O For A faith That Will Not Sink! The Miracle Of Walking On Water
Preaching
Preaching the Miracles
Cycle A
Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."
28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
When it comes to a body of water (river, lake, gulf or sea), there is one thing humans cannot do. We can drink water, float on it, swim in it and under it, and drown in it. We can sail on it, fly over it and in submarines we can travel and explore under it. But, there is one thing we cannot do: walk on it. Yes, we can ski on it, even without skis when we barefoot ski behind a speeding boat.
To walk on water like walking on the ground would be a miracle. Since it is impossible to walk on water, some have difficulty believing that Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee. They try to explain it away. One view is that he walked on submerged rocks. Some hold that Jesus appeared to be walking when he was standing on a floating timber.
According to Matthew's account, Peter tried to walk on water in imitation of Jesus. He failed when he lost his faith. Jesus asked him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" In his hymn, "O For A Faith That Will Not Shrink," William Bathurst writes: "A faith that whines more bright and clear / When tempests rage without, / That when in danger knows no fear, / In darkness feels no doubt."
Faith in Jesus will not enable us to walk on physical water, but a faith that will not sink into the depth of doubt, fear and unbelief will enable us to walk on stormy seas of life to Jesus who will save us from ourselves, the world and the devil.
Acclimation
The Situation
After feeding the 5,000, Jesus directs his disciples to get into a boat and cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while he dismissed the crowd. Then he goes to a hill to be alone to pray. By evening the boat was in the middle of the sea. A storm developed and the disciples were rowing hard against the strong wind.
Between 3 and 6 a.m. Jesus comes to the struggling disciples by walking on the water. When they saw him, they were scared to death because they thought he was a ghost. These tough men screamed for fear. Jesus identified himself and told them not to be afraid.
Peter spoke up, "Lord, if it is really you, ask me to come to you." "Come," Jesus replied. At once Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. When he looked at the turbulent waves and felt the strong wind, fear took possession of him and he began to sink. Frightened of drowning, he cried, "Save me, Lord!" At once Jesus took hold of Peter's hand and said, "What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?"
When they climbed back into the boat, all of a sudden the wind became calm. Then the disciples worshiped Jesus and confessed, "You are really the Son of God."
The Setting
1. The Occasion. Jesus was in need of rest and reflection. The message of John's beheading by Herod came to him. He went to the hills for reflection on this massacre, but he was interrupted by a crowd of 5,000 whom he fed. When this was done, he sends his men across the lake and again goes to the hills to be alone to pray. Between three and six o'clock the next morning he realizes that his disciples are in trouble. They are caught in a storm and their lives are in danger. He leaves the hills and walks on the water to them and calms the sea.
Another reason for his going to a place to be alone is his desire to escape the crowd which wanted to take him by force and crown him their king. According to John's account, he escaped the crowning by fleeing to the hills. Perhaps the reason for sending the disciples across the lake was to avoid involving them in this revolutionary movement.
2. Parallel Accounts: Mark 6:45-52; Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:16-21.
Mark
v. 45 - the disciples are told to go to Bethsaida. Matthew does not specify a place.
v. 47 - By evening the boat was in the middle of the lake; Matthew says they were many furlongs from the land.
v. 48 - Only Mark says the men were "straining at the oars" as they battled the storm.
v. 51 - The only response to the miracle was the disciples' amazement.
John
v. 16 - Jesus does not make the disciples go across the lake.
v. 17 - The disciples were headed to Capernaum.
v. 18 - The disciples rowed about three or four miles when Jesus came.
v. 19 - According to John, the disciples do not think Jesus is a ghost.
v. 21 - No response was made by the disciples, however, they were immediately at their destination.
Consensus of the accounts
1. The event took place after the feeding of the 5,000.
2. While Jesus goes to pray, the disciples get into a boat to cross the sea.
3. The time was between three and six in the morning.
4. The boat, caught in a storm, was a far distance from shore when Jesus reached the disciples.
5. At Jesus' appearance on the water, the disciples were frightened.
6. Jesus identifies himself and assures them they need not be scared.
Related Passages
Genesis 1:9-10 - God made the sea and called it good.
Job 26:12 - "By his power he stilled the sea."
Micah 7:19 - "Thou wilt cast all our sin in the depths of the sea."
Matthew 13:1 - Jesus sat beside the sea and taught.
Revelation 21:1 - "And the sea was no more."
The Lectionary (Pentecost 12, Proper 14)
Lesson 1 (Exodus 14:19-31). The crossing of the Red Sea. This pericope is one in a series on the ministry of Moses. Since the Gospel Lesson deals with Jesus' walking on water, it is appropriate to deal here with another sea. Here the people walk through the sea on dry ground whereas Jesus and the disciples were on the water either in a boat or walking on it. On this Sunday we have two miracles dealing with a sea: one by Moses who parted the water and one by a greater than Moses who walked on water.
Lesson 2 (Romans 9:1-5). Paul expresses his concern for Jews not in Christ. The Lesson consists of the opening verses of the three-chapter section in which Paul discusses the Jewish question. It is one of 15 selections from Romans. Paul expresses his deep love for his fellow Jews to the point where he would be willing to lose his soul if it meant that they would be saved by accepting the gospel. Along with the disciples after the walking on water experience, Paul would have Jews confess, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee. Today's Gospel is the second in a series of three miracles: feeding 5,000, walking on water and healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman. In all three miracles Jesus is motivated by compassion: the hungry, the men in peril at sea and a demon-possessed girl.
