Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus Walks on the Water

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

It may seem odd that, previously, the disciples had wanted to send the people away to find food but Jesus insisted on feeding them; then, as soon as they had finished eating, Jesus insists that everyone leaves immediately. The Gospel of John’s account of the miraculous feeding may explain the issue. So amazed was the crowd at what had happened that they wanted to take Jesus and make him king.

If Jesus had crossed over to flee Herod then he wouldn’t want to do anything to suggest he was leading a revolution. In Jewish history Moses had led the people through the wilderness until they reached the edge of the Promised Land. During this time they ate bread from heaven (Exodus 16:1-5). Now, here was Jesus providing bread in the wilderness for people to eat. He wanted to be clear that he was not going to be like Moses and lead them against the Romans.

Maybe the disciples were getting caught up with the crowd and that is why Jesus sent them away first. But whilst travelling across the lake a storm blew up as is common on the Sea of Galilee. Despite all they had just witnessed the disciples were still gripped by fear.

It is possible this account was included for the benefit of those early disciples. Jesus was no longer physically present and they felt buffeted in the storms of persecution. It might have seemed as though Jesus had abandoned them. It is worth noting that the disciples were not crossing the lake to escape anything (as Jonah did in the Old Testament in Jonah 1), but rather because they were following the instructions of their master.

In the midst of their fear, Jesus appeared. As with the miraculous feeding we needn’t waste time trying to work out how. But in their darkest time the disciples suddenly realised that Jesus was present. At first this realization scared them, but then he spoke. “It is I” could be translated I AM, the divine name for God given to Moses (Exodus 3:13-14). With these words Jesus sought to reassure them and offer comfort.  

Blessings as we stand in awe of Jesus, our Lord and Savior who can walk on water and calm the storms of our lives.  e safe!  Be well!  The Spirit has come!

To Ponder:

• How have you heard the voice of Jesus during stormy times?
• Are there occasions today when the Church risks getting caught up in the crowd and losing sight of who Jesus is? What might they be? And how might the Church guard against this?