Walking on Water

Overview

• Testament: New
• Book: Matthew
• Chapters: Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21
• Summary: After the feeding of the multitude, Jesus constrained the disciples to depart by boat while he dismissed the crowd and withdrew alone to pray. In the fourth watch of the night he came to them walking upon the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples were afraid. Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus, but when he saw the wind he feared and began to sink, crying, “Lord, save me.” Jesus stretched forth his hand, and when they entered the boat the wind ceased and those present worshipped him.

Significance

The episode is a direct revelation of Christ’s divine nature, for in the Old Testament walking upon the sea is an attribute of God alone (Job 9:8). Peter’s sinking teaches that faith falters when the eyes shift from Christ to circumstances, while Christ’s immediate rescue illustrates the sufficiency of grace for the failing believer. Matthew’s account alone includes the disciples’ confession, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).

Key Verses

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” — Matthew 14:31-33 (KJV)

Cross-References

• Feeding of the Five Thousand — the immediately preceding event; both miracles occur on the same night
• Sea of Galilee — the location of this miracle
• Stilling the Storm — an earlier sea miracle demonstrating Christ’s authority over wind and wave
• Matthew — primary Gospel account, includes Peter’s attempt to walk on water
• Mark — parallel account

Key Figures

• Jesus Christ — walks upon the sea and rescues Peter
• Peter — steps out of the boat in faith, begins to sink, and is saved by Christ’s hand
• The Twelve — witness the miracle and worship Jesus as the Son of God