Psalm of the Day (Psalm 106:4-12). Yahweh delivered his people from the Egyptians by enabling them to escape through the Red Sea.
Prayer of the Day (A prayer for mercy): "Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask ..."
We see his mercy when Jesus responds to Peter's plea: "Lord, save me."
Hymn of the Day: "Eternal Father, Strong To Save"
Jesus had the strength to keep Peter from sinking to the bottom of the sea. The refrain applies to all who sail on the seas: "Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee / For those in peril on the sea."
Explanation
Made (v. 22). This is one time when Jesus as their master "made" his disciples do something. They had no choice in the matter but to obey. He ordered them to get a boat and go to the other side of the lake. He wanted to be alone to reflect and pray. He needed to pray about Herod's murder of John and the recent attempt of the people to forcibly make him their king. Even Jesus had a need for solitude to think and pray.
Other side (v. 22). Where on the "other side" were the disciples headed? Matthew does not specify a place. Mark says it was Bethsaida and John reports it was Capernaum. It was not a matter where they were to land but it was a problem getting there.
Furlongs (v. 24). When Jesus came to the boat, it was "many furlongs" from land. A furlong was about 200 yards. The Sea of Galilee is four-and-one-half miles wide. Mark says the men were "in the middle of the lake." John indicates that they rowed three or four miles. This indicates that Jesus was not wading on the shore, but because of the boat's distance from the land he had to walk on the water to get to them.
Watch (v. 25). During the fourth "watch" Jesus came to the disciples. Romans divided the night into four watches from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The fourth watch was between 3 and 6 a.m. The New RSV translates it: "early in the morning." It is probably the darkest part of the night, the dark before the dawn. Jesus came to them in their darkest hour.
Ghost (v. 26). When Jesus approached the boat, the disciples thought he was a ghost. This terrified them and they screamed in terror. A ghost terrifies people because it is associated with the dead, with goblins and evil spirits. Moreover, the Jews associated the sea with evil. Why would the disciples not be scared? A storm is raging and it is pitch dark. It could not be Jesus, for they left him on land a couple miles away. They never heard of a person walking on water. They had every reason to be scared when a figure appears in the middle of a lake on a dark, stormy night.
Peter (v. 28). Only Matthew tells of Peter's involvement in the story. True to form, Peter is the first to speak up and dare to do what Jesus was doing. As usual, his braggadocio ended in being humiliated by failure. This experience fits into the picture of Peter's prominence as leader. At Caesarea Philippi he gave his classic confession of Christ. The resurrected Christ appeared to Cephas (1 Corinthians 15:5). On Easter an angel asked the women at the tomb to tell the disciples and Peter (Mark 16:7) about the empty tomb. In John 21, we have the account of Jesus and Peter being reconciled and Peter's re-commission.
Lord (v. 28, 30). In this brief episode Peter addresses Jesus twice as "Lord." Why does he not call him "Jesus" or "Teacher?" Apparently, Peter saw in Jesus more than a human. The other disciples shared Peter's estimate of Jesus, for they said, "Truly you are the Son of God." Because of this insight, Peter could confess, "You are the Christ ... (Matthew 16:16)." Because he was Lord, Peter could call upon him, "Save me," for only a divine person could do it. Because to them he was Lord, they worshiped him (v. 33). As Lord, Jesus could walk on water, still the storm and save a person.
Application
Relevance Of Revelation
What relevance can today's miracle have to modern life? Has anyone ever been visited by Christ walking on water while caught in a storm? Has anyone ever tried to walk on water and was saved from drowning? It was an experience that happened only once and has never happened again. And it is most likely never to happen in the future.
1. Living through a storm. As the disciples ran into an unexpected storm on the Sea of Galilee, Christians also must live in and through storms. There are life-threatening storms not only of hurricanes, tornadoes and floods but storms of temptation, doubt, despair and tragedy. As Jesus "made" the disciples go across the lake, Christians today must face the dangers of the sea of life. Christians are not guaranteed smooth sailing or freedom from shipwreck. We are subject to the tribulations in a wicked world. The only promise we have is that Christ will be with us just as he came to the disciples in a storm.
2. Like Peter, we, too, suffer from a lack of faith. Because of this lack, we sink into failure or at the most into death. It is not a faith in faith but faith in what and whom. Take our eyes off Jesus and faith disappears. A Christian always has the challenge not only to keep faith but to increase in faith. Jesus keeps asking us; "Why did you doubt (v. 31)?"
3. The miracle witnesses to Jesus. We learn more about him. It tells us that he is a man of prayer. Like us, he needs to be alone with God for reflection and meditation. Further, the miracle shows that Jesus is a person of compassion and concern. When his friends were in peril on the sea, he goes to them to still the storm. Because a boat is not available, he walks on water to get to them. Moreover, he is not only gracious but great in power. He has the ability to levitate on the water and he can save a person from sinking. All of this leads his men and us to worship him as the Son of God.
