Matthew 14:22–33 recounts the miraculous event where Jesus walks on water, demonstrating his divine power and faith.
Fear says stay in the boat. Faith says step into the impossible.
When Jesus walks on water, He invites Peter—and us—to trust Him when life is stormy, uncertain, and full of doubt. This moment is not just about miracles, but about faith in motion.
Matthew 14:22–33 (NASB 2020)
22 Immediately afterward, He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”
Who Was Involved?
- Jesus — withdrawing to pray, then showing up in divine power
- Peter — the only disciple willing to step out
- The Disciples — battling the storm, full of fear
- God the Father — empowering the moment
What Happened?
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus withdrew to pray. Meanwhile, His disciples struggled in a storm.
In the darkest part of the night, Jesus came to them walking on the water. Terrified, they thought He was a ghost.
But Jesus calmed them: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter responded with boldness: “If it is You, call me.”
Jesus said one word: “Come.”
Peter walked on water—until he looked at the storm. He began to sink and cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Jesus rescued him, calmed the storm, and the disciples worshiped Him.
The Mood: Terrifying, Miraculous, Humbling
Fear dominated the scene.
- The storm was real.
- The waves were overwhelming.
- Their hearts were uncertain.
But when Jesus arrived, He brought courage, invited faith, and revealed His true identity as the Son of God.
The Principle: Real Faith Walks Through Fear
This moment teaches us that:
- Jesus meets us in the storm, not after it
- Faith requires focus, not fear
- When we start to sink, Jesus is already reaching for us
- Worship is the only right response when Jesus reveals His power
Audience Response (Then)
The disciples moved from terror to worship.
Peter experienced both the thrill of walking on water and the humility of sinking. Yet, Jesus didn’t shame him—He saved him.
They declared together: “You are truly God’s Son!”
What This Means for Us in 2025
This isn’t just a nice Bible story.
In 2025, with uncertainty in the economy, culture, and daily life, Jesus is still calling believers to step out of the boat:
- To trust Him in business
- To obey Him in relationships
- To follow His Word when it’s uncomfortable
Jesus still says: “Come.”
Will you keep your eyes on Him?
Action Steps for Today
- Get alone with God like Jesus did. Strength comes through solitude.
- Recognize Jesus in your storm. He walks toward you in hard times.
- Respond to His invitation. Faith moves when Jesus says, “Come.”
- Cry out when you’re sinking. He rescues quickly.
- Worship boldly. Your storm reveals His glory.
Final Prayer
Lord, When storms surround me, help me focus on You. Give me faith to step out of the boat and courage to keep walking. When I fail, reach for me. When I fear, speak to me. Make me a worshiper even in the waves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Faith doesn’t wait for calm waters. It walks when Jesus says, “Come.”
