What About Peter

In Matthew 14: 22 – 33 is the story of Jesus approaching the disciples, who were in the middle of sea.  Matt. 14: 25 “and in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them walking on the sea.”

As Jesus came into view of the disciples, the disciples reacted in fear.

Matt. 14: 26 “And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit, and they cried out in fear.”

The word, troubled, is probably a weak word for describing their terror.  The reason they cried out in fear was because these men were fishermen who were taught what seeing a spirit walking on the water meant.

Seeing a spirit walking on the water was a sign to seasoned fishermen that their death was imminent.  They probably cried, “We are all going to die.”

Once Jesus cried out to them, it is I, be not afraid, maybe they settled down a bit.  Peter said, if it is you, Jesus, let me come unto you.

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water.  We know that Peter became afraid and beginning to sink, he cried out to Jesus to save him.  At least  Peter got out of the boat and tried.  He walked on the water!

I love to put myself in the stories of the Bible.  What surprised me was not the response of the disciples who worshipped Jesus and said, you are truly the Son of God.  But what about Peter?  Peter got back in the boat too.  The disciples were astonished that Jesus could walk on the water.  But what about Peter?

If I were there, I would have asked Peter, how was it to walk on the water.  Yes, Peter looked at the circumstances around him and sank, but Peter walked on the water!

I also wonder how that short walk on the sea, above the waves and wind, effected Peter?  

Remember Jesus’ response to Peter was, Oh thou of little faith.  At least Peter had a little faith to get out of the boat. I can’t wait to ask Peter how it felt to walk on water. Maybe the other disciples were to too ashamed because they stayed in the boat.

- Pastor Jim