Sermon Suggestions
1. Christians and Trouble. Jesus ordered the disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. They obeyed and left him to dismiss the crowd. If they were doing his will, did they have a right to think they would have a calm, easy and trouble-free crossing? Instead they ran into a storm. They bucked the wind by straining on the oars. They were in danger of drowning. This means that Christians can be faithful and obedient servants doing God's will yet they may face all kinds of hardships, even persecution. God does not promise "skies always blue and flower strewn highways all our lives through." His only promise is that he will be with us. This was demonstrated by Jesus' coming to their rescue by walking on water.
2. Giving up Security for Adventure. Peter thought, "What Jesus can do, I can do. If Jesus can walk on water, so can I." He asked Jesus to invite him to come to him by walking on the water. Jesus said, "Come." Before he could walk on water, Peter first had to climb out of the boat which meant safety and security. We cannot launch into the deep unless we are willing to leave the shallow water on the shore. To adventure into great causes or hazardous ventures that may mean failure or death is to sacrifice the comfort and convenience of the secure. It may mean leaving home for a distant land, or an ordinary job for self-employment, or a traditional belief or new ideas. One cannot have it both ways. One cannot walk on water and stay in the boat!
3. Fear without being Afraid. When Jesus came to the disciples who were scared to death at his appearance on the water, he said to them according to the RSV - "take heart, it is I; have no fear." However the New RSV translates it, "Do not be afraid." There is a whale of a difference between "fear" and "afraid." To be afraid is to be scared and frightened. It causes us to be nervous, tense and frozen. Since he identified himself, the disciples had no reason to be afraid, for he came to help, rescue and save them from the storm. To fear is another matter. The Bible teaches us to fear God not in terms of being afraid of God but to honor, respect, revere and obey him. The fear of God removes all reasons to be afraid, for if God is for and with us, we have it made.
4. Pride before a Fall. Peter illustrates the truism that pride precedes a fall. With great bravado he challenges Jesus to ask him to let him walk on water, too. He is sure he can do it. He has perfect self-confidence. He can do whatever Jesus asks him to do. But, the turbulent waves whipped by gale winds took Peter's eyes and mind off Jesus. He lost faith in himself and in Jesus. At once he began to sink. In his desperation, he cried for help. Jesus became his Savior. Jesus grabbed his hand and held him up and pulled him to the boat. Peter was saved from drowning, from death. In a far greater way, Jesus still saves people from drowning in sin and from eternal death.
5. The True Miracle. Walking on water is indeed a great miracle, a miracle of superhuman power. But, here is a greater miracle: a miracle of grace. Because of his compassion, he comes to his men; they do not ask him to come to them. He seeks and finds us when we need him. By grace his eyes are always on his beloved people. Peter took his eyes off Jesus and as a result, he sank. Jesus never took his eyes off Peter so that at once he could grab Peter and keep him from drowning. He keeps constant watch over us. His grace is a potent one. By grace he stills the storm and saves Peter. He is not only willing to deliver but is able. This is the true miracle: compassion, care and concern for helpless humans.
6. A Night Mission. It is almost impossible to get anyone to help you at three in the morning. The world is asleep, and practically all offices and shops are closed. The disciples were in dire need between three and six in the morning. Though Jesus was miles away, he sensed their need for help. Their boat was in danger of sinking in a storm. Jesus has to get to them, but he has no boat; he is on a hill praying. To get to them he does something he never did before: he walked on the Sea of Galilee to rescue them. He was not out for a walk to get exercise, or to surprise his men, or to demonstrate his divine power. He came to help, rescue and to save. He will come to us even in our darkest hour of need.
7. The Most Important Word to be Spoken. When Peter began to sink in the turbulent water, he cried to Jesus, "Save." Why didn't Peter try to save himself by floating or swimming to the boat? Why didn't Peter give an excuse for his failure to walk on water? The uppermost thought and his greatest need was in the word, "save." It was a helpless, desperate cry for deliverance. It still is the human cry: save us from temptation, from addiction to drugs and alcohol, from selfishness and sin. If we are as wise as Peter, we will cry to Jesus as the only source of salvation. The most basic need of humanity is salvation which means getting right with God. And only Jesus can do that for us!
Sermon Structures
1. O For a Faith That will not Sink! (14:22-33). The key to this miracle is faith. When storms strike us, we are prone to lose our faith. Storms reveal and test our faith. When we are victims of a storm, will Jesus say to us also, "O man of little faith?" Unlike Peter, we do not want our faith to sink to the bottom of the sea.
A. Have faith in oneself - Peter had faith he could walk on water - v. 28
B. Have faith in God's grace - Grace of compassion for those in trouble - v. 31
C. Have faith in God's power - Jesus' presence brings calm - v. 32
2. When Jesus Comes into Your Troubled Life (14:22-33). The disciples had their troubles: danger of sinking in a storm at sea, fear and trembling at the sight of a mysterious figure walking on water, Peter's failure to walk on water. When Jesus came to them, the sea became calm and their fear was erased. What resulted from Jesus' presence?
A. There was peace - "the wind ceased" - v. 32
B. They worshiped Jesus - v. 33
C. They confessed that Jesus was the Son of God - v. 33
3. What to do in a Storm (14:22-33). Civil defense officials tell us what to do if and when a hurricane, tornado or earthquake comes. What are we to do when we are involved in an emotional, moral or spiritual storm?
