Mist settled on the water as gentle waves lapped along the side of the boat. Events of the day kept rattling in Peter’s head. News of John’s beheading was too much to bear. Then feeding more than 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and having 12 baskets of food left over; how could this be?

Was this Jesus, this man who ate, drank, walked, spoke with us; could he truly be the Son of God?

They saw people healed. They saw dead people brought back to life. They drank the water that was turned into wine, and yet they questioned.

Peter picked up the oars and began to gently row towards shore.  As he lifted his head, he saw something in the mist, a figure walking on the water.

Blinking his eyes, Peter looked more intently as the form of a man began to materialize.  His heart raced and he got the attention of the others in the boat.  “Wake up!  Look over there! There’s someone coming toward us!”

The boat began to rock as everyone rolled over one another to get a better view of the apparition in the mist.  Voices grew as did the tension. Someone yelled, “It’s a ghost!”

Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

This is impossible! How could a man walk on water? Why wasn’t he sinking?

Peter couldn’t help himself as he blurted out, “Lord, if it’s You tell me to come to You on the water.”

Jesus’ reply was simple. He said, “Come.”

Peter’s heart continued to race. He carefully stood in the boat. Prepared to go swimming Peter moved toward the stern, lifted the hem of his garment and put his right leg over the side.

Timidly Peter put his foot onto the water.  The coolness felt good on the bottom of Peter’s foot.  His ankle remained dry.  Peter put more of his body weight onto his right leg, brought his left leg over the side and then stood.

Peter didn’t sink. Peter was standing on the lake.

Boldly Peter began to walk towards Jesus.  He was amazed that he wasn’t sinking.  Peter couldn’t fathom this miracle even though it was happening to him!

A gentle breeze began to blow. Waves began to form. Peter’s attention left his Savior and focused on the change in the weather. Peter began to sink. Fear ripped into Peter’s heart forcing him to shout, “Lord, save me!”

Before Jesus even said a word, He stretched out His hand and caught Peter in His arms.

As the Son of God embraced His disciple He said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

 

Story based on Matthew 14:22-31