times, we also take a leap of faith with good intentions, but, like Peter, our faith wavers. Peter’s act of faith does not culminate in defeat. Despite sinking in fear, he cries out to the Lord, “Save me!” God delights in hearing our plea for assistance. It signifies our acknowledgment that we are unable to save ourselves. Peter helplessly calls upon the only one who can aid him. The disciple’s encounter serves as a reminder that a momentary lapse in faith is just a stumble. The Lord is close to lift us back securely to our feet when we seek His help.