A. Before Jesus comes: fear - v. 24
B. When Jesus comes: faith in Jesus and self - v. 31
C. After Jesus comes: fellowship of worship - v. 32
4. What Faith Can do for You (14:22-33). Jesus taught that faith is a powerful force in our lives. Even faith as large as a tiny mustard seed can cast a mountain into the sea. All things are possible to one who believes. In this miracle we see what faith will do for us.
A. Faith causes obedience - The disciples obeyed Jesus' command to cross the sea. - v. 22
B. Faith faces the storms of life - The disciples struggled with the storm. - v. 24
C. Faith overcomes fear - vv. 26-27, 31
D. Faith makes a confession - "You are the Son of God." - v. 33
5. Because He is Lord (14:22-33). Twice in the short story of Jesus' walking on water Peter calls Jesus "Lord." This is a term expressing the divine nature of Jesus. He is the Messiah, Son of God. Jesus is acknowledged as supreme being, top authority and sole leader. Because he was and is Lord -
A. He had the ability to defy natural law by walking on water - v. 25
B. He had the grace to save from death - v. 31
C. He was worthy of worship - v. 33
6. Human Reactions to a Successful Storm (14:22-33). If a storm threatens to destroy your home and your very life, how would you react? Would you feel the same as the disciples in this storm at sea? They probably said -
A. "If only Jesus were here!" - vv. 22-24
B. "I knew you would come!" - vv. 25-27
C. "Because you came!" - "You are worshiped as Son of God." - v. 33
Illustration
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. Bennett Cerf once told this story: "In Java they tell of a young man who spied a beautiful maiden on the high road and followed her for a mile. Finally she wheeled and demanded, "Why do you dog my footsteps?" "Because," he declared fervently, "you are the loveliest thing I have ever seen, and I have fallen madly in love with you at first sight. Be mine!" "But you have merely to look behind you," said the girl, "to see my young sister who is 10 times more beautiful than I am." The gallant cavalier turned and saw as ugly a wench as ever drew breath in Java. "What mockery is this?" he demanded of the beautiful girl. "You lied to me!" "So did you," she replied, "If you were so madly in love with me, why did you turn around?"
Faith and Obedience. The disciples obeyed Jesus' order to go across the sea. Washington once complained that his plans for winning the Revolutionary War were held up because his soldiers would not obey until it was explained why the orders were necessary. He hoped that the time would come when they would trust his leadership enough to obey his commands without delay. When that time arrived, his army became efficient.
Luther's Definition of Faith. "Faith is something that God effects in us. It changes us, and we are reborn from God. What a living, creative, active, powerful thing that is! It cannot do other than good at all times. It never waits to ask whether there is some good work to do; rather, before the question is raised, it has done the deed, and keeps on doing it. Faith is a living
and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake. This kind of confidence in God's grace makes us joyful, high-spirited and eager in our relations with God and with all mankind. It is impossible, indeed, to separate works from faith, just as it is impossible to separate heat and light from fire."
"I Knew You Would Come!" In the second World War two soldiers were very close friends. While in battle a shell exploded close to them. When the smoke cleared, one saw the other in the distance lying motionless in the mud. He wanted to go to him, but others pulled him back to the trench. He insisted upon going to his friend, but the others said it was foolish, for he would be killed, too. He broke away and crawled to his buddy. He lifted up the limp body and held him for a few moments. Then he laid the body reverently on the ground. When he returned to the trench, the other soldiers said, "We told you so. You risked your life for nothing." But the friend said, "I shall never regret what I did, for the last thing he said before he died was, 'I knew you'd come.' "
Worth Saving? Jesus saved Peter from drowning. Was he worth saving? A man was walking along a shore when he spotted a young kid floundering in the waves apparently because he went out too far. The man pulled the child to shore and gave him artificial respiration. When the boy came to, he looked into the face of his rescuer and said, "I thank you for saving my life." Before leaving the man said to him, "Make sure that your life was worth saving."
Willing but not Able? In this miracle Jesus was willing to leave his prayers on the hill and was able to still the storm and save Peter from drowning. Some, however, think God is willing but not able to help. In his best-selling book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Harold Kushner tells that his 14-year-old son died of a tragic illness. He explains that God is all-loving but not all-powerful. Thus, bad things happen to good people because bad things are out of God's control.
Take my Hand. When Peter cried out, "Lord, save me," Jesus took him by the hand and held him up. Peter did not hold his hand but Jesus held Peter's. A father and his little daughter were walking on a mountain path. They came to a creek bridged by a fallen log. He told his daughter to take hold of his hand lest she fall. After some hesitation she said, "If I take hold of your hand, I might let go; but if you take hold of my hand, no matter what happens, you will never let go of me."
Save Me! There was an English miner who considered himself an infidel. One day in the mine some coal began to fall and the man cried out, "Lord, save me!" A fellow miner turned to him and said, "Indeed, there's nothing like lumps of coal to knock the infidelity out of a man."
Little Faith, Big God. An admirer once said to a famous preacher, "You must have a great amount of faith." "No," the minister replied, "I don't have a great amount. I have a little faith in a great God."
