Matthew 14:22-33
The Story of Jesus Walking on Water
Jesus walks on the sea toward His disciples in the storm, revealing His authority and calling them from fear to faith.
Setting and Context
This story follows the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus sends the disciples across the sea while He goes up to pray. The scene combines isolation, storm, fear, and the revelation of Jesus' identity.
The Story
The disciples are far from land, tossed by waves and wind. Jesus comes to them walking on the sea, but they are terrified. His first words address fear: "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."
Peter asks to come to Jesus on the water. He steps out and walks toward Him, but when he sees the wind, he becomes afraid and begins to sink. His cry is short and honest: "Lord, save me."
Jesus immediately catches Peter and brings him back. When they enter the ship, the wind ceases. The disciples worship and confess, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God."
Meaning and Importance
The disciples are battered by waves when Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Peter steps out toward Him, begins to sink, and is rescued. The disciples worship Jesus as the Son of God.
Jesus walking on water is not only a lesson about courage. It reveals Jesus' authority over creation and His mercy toward weak faith. Peter sinks, but he sinks while moving toward Christ, and Christ saves him.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
Matthew 14:27
“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”
Read Matthew 14Matthew 14:29
“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”
Read Matthew 14Matthew 14:30
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”
Read Matthew 14Matthew 14:31
“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
Read Matthew 14Matthew 14:33
“Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”
Read Matthew 14What This Story Teaches
- Jesus meets His disciples in fear and speaks peace.
- Faith can be real and still need rescue.
- The miracle leads to worship and confession of Jesus as the Son of God.
Questions about Jesus Walks on Water
Where is Jesus walking on water in the Bible?
The story appears in Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 6.
Why did Peter sink?
Matthew says Peter became afraid when he saw the wind, but Jesus immediately rescued him when he cried out.