Walking on Water
What happens to our faith when we step out into the raging storms of life?
Matthew 14:22-36
Read the whole passage before anything else. Everything below exists to help you understand what you just read.
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.
24But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.
26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear.
27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
28Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
29He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.
30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased.
33Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
34When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.
35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who were sick;
36and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.
What just happened?
This story unfolds in a very specific place and time: immediately after Jesus fed five thousand men, plus women and children, on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake roughly 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, is known for its sudden, violent storms. It sits in a basin, surrounded by hills, and cold air rushing down from these hills can collide with warm, moist air over the lake, whipping up the waters in minutes. The disciples, who were mostly fishermen, knew this environment intimately. They were seasoned sailors on this particular body of water. The setting isn't just a backdrop; it's a character in the drama, representing a familiar, yet dangerous, world for these men.
After the miraculous feeding, Jesus dismisses the crowds and, remarkably, sends his disciples into a boat *alone* to cross to the other side. This isn't just a casual travel plan; Matthew says Jesus *made* them go. Meanwhile, Jesus himself goes up a mountain to pray, seeking solitude after the intense demands of the day. The timing is important: it's evening when they set out, and the storm hits in the 'fourth watch of the night,' which was between 3 AM and 6 AM. This means the disciples had been rowing for many hours, likely fighting against the wind and waves for a significant portion of the night. They weren't just caught in a sudden squall; they were exhausted and battered.
The 'other side' they were headed for was likely the region of Gennesaret, a fertile plain on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. This was not unfamiliar territory. The disciples were in a boat they knew, on a lake they knew, headed for a place they knew, but caught in a situation that was clearly beyond their control. Their professional skills as fishermen were proving useless against the 'contrary' wind and the 'distressed' sea. This isn't just a spiritual metaphor; it's a visceral, physical struggle, common to anyone who has battled the elements. The story anchors itself in the very real, often harsh, realities of first-century Galilean life.
Sent Into the Storm
Jesus, fresh from feeding thousands, directs his disciples into a boat. Matthew says he 'made' them get in and go ahead to the other side. While they are rowing, he dismisses the crowds, then heads up a mountain by himself to pray. This detail about Jesus seeking solitude to pray is consistent with other moments in the Gospels where he withdraws from the crowds. He’s deliberately creating distance between himself, the disciples, and the masses. As evening deepens, he remains alone on the mountain.
Meanwhile, the disciples are in trouble. Matthew paints a vivid picture: 'the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.' The Greek word for 'distressed' here, *basanizo*, means tormented or tortured. It’s used elsewhere to describe people suffering from illness or demons. So, the boat isn’t just facing rough water; it’s being violently thrashed. The wind is 'contrary,' meaning it's blowing directly against their direction of travel. They are literally fighting an uphill battle against the elements, unable to make headway. They've gone from a miracle feast to a desperate struggle for survival.
A Figure in the Night
Then, in the deepest part of the night, between 3 and 6 AM, Jesus appears. He comes to them 'walking on the sea.' The disciples, exhausted and terrified by the storm, see this figure approaching. Their immediate reaction is not relief, but deeper fear: 'It’s a ghost!' they cried out. The Greek word *phantasma* means an apparition or phantom. Their minds, strained by fear and the darkness, jump to the supernatural, but not in a comforting way. They perceive an otherworldly threat, not a rescuer. Their fear leads them to misinterpret what they are seeing.
Jesus immediately speaks, cutting through their terror with three short, direct commands. He says, 'Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.' The phrase 'It is I' (Greek: *ego eimi*) is significant. It's a phrase used in the Old Testament by God to identify himself, often translated as 'I AM.' While Jesus uses it conversationally in other places, in this context, appearing supernaturally on water amidst a storm, it carries a weight of authority and divine presence. He’s not just saying, 'It’s me, your friend Jesus,' but perhaps, 'It is I, the one who is.' He reassures them, not by explaining the physics, but by declaring his identity and power.
Peter's Bold Step
Peter, ever the impulsive one, responds to Jesus's declaration. 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.' He's not asking for a magical trick; he’s seeking confirmation of Jesus's identity and power through a personal experience. Jesus’s response is a simple, direct 'Come!' This single word is all the invitation Peter needs. He steps out of the boat and, for a moment, walks on the water, moving towards Jesus. This is an extraordinary act of faith, a moment where Peter’s courage matches the impossible task. He’s the only human in the story to attempt this.