28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
When it comes to a body of water (river, lake, gulf or sea), there is one thing humans cannot do. We can drink water, float on it, swim in it and under it, and drown in it. We can sail on it, fly over it and in submarines we can travel and explore under it. But, there is one thing we cannot do: walk on it. Yes, we can ski on it, even without skis when we barefoot ski behind a speeding boat.
To walk on water like walking on the ground would be a miracle. Since it is impossible to walk on water, some have difficulty believing that Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee. They try to explain it away. One view is that he walked on submerged rocks. Some hold that Jesus appeared to be walking when he was standing on a floating timber.
According to Matthew's account, Peter tried to walk on water in imitation of Jesus. He failed when he lost his faith. Jesus asked him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" In his hymn, "O For A Faith That Will Not Shrink," William Bathurst writes: "A faith that whines more bright and clear / When tempests rage without, / That when in danger knows no fear, / In darkness feels no doubt."
Faith in Jesus will not enable us to walk on physical water, but a faith that will not sink into the depth of doubt, fear and unbelief will enable us to walk on stormy seas of life to Jesus who will save us from ourselves, the world and the devil.
Acclimation
The Situation
After feeding the 5,000, Jesus directs his disciples to get into a boat and cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while he dismissed the crowd. Then he goes to a hill to be alone to pray. By evening the boat was in the middle of the sea. A storm developed and the disciples were rowing hard against the strong wind.
Between 3 and 6 a.m. Jesus comes to the struggling disciples by walking on the water. When they saw him, they were scared to death because they thought he was a ghost. These tough men screamed for fear. Jesus identified himself and told them not to be afraid.
Peter spoke up, "Lord, if it is really you, ask me to come to you." "Come," Jesus replied. At once Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. When he looked at the turbulent waves and felt the strong wind, fear took possession of him and he began to sink. Frightened of drowning, he cried, "Save me, Lord!" At once Jesus took hold of Peter's hand and said, "What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?"
When they climbed back into the boat, all of a sudden the wind became calm. Then the disciples worshiped Jesus and confessed, "You are really the Son of God."
The Setting
1. The Occasion. Jesus was in need of rest and reflection. The message of John's beheading by Herod came to him. He went to the hills for reflection on this massacre, but he was interrupted by a crowd of 5,000 whom he fed. When this was done, he sends his men across the lake and again goes to the hills to be alone to pray. Between three and six o'clock the next morning he realizes that his disciples are in trouble. They are caught in a storm and their lives are in danger. He leaves the hills and walks on the water to them and calms the sea.
Another reason for his going to a place to be alone is his desire to escape the crowd which wanted to take him by force and crown him their king. According to John's account, he escaped the crowning by fleeing to the hills. Perhaps the reason for sending the disciples across the lake was to avoid involving them in this revolutionary movement.
2. Parallel Accounts: Mark 6:45-52; Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:16-21.
Mark
v. 45 - the disciples are told to go to Bethsaida. Matthew does not specify a place.
v. 47 - By evening the boat was in the middle of the lake; Matthew says they were many furlongs from the land.
v. 48 - Only Mark says the men were "straining at the oars" as they battled the storm.
v. 51 - The only response to the miracle was the disciples' amazement.
John
v. 16 - Jesus does not make the disciples go across the lake.
v. 17 - The disciples were headed to Capernaum.
v. 18 - The disciples rowed about three or four miles when Jesus came.
v. 19 - According to John, the disciples do not think Jesus is a ghost.
v. 21 - No response was made by the disciples, however, they were immediately at their destination.
Consensus of the accounts
1. The event took place after the feeding of the 5,000.
2. While Jesus goes to pray, the disciples get into a boat to cross the sea.
3. The time was between three and six in the morning.
4. The boat, caught in a storm, was a far distance from shore when Jesus reached the disciples.
5. At Jesus' appearance on the water, the disciples were frightened.
6. Jesus identifies himself and assures them they need not be scared.
Related Passages
Genesis 1:9-10 - God made the sea and called it good.
Job 26:12 - "By his power he stilled the sea."
Micah 7:19 - "Thou wilt cast all our sin in the depths of the sea."
Matthew 13:1 - Jesus sat beside the sea and taught.
Revelation 21:1 - "And the sea was no more."
The Lectionary (Pentecost 12, Proper 14)
Lesson 1 (Exodus 14:19-31). The crossing of the Red Sea. This pericope is one in a series on the ministry of Moses. Since the Gospel Lesson deals with Jesus' walking on water, it is appropriate to deal here with another sea. Here the people walk through the sea on dry ground whereas Jesus and the disciples were on the water either in a boat or walking on it. On this Sunday we have two miracles dealing with a sea: one by Moses who parted the water and one by a greater than Moses who walked on water.
Lesson 2 (Romans 9:1-5). Paul expresses his concern for Jews not in Christ. The Lesson consists of the opening verses of the three-chapter section in which Paul discusses the Jewish question. It is one of 15 selections from Romans. Paul expresses his deep love for his fellow Jews to the point where he would be willing to lose his soul if it meant that they would be saved by accepting the gospel. Along with the disciples after the walking on water experience, Paul would have Jews confess, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee. Today's Gospel is the second in a series of three miracles: feeding 5,000, walking on water and healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman. In all three miracles Jesus is motivated by compassion: the hungry, the men in peril at sea and a demon-possessed girl.
