“But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus” – Matthew 14: 26-29
I can only begin to imagine the fear that grabbed the disciples that evening when they saw Jesus walking on the water. Surely, as they looked out across the sea, they must have thought their eyes were playing tricks on them. After all, they were tired. It had been a full day with Jesus as he taught the people, and then fed the 5,000 with just a few loaves of bread and two fish. Now they were making the long journey across the Sea of Galilee.
As Jesus approached the boat, the disciples were confused and “terrified.” Jesus calms the fears in the boat by calling out to his disciples. He tells them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” This brought some comfort to Peter who called back and offered to come out on the water if it truly was Jesus. Jesus invited him to, “Come.”
Peter stepped out on the water in what had to be one of the most amazing and terrifying moments of his life. Peter stood on the water. He took several steps! I am sure this fisherman become disciple thought he was dreaming. It did not take long for fear to seize him. Peter quickly began to sink. Fear and the water were now overwhelming Peter. Thankfully, Jesus reached out, rescued Peter, and when they returned to the boat, the wind died down.
This scripture teaches us an important point about our faith. It is an important lesson as we prepare for the journey of Lent. Peter “Saw the wind, he was afraid.” Therefore, he began to sink. Had he kept his focus on Jesus, his journey would have been different. Our faith does not teach us to ignore the reality of the dangers around us; it teaches us to trust the One who loves us and calls us out of the safety of the boat, where love is more powerful than the wind and the sea. Our focus determines our journey. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we just may find ourselves walking on water.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
