WEEKLY REFLECTION
As dawn approaches and the faintest light starts appearing, Jesus decides to go to the disciples. How? He walks. On the still stormy water. Jesus walks on water toward the disciples in the boat who are still a long way off. 

The disciples can’t quite tell what or who is walking toward them. They assume it must be a ghost. A common superstition among seafarers of the day was, those who drown would haunt the waters. They didn’t know what they saw, but they certainly didn’t think it could be Jesus.

And honestly who could blame them. Up to this point no one had walked on water. Knowing their fear Jesus calls out to them. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 

Jesus’ response to their fear centers on “It is I.” These words were a term that Jesus often used to claim deity. In other words, Jesus is saying the disciples can take courage and fear not because Jesus was there with them. Someone said: “Fear is unwarranted where Jesus is present.”

Peter is known for being a little headstrong. He’s quick to speak before he thinks things through. And while that got him in trouble from time to time, it also led him to experience things no one else did. 

Simon Peter responds to Jesus’ claim with a bold claim. “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28

Jesus responds with a single word, “Come.” With remarkable trust and courage Peter climbs over the side of the boat. 

I know we like to criticize Peter for what happens next. But stay in this moment for a minute. In the middle of strong winds and waves Peter trusts Jesus to step out of the boat. That’s an incredible display of faith in Jesus. None of the other disciples dared step foot out of the boat. St. Matthew simply states that Peter walks on water toward Jesus. Those first steps must have been surreal. 

But, as Peter walks on water he starts to notice how powerful the wind and waves are, and he takes his eyes off Jesus. He gets distracted by his harrowing circumstances and he sinks. Peter’s doubt was about to take him out. Matthew records that he was afraid as he began to sink. You think? He must have been terrified. I imagine as he gasped for one last breath before he went under, he cried out, “LORD SAVE ME!” Jesus doesn’t wait. He immediately reached out his hand and caught him. After Peter was safe Jesus rebuked him for his little faith.

“Jesus rebuked him for his weak faith even though it was stronger than that of the other disciples who remained in the boat. Jesus used this rebuke to help Peter and the other disciples see that consistent confidence in Himself was absolutely necessary. Peter became both a good example and a bad one. Jesus rescued him as God had rescued many others from watery graves.”