Psalm of the Day (Psalm 106:4-12). Yahweh delivered his people from the Egyptians by enabling them to escape through the Red Sea.
Prayer of the Day (A prayer for mercy): "Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask ..."
We see his mercy when Jesus responds to Peter's plea: "Lord, save me."
Hymn of the Day: "Eternal Father, Strong To Save"
Jesus had the strength to keep Peter from sinking to the bottom of the sea. The refrain applies to all who sail on the seas: "Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee / For those in peril on the sea."
Explanation
Made (v. 22). This is one time when Jesus as their master "made" his disciples do something. They had no choice in the matter but to obey. He ordered them to get a boat and go to the other side of the lake. He wanted to be alone to reflect and pray. He needed to pray about Herod's murder of John and the recent attempt of the people to forcibly make him their king. Even Jesus had a need for solitude to think and pray.
Other side (v. 22). Where on the "other side" were the disciples headed? Matthew does not specify a place. Mark says it was Bethsaida and John reports it was Capernaum. It was not a matter where they were to land but it was a problem getting there.
Furlongs (v. 24). When Jesus came to the boat, it was "many furlongs" from land. A furlong was about 200 yards. The Sea of Galilee is four-and-one-half miles wide. Mark says the men were "in the middle of the lake." John indicates that they rowed three or four miles. This indicates that Jesus was not wading on the shore, but because of the boat's distance from the land he had to walk on the water to get to them.
Watch (v. 25). During the fourth "watch" Jesus came to the disciples. Romans divided the night into four watches from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The fourth watch was between 3 and 6 a.m. The New RSV translates it: "early in the morning." It is probably the darkest part of the night, the dark before the dawn. Jesus came to them in their darkest hour.
Ghost (v. 26). When Jesus approached the boat, the disciples thought he was a ghost. This terrified them and they screamed in terror. A ghost terrifies people because it is associated with the dead, with goblins and evil spirits. Moreover, the Jews associated the sea with evil. Why would the disciples not be scared? A storm is raging and it is pitch dark. It could not be Jesus, for they left him on land a couple miles away. They never heard of a person walking on water. They had every reason to be scared when a figure appears in the middle of a lake on a dark, stormy night.
Peter (v. 28). Only Matthew tells of Peter's involvement in the story. True to form, Peter is the first to speak up and dare to do what Jesus was doing. As usual, his braggadocio ended in being humiliated by failure. This experience fits into the picture of Peter's prominence as leader. At Caesarea Philippi he gave his classic confession of Christ. The resurrected Christ appeared to Cephas (1 Corinthians 15:5). On Easter an angel asked the women at the tomb to tell the disciples and Peter (Mark 16:7) about the empty tomb. In John 21, we have the account of Jesus and Peter being reconciled and Peter's re-commission.
Lord (v. 28, 30). In this brief episode Peter addresses Jesus twice as "Lord." Why does he not call him "Jesus" or "Teacher?" Apparently, Peter saw in Jesus more than a human. The other disciples shared Peter's estimate of Jesus, for they said, "Truly you are the Son of God." Because of this insight, Peter could confess, "You are the Christ ... (Matthew 16:16)." Because he was Lord, Peter could call upon him, "Save me," for only a divine person could do it. Because to them he was Lord, they worshiped him (v. 33). As Lord, Jesus could walk on water, still the storm and save a person.
Application
Relevance Of Revelation
What relevance can today's miracle have to modern life? Has anyone ever been visited by Christ walking on water while caught in a storm? Has anyone ever tried to walk on water and was saved from drowning? It was an experience that happened only once and has never happened again. And it is most likely never to happen in the future.
1. Living through a storm. As the disciples ran into an unexpected storm on the Sea of Galilee, Christians also must live in and through storms. There are life-threatening storms not only of hurricanes, tornadoes and floods but storms of temptation, doubt, despair and tragedy. As Jesus "made" the disciples go across the lake, Christians today must face the dangers of the sea of life. Christians are not guaranteed smooth sailing or freedom from shipwreck. We are subject to the tribulations in a wicked world. The only promise we have is that Christ will be with us just as he came to the disciples in a storm.
2. Like Peter, we, too, suffer from a lack of faith. Because of this lack, we sink into failure or at the most into death. It is not a faith in faith but faith in what and whom. Take our eyes off Jesus and faith disappears. A Christian always has the challenge not only to keep faith but to increase in faith. Jesus keeps asking us; "Why did you doubt (v. 31)?"
3. The miracle witnesses to Jesus. We learn more about him. It tells us that he is a man of prayer. Like us, he needs to be alone with God for reflection and meditation. Further, the miracle shows that Jesus is a person of compassion and concern. When his friends were in peril on the sea, he goes to them to still the storm. Because a boat is not available, he walks on water to get to them. Moreover, he is not only gracious but great in power. He has the ability to levitate on the water and he can save a person from sinking. All of this leads his men and us to worship him as the Son of God.