But then, Peter shifts his focus. 'When he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink.' His attention moves from Jesus's command and presence to the raging storm around him. The Greek word for 'strong' here can also mean 'hard' or 'violent.' The reality of the storm reasserts itself, overwhelming his focus on Jesus. Fear washes over him, and he begins to sink. His immediate cry is raw and desperate: 'Lord, save me!' Jesus, without hesitation, reaches out and takes hold of him. His immediate words are, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' It's a gentle rebuke, not a harsh condemnation, highlighting the connection between doubt, fear, and sinking. As soon as both of them are in the boat, the wind ceases, immediately. The storm, which had tormented them for hours, stops at his presence.
Worship and Wholeness
The cessation of the wind is a powerful, undeniable sign. The disciples' reaction is worship: 'Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”' This is a pivotal moment in Matthew’s Gospel. For the first time, the disciples explicitly declare Jesus to be the Son of God, not just a prophet or a teacher. Their firsthand experience of his power over creation, a power they had just witnessed in the miraculous feeding, solidified their understanding of who he was. They had seen his authority over the natural world and over the supernatural fears of their own hearts.
The story then quickly moves to the next scene. They cross over to Gennesaret, where Jesus’s reputation precedes him. People recognize him and bring all the sick from the surrounding region. Their faith is simple and direct: they 'begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment.' The 'fringe' (Greek: *kraspedon*) refers to the tassels on Jewish garments, commanded in the Old Testament as a reminder of God's laws. This is a common motif in the Gospels, showing people’s belief that even indirect contact with Jesus could bring healing. The passage concludes with a powerful affirmation: 'As many as touched it were made whole.' Jesus's power extends beyond calming storms and walking on water; it brings physical restoration to anyone who seeks him out, demonstrating his comprehensive authority and compassion.
What are we supposed to see?
This passage shows Jesus's complete authority over the natural world. He walks on water, an action universally recognized as defying natural law, and then, simply by his presence in the boat, the wind ceases. This isn't merely a demonstration of power; it's a display of divine sovereignty over creation itself. The storm isn't 'weathering out'; it stops *because he is there*. Furthermore, he demonstrates authority over fear, both in calming the disciples' terror by speaking to them and in rescuing Peter from his sinking fear. His power isn't just external; it penetrates and overcomes internal human anxieties.
Beyond his power, Jesus reveals his patient, compassionate nature. He doesn't chide the disciples for their fear or slow understanding; instead, he immediately speaks words of comfort and self-identification. When Peter falters, Jesus doesn't let him drown as a lesson; he immediately reaches out to save him. Even his 'little faith' rebuke is delivered in the act of rescue, a teaching moment embedded in grace. He also shows his unwavering availability to those who seek him, whether it's the disciples in a storm or the sick in Gennesaret who simply want to touch his garment. His actions are consistently directed towards bringing help, healing, and understanding to those around him.
- 1IDENTITY
Jesus is revealed as the 'Son of God,' a divine figure with power over creation, capable of transcending natural laws and calming storms with his presence and word.
- 2WHAT HE VALUES
Jesus values faith, even 'little faith,' as a means to connect with his power, and he prioritizes presence, both in prayer and in immediate rescue for those in distress.
- 3WHAT HE CONFRONTS
Jesus confronts fear, doubt, and the destructive power of chaos, demonstrating his ultimate authority over both external threats and internal human anxieties.
Where this sits in the whole Bible
Matthew 14:27 → Exodus 3:14
Jesus’s 'It is I' (*ego eimi*) echoes God's self-revelation 'I AM' to Moses at the burning bush, hinting at his divine nature and identity as the one who is always present and powerful.
Matthew 14:31 → Matthew 8:26
Jesus's question, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' is similar to his earlier rebuke to the disciples during another storm, showing a recurring theme of their struggle with fear and his consistent call for trust.
Matthew 14:36 → Mark 5:25-34
The healing through touching the 'fringe of his garment' is paralleled in the story of the woman with the issue of blood, demonstrating a common belief in Jesus's tangible healing power.
Jesus doesn't just tell Peter to step out of the boat; he *commands* him, and then Peter's failure isn't in stepping out, but in taking his eyes off the one who commanded him.
Don't rush past this
One of the hardest things in this passage is Jesus's direct, almost immediate, rebuke to Peter: 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' This comes right after Peter, alone among all the disciples, had the incredible courage to step out of the boat and actually walk on water, however briefly. It feels harsh because we often celebrate Peter's initial bravery. It's uncomfortable because it shows that even extraordinary acts of faith can be quickly undone by doubt, and that Jesus sees and names the underlying hesitation, even in the midst of rescue.
