He walked on water

He walked on water

Scripture:-

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him  and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. Matthew 14:22-36

Observation:

In this passage, we see one of the most remarkable miracles in all the gospels. After dismissing the crowd of 5,000 men, the Lord sends his disciples on ahead in the boat so he can go up on a mountainside alone to pray. Later, shortly before dawn, Jesus then goes out to join his disciples, walking on water! 

His disciples are of course terrified, initially thinking it is a ghost, but the Lord immediately tells them “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”. Peter, in his normal, impulsive self, asks the Lord if he can come and join him on the water. The Lord says “Come”, and Peter actually starts walking on water as well! At first Peter is amazed, but soon gets terrified of the wind and the waves and begins to sink, screaming out to Jesus for help! The Lord immediately catches him and rebukes Peter for doubting. They climb into the boat and the disciples worship Him as the Son of God.

Crossing over to Gennasaret, the people there soon recognize Jesus and crowds begin to bring the sick to him, begging the Lord to heal.  Their faith is so strong that they believe even touching the edge of the Lord’s cloak will heal them, and in accordance to their faith, they do receive healing.

Application:

This was indeed a great passage and also rich in applications, three of which we will look at there.

Firstly, just as Jesus saved Peter from the waters, He too is our Savior from troubled waters. Life in a way is like the waves of the sea, often tossing and turning as the wind blows. However, our Lord is still in complete control, and no matter how terrifying the situation seems, we can still look to our Savior, who will save us from sinking. He will never let the righteous fall!

Secondly, consider the Lord’s words “Take courage, it is I, don’t be afraid”. The disciples could not recognize Jesus at first because of the darkness and the rough seas. Sometimes, when we are faced with darkness and troubled waters, we can lose sight of the Lord. If we are in such a situation remember His words “Take courage, it is I, don’t be afraid”. In life there are many fears and worries, but in the Lord, we can take courage. We need not ever be afraid.

Finally, consider the potential of faith. Earlier we saw how the Lord spoke of a tiny mustard seed could become the largest of garden plants. Peter started off strong but wavered once his faith level dipped. How can we continue to walk on troubled waters? Our faith must be strong. We must stop looking at the waves and the wind but focus on Jesus. When our eyes are fixed on Him, we have life, and are able to even do the impossible.

Prayer:

We praise thee Heavenly Lord for Your wonderful grace. Even in troubled waters, You are there to save us. We need not fear any troubles for You are there for us. Help us look to You, Lord Jesus, and keep our eyes on You that we will not waver or sink. Keep our faith strong O Lord, and lead us in Your way everlasting. Bless You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.