Sermon Suggestions
1. Christians and Trouble. Jesus ordered the disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. They obeyed and left him to dismiss the crowd. If they were doing his will, did they have a right to think they would have a calm, easy and trouble-free crossing? Instead they ran into a storm. They bucked the wind by straining on the oars. They were in danger of drowning. This means that Christians can be faithful and obedient servants doing God's will yet they may face all kinds of hardships, even persecution. God does not promise "skies always blue and flower strewn highways all our lives through." His only promise is that he will be with us. This was demonstrated by Jesus' coming to their rescue by walking on water.
2. Giving up Security for Adventure. Peter thought, "What Jesus can do, I can do. If Jesus can walk on water, so can I." He asked Jesus to invite him to come to him by walking on the water. Jesus said, "Come." Before he could walk on water, Peter first had to climb out of the boat which meant safety and security. We cannot launch into the deep unless we are willing to leave the shallow water on the shore. To adventure into great causes or hazardous ventures that may mean failure or death is to sacrifice the comfort and convenience of the secure. It may mean leaving home for a distant land, or an ordinary job for self-employment, or a traditional belief or new ideas. One cannot have it both ways. One cannot walk on water and stay in the boat!
3. Fear without being Afraid. When Jesus came to the disciples who were scared to death at his appearance on the water, he said to them according to the RSV - "take heart, it is I; have no fear." However the New RSV translates it, "Do not be afraid." There is a whale of a difference between "fear" and "afraid." To be afraid is to be scared and frightened. It causes us to be nervous, tense and frozen. Since he identified himself, the disciples had no reason to be afraid, for he came to help, rescue and save them from the storm. To fear is another matter. The Bible teaches us to fear God not in terms of being afraid of God but to honor, respect, revere and obey him. The fear of God removes all reasons to be afraid, for if God is for and with us, we have it made.
4. Pride before a Fall. Peter illustrates the truism that pride precedes a fall. With great bravado he challenges Jesus to ask him to let him walk on water, too. He is sure he can do it. He has perfect self-confidence. He can do whatever Jesus asks him to do. But, the turbulent waves whipped by gale winds took Peter's eyes and mind off Jesus. He lost faith in himself and in Jesus. At once he began to sink. In his desperation, he cried for help. Jesus became his Savior. Jesus grabbed his hand and held him up and pulled him to the boat. Peter was saved from drowning, from death. In a far greater way, Jesus still saves people from drowning in sin and from eternal death.
5. The True Miracle. Walking on water is indeed a great miracle, a miracle of superhuman power. But, here is a greater miracle: a miracle of grace. Because of his compassion, he comes to his men; they do not ask him to come to them. He seeks and finds us when we need him. By grace his eyes are always on his beloved people. Peter took his eyes off Jesus and as a result, he sank. Jesus never took his eyes off Peter so that at once he could grab Peter and keep him from drowning. He keeps constant watch over us. His grace is a potent one. By grace he stills the storm and saves Peter. He is not only willing to deliver but is able. This is the true miracle: compassion, care and concern for helpless humans.
6. A Night Mission. It is almost impossible to get anyone to help you at three in the morning. The world is asleep, and practically all offices and shops are closed. The disciples were in dire need between three and six in the morning. Though Jesus was miles away, he sensed their need for help. Their boat was in danger of sinking in a storm. Jesus has to get to them, but he has no boat; he is on a hill praying. To get to them he does something he never did before: he walked on the Sea of Galilee to rescue them. He was not out for a walk to get exercise, or to surprise his men, or to demonstrate his divine power. He came to help, rescue and to save. He will come to us even in our darkest hour of need.
7. The Most Important Word to be Spoken. When Peter began to sink in the turbulent water, he cried to Jesus, "Save." Why didn't Peter try to save himself by floating or swimming to the boat? Why didn't Peter give an excuse for his failure to walk on water? The uppermost thought and his greatest need was in the word, "save." It was a helpless, desperate cry for deliverance. It still is the human cry: save us from temptation, from addiction to drugs and alcohol, from selfishness and sin. If we are as wise as Peter, we will cry to Jesus as the only source of salvation. The most basic need of humanity is salvation which means getting right with God. And only Jesus can do that for us!
Sermon Structures
1. O For a Faith That will not Sink! (14:22-33). The key to this miracle is faith. When storms strike us, we are prone to lose our faith. Storms reveal and test our faith. When we are victims of a storm, will Jesus say to us also, "O man of little faith?" Unlike Peter, we do not want our faith to sink to the bottom of the sea.
A. Have faith in oneself - Peter had faith he could walk on water - v. 28
B. Have faith in God's grace - Grace of compassion for those in trouble - v. 31
C. Have faith in God's power - Jesus' presence brings calm - v. 32
2. When Jesus Comes into Your Troubled Life (14:22-33). The disciples had their troubles: danger of sinking in a storm at sea, fear and trembling at the sight of a mysterious figure walking on water, Peter's failure to walk on water. When Jesus came to them, the sea became calm and their fear was erased. What resulted from Jesus' presence?
A. There was peace - "the wind ceased" - v. 32
B. They worshiped Jesus - v. 33
C. They confessed that Jesus was the Son of God - v. 33
3. What to do in a Storm (14:22-33). Civil defense officials tell us what to do if and when a hurricane, tornado or earthquake comes. What are we to do when we are involved in an emotional, moral or spiritual storm?
