Matthew 14:22-36

After feeding the five thousand, Jesus instructed his disciples to go in a ship to the other side of the sea while he sent the multitudes away.  The disciples departed; after the multitudes had gone, Jesus went up into a mountain alone to pray.

Long into the night, the disciples’ ship was still struggling to get to the other side.  The Bible says the wind was “contrary.” In the fourth watch of the night, which would have been between 3 am and 6 am, Jesus went to his disciples, walking on the sea.  

When Jesus’ disciples saw a person walking on the water, they were really frightened and cried out, thinking it was a spirit!  Jesus spoke comfort to them and said, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”

Peter asked if Jesus would invite him to come out onto the water with him.  Jesus said, “Come.”

Peter left the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus.  He was actually walking on water! Then Peter, seeing “the wind was boisterous” was afraid and began to sink.  Peter cried out to Jesus: “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out and caught Peter. Jesus said, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

When they got into the ship, the wind stopped.  All those in the ship “worshipped” Jesus, saying “Of a truth, thou art the Son of God.”

When they got to shore in a place called Gennesaret, those there who recognized Jesus sent word to gather all who were sick in the area that they might come and simply touch Jesus’ clothing.  All who came and did so were healed.

What do you think?

• What would it be like to see Jesus walking on water?
• Why didn’t Peter just go out to Jesus, why did he first ask Jesus to invite Peter to come out onto the water?
• What made Peter start to sink?  Do we ever let things take our mind off our duty to come to Jesus?
• What did Peter do when he started to sink?  Did this work? Can we do that when we feel we are failing at something?  Will it work for us?
• Did Peter completely fail?  Do you think Peter learned anything from this experience?

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