The Way Back

Matthew 14 gives the only account of Peter’s attempt to walk on water.  The other versions of the story in Mark and John only recount that Jesus walked to the disciples who were frantically rowing against the wind that night while out to sea. 

I don’t know how wild of an imagination you had as a child, but I certainly tried to walk on water in the bathtub, in a kiddie pool, and in an inground pool many times only to have failed! I would pray with great faith as a little girl and request that I could see this water walkin’ miracle manifest in my life! Even now, with an adult body and larger frame, I still have the faith to walk upon the waves.

Peter did too.  He did have the faith, just not enough.  Peter’s life is defined by boldness and at times it was unbridled.  Jesus never seemed to be shaken by Peter’s personality, however.  Of all the disciples that night, Peter was the one who had enough gumption to ask Jesus to command him to come to the water (Matt 14:28).  Jesus beckons His friend to join Him for a stroll. 

Matthew 14:29b-30 KJV “…and when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid and beginning to sink, he cried out ‘Lord, save me!’”

Jesus, the Savior, does what is naturally supernatural to His character.  He saves Peter.  But He also uses the moment to teach him.

Matt 14:31-33 KJV “And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him and said to him, ‘Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the son of God.’”

Had not the disciples just witnessed the feeding of the 5,000 earlier that day? (Matt 14:19) Had they not witnessed Jesus calm the storm with His voice on another voyage? (Matt 8:26) And hadn’t they heard how their faith can be so sure that they don’t have to worry about any needs in the Sermon on the Mount? (Matt 6:30) So what changed? How did Peter’s faith diminish so quickly when he looked at those waves? He actually walked on the water to Jesus. His lack of confidence and the short burst of faith that he did have was not enough to sustain an entire roundtrip!  The question is:

How did Peter make his way back to the boat?

Did you ever ask yourself this question when reading this account in Matthew?  Peter did walk on water.  He did sink.  He was saved.  So, how in the world did he get back to the boat?  Did Jesus carry Him?  Was it supernatural translation? (Acts 8:39) Or did he have to swim? I often wonder if Peter felt embarrassed in that moment or disappointed in himself as he reengaged with his fellow disciples back at the vessel. But scripture doesn’t tell us about his trip back, only about the one that began in faith. Isn’t it just like the Lord to cover the details of our mistakes but bring us gently back to where we need to be?  It’s not without a moment of teaching or discipline, but His grace and love carry us through our lack of faith and past our mistakes. 

I want to move your mind from water to dry land for a moment.  Consider the Israelites.  They meandered in the desert for 40 years before making it to the Promise Land.  Had their faith been stronger and their complaining smaller, they would have perhaps made it to their destination a lot more swiftly.  One factor that both Peter and the Israelites had in common was a lack of faith.  Are you any different?  Do you believe, truly believe, that Jesus can do anything?  Can you trust Him with your whole heart that He will follow through on His promises? 

Let’s get back to Peter.  There was another instance when Peter came out from a boat to make a move toward Jesus.  This time Peter didn’t even attempt to walk on the water. He put on his fisherman’s jacket, just dove in and swam to shore where Jesus was (John 21:5-7).  Jesus was on the shore, prepared to cook the disciples breakfast from the fish they had just caught.  This appearance was one of a few after His resurrection.  I can only imagine the joy that filled Peter and the rest to see their dear friend.  Nothing would stand in their way.  And Peter was surely going to be first. 

Whether on land or by sea, the Lord is consistent in His ask of His people.  Do you have the faith to believe for the impossible?  His Word is loaded with examples of established faith in God producing miraculous outcomes. Walk out that faith on water or dry land, His hand is there to guide and sustain you. 

Will we ever physically walk upon the water just as Peter did?  That, I am unsure of, but I do know I can have faith in Jesus to spiritually WALK upon the storms in my life with the authority given to me as His child. 

So, anyone up for a stroll?