A. Before Jesus comes: fear - v. 24
B. When Jesus comes: faith in Jesus and self - v. 31
C. After Jesus comes: fellowship of worship - v. 32
4. What Faith Can do for You (14:22-33). Jesus taught that faith is a powerful force in our lives. Even faith as large as a tiny mustard seed can cast a mountain into the sea. All things are possible to one who believes. In this miracle we see what faith will do for us.
A. Faith causes obedience - The disciples obeyed Jesus' command to cross the sea. - v. 22
B. Faith faces the storms of life - The disciples struggled with the storm. - v. 24
C. Faith overcomes fear - vv. 26-27, 31
D. Faith makes a confession - "You are the Son of God." - v. 33
5. Because He is Lord (14:22-33). Twice in the short story of Jesus' walking on water Peter calls Jesus "Lord." This is a term expressing the divine nature of Jesus. He is the Messiah, Son of God. Jesus is acknowledged as supreme being, top authority and sole leader. Because he was and is Lord -
A. He had the ability to defy natural law by walking on water - v. 25
B. He had the grace to save from death - v. 31
C. He was worthy of worship - v. 33
6. Human Reactions to a Successful Storm (14:22-33). If a storm threatens to destroy your home and your very life, how would you react? Would you feel the same as the disciples in this storm at sea? They probably said -
A. "If only Jesus were here!" - vv. 22-24
B. "I knew you would come!" - vv. 25-27
C. "Because you came!" - "You are worshiped as Son of God." - v. 33
Illustration
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. Bennett Cerf once told this story: "In Java they tell of a young man who spied a beautiful maiden on the high road and followed her for a mile. Finally she wheeled and demanded, "Why do you dog my footsteps?" "Because," he declared fervently, "you are the loveliest thing I have ever seen, and I have fallen madly in love with you at first sight. Be mine!" "But you have merely to look behind you," said the girl, "to see my young sister who is 10 times more beautiful than I am." The gallant cavalier turned and saw as ugly a wench as ever drew breath in Java. "What mockery is this?" he demanded of the beautiful girl. "You lied to me!" "So did you," she replied, "If you were so madly in love with me, why did you turn around?"
Faith and Obedience. The disciples obeyed Jesus' order to go across the sea. Washington once complained that his plans for winning the Revolutionary War were held up because his soldiers would not obey until it was explained why the orders were necessary. He hoped that the time would come when they would trust his leadership enough to obey his commands without delay. When that time arrived, his army became efficient.
Luther's Definition of Faith. "Faith is something that God effects in us. It changes us, and we are reborn from God. What a living, creative, active, powerful thing that is! It cannot do other than good at all times. It never waits to ask whether there is some good work to do; rather, before the question is raised, it has done the deed, and keeps on doing it. Faith is a living
and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake. This kind of confidence in God's grace makes us joyful, high-spirited and eager in our relations with God and with all mankind. It is impossible, indeed, to separate works from faith, just as it is impossible to separate heat and light from fire."
"I Knew You Would Come!" In the second World War two soldiers were very close friends. While in battle a shell exploded close to them. When the smoke cleared, one saw the other in the distance lying motionless in the mud. He wanted to go to him, but others pulled him back to the trench. He insisted upon going to his friend, but the others said it was foolish, for he would be killed, too. He broke away and crawled to his buddy. He lifted up the limp body and held him for a few moments. Then he laid the body reverently on the ground. When he returned to the trench, the other soldiers said, "We told you so. You risked your life for nothing." But the friend said, "I shall never regret what I did, for the last thing he said before he died was, 'I knew you'd come.' "
Worth Saving? Jesus saved Peter from drowning. Was he worth saving? A man was walking along a shore when he spotted a young kid floundering in the waves apparently because he went out too far. The man pulled the child to shore and gave him artificial respiration. When the boy came to, he looked into the face of his rescuer and said, "I thank you for saving my life." Before leaving the man said to him, "Make sure that your life was worth saving."
Willing but not Able? In this miracle Jesus was willing to leave his prayers on the hill and was able to still the storm and save Peter from drowning. Some, however, think God is willing but not able to help. In his best-selling book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Harold Kushner tells that his 14-year-old son died of a tragic illness. He explains that God is all-loving but not all-powerful. Thus, bad things happen to good people because bad things are out of God's control.
Take my Hand. When Peter cried out, "Lord, save me," Jesus took him by the hand and held him up. Peter did not hold his hand but Jesus held Peter's. A father and his little daughter were walking on a mountain path. They came to a creek bridged by a fallen log. He told his daughter to take hold of his hand lest she fall. After some hesitation she said, "If I take hold of your hand, I might let go; but if you take hold of my hand, no matter what happens, you will never let go of me."
Save Me! There was an English miner who considered himself an infidel. One day in the mine some coal began to fall and the man cried out, "Lord, save me!" A fellow miner turned to him and said, "Indeed, there's nothing like lumps of coal to knock the infidelity out of a man."
Little Faith, Big God. An admirer once said to a famous preacher, "You must have a great amount of faith." "No," the minister replied, "I don't have a great amount. I have a little faith in a great God."
