In the Middle of the Storm! Matthew 14:22-29

Jesus Walks on the Water

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 

John's gospel gives us more insight into why Jesus departed so quickly. 

 John says in chapter 6;14-15, "Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world. So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone."

23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 

We see here the second reason.  Jesus needed to pray.  He needed to be alone with His Father.  Though he had no problem ministering to the masses, he also knew when he needed to retreat and be rejuvenated spiritually.  Though he had invited his disciples to pray with him many times, this time he instructs them to meet him on the other side. 

24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Meanwhile the disciples are caught in a strom. This Sea of Galilee was well known for its sudden storms. The wind was against the boat so it couldn't make much headway. 

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 

Mark tells us that they were out during the third watch which was 3am to 6am. 

26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

"Thus God often lengthens out the troubles of his people, and defers the time of their deliverance. But when things are come to an extremity, and they are ready to think he hath forgotten them, he unexpectedly appears for their relief and rescue; of a sudden the storm becomes a calm, and they are happily brought into a safe port." (Benson)

You can only imagine the disciples unbelief when they saw Jesus walking on the water in the middle of the storm. 

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

Jesus saw their concern and immediately revealed himself to the disciples.  

"There are two good reasons to put away fear. One reason may be that the problem is not nearly as bad as one had thought; perhaps you are afraid because you exaggerate the danger. The other reason is that even though the problem may be real, there is an even greater solution and help at hand." (Guzik)

What a great verse to remember when we are afraid.  Jesus shows up in the storms of life and though the storm still rages, we can take courage and be calm because he meets us in the middle of it. 

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

Peter is not sure if it is Jesus, but asks him to bid him to come out to the water.  Most commentators think that the way the verb is written it is better translated, "since it is you."  Peter seems to be half in and half out.  He is bold enough to believe it is Jesus, but still wants Jesus to invite him to come out.  

29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Jesus sees Peter faith and desire to come out to him, so he commands him to come. And sure enough in obedience to Jesus' invitation, Peter starts walking on the water himself.  

"When Peter was come down out of the ship; as he immediately did, having orders from Christ; and being by this second speech fully convinced it was hehe walked on the water; a little way, being supported and enabled by the power of Christ; for this was an extraordinary and miraculous action: for if it was so in Christ, it was much more so in Peter: Christ walked upon the water by his own power, as God; Peter walked upon the water, being held up by the power of Christ." (Gill)

Would you be the first one to ask Jesus to bid you to come to him on the water?  Why or why not?  Where do you go to when the storms of life hit?  Are you in a storm right now?  Can you see Jesus in the storm telling you to "take courage"?  Your courage comes from knowing he is right there beside you.