Peter's decision to walk on water was sparked by both devotion and curiosity. He often acted impulsively, but in this instance, his impulsiveness was coupled with genuine faith in Jesus' power. He requested, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water" (Matthew 14:28).
Matthew, Mark, and John all record the story of Jesus walking on water. But what's unique about Matthew's account is that it's the only Gospel to record Peter walking on water. For this post, we will focus on Matthew 14:22.
At Jesus' command to come, Peter indeed does walk on the water, but when he takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink and cries out to the Lord for rescue. Jesus reaches out, takes him by hand, catches him up, and then chastises him for his "little faith.". Ironically, the story of Jesus (and Peter) walking on water took place only months after Jesus had calmed the seas while on a boat with His disciples (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25).
Learn eight lessons from the biblical story of Peter walking on water with Jesus. Find out how to look to Jesus, obey Him, have faith, overcome fear, and worship Him. Peter walks on water toward Jesus.
His baby steps of faith last only a moment, though, and then he takes his eyes off of the Lord. With his physical sight, Peter sees the wind and waves surrounding him, and "he was afraid" (verse 30) and begins to sink. Jesus had sent His disciples ahead of Him across the Sea of Galilee while He went up on a mountainside to pray alone.
The miraculous event of Peter walking on water is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16. One of the most striking accounts is Peter walking on water, a moment that highlights both the potential of unwavering faith and the struggles of human doubt. This narrative is recorded in Matthew 14:22.
The account of Peter walking on water is a powerful narrative that teaches us valuable lessons about faith, doubt, and the miraculous power of Jesus. Peter's experience of stepping out in faith, facing doubt, and being rescued by Jesus provides a profound illustration of the Christian walk. Jesus invited Peter to come, and Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus.
However, when Peter noticed the strong wind, he became afraid and began to sink.