Scripture – Matthew 14: 22-23 NRSVUE
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
From Barb Parker
The biblical account of Jesus walking on water is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John. It takes place in the evening/early morning, after the miracle of the “feeding of the 5000”. Jesus instructs the disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the lake, while he goes alone, up the mountain to pray. During the night a violent storm pushes the disciple’s boat far from land. Early in the morning, the disciples see a shadowy figure walking on the water, towards them. They cry out in fear, terrified it is a ghost. Jesus’s voice calms them and tells them to not be afraid. Peter, the ever-impulsive disciple, asks Jesus to command him to come to Jesus on the water. We all know what happens next … Peter starts out confident and trusting in Jesus, only to be overwhelmed by the wind and waves, and starts to sink, as doubt sets in. Jesus immediately holds out his hand to Peter, asking him (perhaps rebuking him in frustration? Maybe in a chastising tone?) in the words we have all heard many times, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” We don’t get to hear Peter’s response, but clearly this episode, the second significant miracle in just a few hours, has deeply impacted all of the disciples. As the waters calm, they worship Jesus, saying “Truly, you are the Son of God”.
You may have seen Peter’s experience, somewhat lived out in your children or grandchildren, learning to float… all goes well when they start off relaxed, head back, and a parent or lifeguard is near, but in just a few feet, doubt and fear can set in, and the flailing starts, and they reach out for a trusted near-by hand. This scripture also reminds me of times when a new or important event I have helped organize ends up going smoothly or being more successful than I expected… and I have said to myself “O me of little faith”. I think though, perhaps the phrase “walking on water” has become more colloquial than biblical in this day and age.
This scripture, with its image of Jesus calmly holding out his hand to Peter, and the background of wild seas and winds, has inspired several works of art, including the one pictured above. The hymn “Will Your Anchor Hold” is based on a similar theme, with its references to storms of life, the tempests rave, and the wild winds blow. The chorus reminds us that Jesus and his love are the anchor that keeps us steadfast. The scripture confirms Jesus is present in life’s storms, ready to save and provide comfort. And yes, we can consider stepping out of our comfort zone, with the sure knowledge that there are many hands to help, if we are open to it.
Contemplation and Conversation
Have you had life experiences which challenged your faith or caused times of doubt?
Prayer
Lord, we ask for your strong hand and calming presence when life is hard.
We listen for your voice to guide us, in times of doubt. Thankyou for being our anchor. Amen.
If you missed Sunday’s worship service, visit our Rockwood Stone YouTube page.
