Scripture:
Matthew 14:22-36 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Walking on the Water
22 Immediately (A) He [a] made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. (B) 24 But the boat was already over a mile [b] from land, [c] battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Around three in the morning, [d] He came toward them walking on the sea. (C) 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. "It's a ghost!" they said, and cried out in fear.
27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (D)
28 "Lord, if it's You," Peter answered Him, "command me to come to You on the water."
29 "Come!" He said.
And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, [e] he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (E) 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, "Truly You are the Son of God!" (F)
Miraculous Healings
34 Once they crossed over, (G) they came to land at Gennesaret. (H) 35 When the men of that place recognized Him, they alerted [f] the whole vicinity and brought to Him all who were sick. 36 They were begging Him that they might only touch the tassel on His robe. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. (I)
Footnotes:
Matthew 14:22 Other mss read Jesus
Matthew 14:24 Lit already many stadia; 1 stadion = 600 feet
Matthew 14:24 Other mss read already in the middle of the sea
Matthew 14:25 Lit fourth watch of the night = 3 to 6 a.m.
Matthew 14:30 Other mss read saw the wind
Matthew 14:35 Lit sent into
Cross references:
Matthew 14:22 : Mk 6:45-51; Jn 6:15-21;
Matthew 14:23 : Lk 6:12; 9:48;
Matthew 14:25 : Mt 24:23; Mk 13:35;
Matthew 14:27 : Dt 31:6; Is 41:13; 43:1-2; Mt 17:7; Lk 2:10; Rv 1:17;
Matthew 14:31 : Mt 6:30; 8:26; 16:8;
Matthew 14:33 : Ps 2:7; Mt 16:16; 26:63; Mk 1:1; Lk 4:41; Jn 11:4;
Matthew 14:34 : Mk 6:53-56; Jn 6:24-25;
Matthew 14:34 : Mk 6:5; Lk 5:1;
Matthew 14:36 : Mt 9:20; Mk 3:10; Lk 6:19; Ac 5:15;
Reflection:
Does the Lord seem distant when trials or adversity come your way? It was at Jesus' initiative that the disciples sailed across the lake, only to find themselves in a life-threatening storm (see Mark 6:53-56). Although they were experienced fishermen, they feared for their lives. While Jesus was not with them in the boat, he, nonetheless watched for them in prayer. When he perceived their trouble he came to them on the sea and startled them with his sudden appearance. Do you look for the Lord's presence when you encounter difficulty or challenges?
This dramatic incident on the sea of Galilee revealed Peter's character more fully than others. Here we see Peter's impulsivity — his tendency to act without thinking of what he was doing. He often failed and came to grief as a result of his impulsiveness. In contrast, Jesus always bade his disciples to see how difficult it was to follow him before they set out on the way he taught them. A great deal of failure in the Christian life is due to acting on impulse and emotional fervor without counting the cost. Peter, fortunately in the moment of his failure clutched at Jesus and held him firmly. Every time Peter fell, he rose again. His failures only made him love the Lord more deeply and trust him more intently. The Lord keeps watch over us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty. Do you rely on the Lord for his strength and help? Jesus assures us that we have no need of fear if we trust in Him and in his great love for us. When calamities or trials threaten to overwhelm you, how do you respond? With faith and hope in God's love, care and presence with you?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, help me to trust you always and to never doubt your presence and your power to help me. In my moments of doubt and weakness, may I cling to you as Peter did. Strengthen my faith that I may walk straight in the path you set before me, neither veering to the left nor to the right.
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