Walking on Water? Why Not?

We’re studying the book of James in my glorious, terrific, fun, witty and intriguing Lifelight Bible study at church.

The first week (yesterday) we had an excellent question, comparing James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” to the section in Matthew 14:22-34 where Peter jumps out of the boat and walks across the water to Jesus.

You all know the story–Jesus was left behind to pray, the disciples were sent ahead in the boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. In the fourth watch of the night, just before dawn, the winds blew up and the waves grew high. The disciples were frightened and then they saw him: Jesus walking across the water toward them.

But wait, was it Jesus or a ghost? Fear hit them yet again.

“Be of good cheer,” Jesus called. “It’s me. You don’t have to be afraid.”

Peter had sharp eyes. “Lord, if it’s you, call me out of the boat to come to you on the water.”

You can almost hear Jesus laughing. “Sure, come on out.”

Peter clamored out of the boat, undoubtedly getting the bottom of his soles wet, and walked toward Jesus. He didn’t seem surprised to be walking on the water–perhaps even with water lapping about his ankles–but once he got out of the boat and saw how huge the waves were, “boisterous,” Matthew said, he became afraid all over again.

Notice he focused on the height of the waves, not on the miracle that he wasn’t sinking. Except, in his fear, he forgot about the outrageous fact he was standing on water. When he felt water climbing his legs, perhaps to his knees, he turned to Jesus in horror and shouted, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately, Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, chiding with a gentle, “Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

What’s important here is the familiar lesson that when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at his circumstances, his faith faltered and his life was endangered.

When he clung to his Lord, peace fell and his faith returned. The circumstances didn’t change, just Peter’s focus. As long as he was “walking” with Jesus, he was safe.

Here’s what caught my attention: When did the wind ease and the waves fade?

As soon as Jesus caught Peter?

No.

Verse 32: “When they got into the boat the winds stopped.”

How long did Jesus and Peter stand on the Sea of Galilee?

The text doesn’t say.

Focusing on Jesus in the midst of boisterous circumstances is where we find peace–not after he puts us in a secure place.

The temptation for me when I’m in difficulties is to confront the challenge and examine the circumstance looking for a solution. I often end up flustered, my mind anywhere but on the One who provides the peace that passes all understanding.

Sure, Jesus took Peter back into the boat to join the other disciples and the weather calmed. They all worshipped Him. But the Lordship of Jesus was evident and real to Peter even as he stood on a miraculous sea with the waves crashing around him.

Which was easier for Peter–walking on the water or confronting his fear?

As long as Jesus was holding on to him, I don’t think it mattered.