It's also challenging to grapple with the idea that Jesus *made* the disciples go into the boat knowing a storm would come, and then let them struggle for hours before appearing. He wasn't surprised by the storm, nor was he in a hurry to intervene. This suggests that there's a purpose in the struggle, in the waiting, in being stretched to their limits. It confronts our desire for immediate divine intervention and effortless faith, instead pointing to a God who allows, and then meets, us in the midst of our deepest distress, on his own timing.
Turn it inward
Three questions from this passage. Answer them or just sit with them — nothing here is required to finish the lesson.
God of power and presence, we confess that our faith often wavers when the storms of life rage around us. We get distracted by the wind and waves, forgetting your command and your comforting voice. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, even when we feel ourselves sinking. Stretch out your hand and pull us up, reminding us that you are always there, always mighty, and always ready to save. Amen.
This week, identify one specific 'storm' in your life—a fear, a challenge, a nagging anxiety. Instead of focusing on the 'strong wind,' consciously shift your attention to Jesus. Speak a simple, direct prayer like Peter's, 'Lord, save me!' and trust that he will meet you there.
History, language, objections and sources. None of it is needed to understand the passage.
Why would Jesus, if he truly cared for his disciples, allow them to struggle in a violent storm for hours, almost drowning, instead of intervening sooner?
This question points to a tension between divine power and perceived suffering. Some interpret Jesus's timing as purposeful, allowing the disciples to experience the full extent of their own powerlessness. This experience would deepen their understanding of their desperate need for him and enhance the impact of his eventual, dramatic intervention. It wasn't about neglect but about building a profound lesson in dependence and revealing his authority in a way that would stick. This perspective doesn't argue for Jesus being uncaring, but rather for his strategic, pedagogical approach to their spiritual formation, preparing them for future challenges. It's a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus allows circumstances to escalate before he acts.
How can we believe that Peter actually walked on water? Isn't this just a mythical element added to make Jesus seem more impressive, rather than a factual event?
From a critical perspective, miracles like walking on water are seen as violating the laws of nature and are often interpreted as symbolic or legendary embellishments. For those who approach the Gospels as historical documents, the claim is that the authors, including Matthew, believed they were recording real events. The inclusion of Peter's partial success and subsequent failure—a rather embarrassing detail for a prominent apostle—lends a degree of verisimilitude, making it less likely to be pure invention designed solely to glorify. If the goal was simply to make Jesus look impressive, Peter's sinking and Jesus's gentle rebuke of 'little faith' complicates that narrative. For those who believe in Jesus's divinity, the miracle is understood as a demonstration of his divine power to suspend or operate outside natural laws, not as a mythical addition, but as a core component of his identity.
What does Jesus mean by 'little faith' (oligopistos)? Is any amount of doubt a complete failure of faith?
The Greek term *oligopistos* means 'of little faith,' not 'no faith.' Jesus uses this term multiple times in Matthew (e.g., about worry over food in Matt 6:30, or fear in a storm in Matt 8:26). It doesn't imply an absence of faith, but a faith that is insufficient for the moment or that is easily overwhelmed by external circumstances or internal anxiety. In Peter's case, he had enough faith to step out, but not enough to sustain his focus on Jesus when the storm raged. Jesus isn't condemning him utterly but pointing to the source of his sinking: a momentary shift from trust to fear. It suggests that faith is not a static quantity, but something that needs to be actively maintained and directed, especially amidst trials. It's a call to deeper, more unwavering trust, even in the face of daunting challenges.
The Fourth Watch
The Roman system of watches, which divided the night into four three-hour segments, is mentioned here. The 'fourth watch of the night' (3 AM to 6 AM) was the darkest and often coldest part of the night, just before dawn. For the disciples, who had been rowing against the wind since evening (around 6 PM), this would mean they had been at sea, battling the elements, for nine to twelve hours. This extended period of struggle amplifies their physical exhaustion and mental distress, making their fear of a 'ghost' more understandable and Jesus's appearance even more dramatic and timely. It highlights the depth of their trial before his intervention.
Historical Context of 'Son of God'
The disciples' declaration, 'You are truly the Son of God!' (Matthew 14:33), is a pivotal moment in Matthew’s Gospel. While the title 'Son of God' could be applied to kings, righteous men, or even angels in the Old Testament, in the context of Jesus's miracles and unique authority, it takes on a deeper, divine meaning. Matthew particularly emphasizes this title. Earlier, in Matthew 3:17, God himself declares Jesus as his Son at his baptism. Here, after witnessing Jesus's power over nature, the disciples—for the first time explicitly in Matthew—come to this profound theological conclusion. This confession marks a significant development in their understanding of Jesus's true identity, moving beyond simply seeing him as a powerful teacher or prophet.