That is, it It is first connected with darkness and chaos (Gen.1:2). Were you under the impression that he was merely cutting corners? The New Testament Bible tale of Jesus walking on water is one of the most commonly repeated narratives and one of the most significant miracles performed by Jesus in his lifetime.The incident takes place immediately after another miracle, the feeding of the 5,000 people, had taken place.This experience persuaded the twelve disciples that Jesus is, in fact, the Son of God who is still alive. And the distance would be sufficient not to recognise features. 11:22), just as Philip tells Jesus that two hundred denarii of bread would not be enough (John 6:7). Its important to note that John did not have to include this miracle.1 The decision to include this miracle at all, including where John places it and how he describes it, therefore carries a specific significance. When it comes to ghosts in the ancient world, they were considered to be a negative omen; in the LXX Isaiah 28:7, a comparable phrase () is rendered as a foul omen. Take heed, disciples, as Jesus reaches out to them and instructs them to take heed. eart! (imperative from eart!) As he began to descend, his last words were, Lord, save me. O you of little faith, why did you doubt? Jesus said as he put out his hand and grabbed him by the shoulders.And as soon as they got onto the boat, the wind stopped blowing.And they in the boat prostrated themselves before him, proclaiming, Truly, you are the Son of God (Matthew 14:20-33).Following in the footsteps of Mark, Matthew describes Jesus instructions and the situation as though it were newsworthy.Matthew, on the other hand, is the only one that chronicles Peters reaction to the circumstance and their eventual affirmation of Jesus divinity. The disciples were startled to see Jesus, but he told them not to be afraid. For it was the Fathers good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. The hymn It Is Well with My Soul by Horatio Spafford begins, Whatever Satan buffet / though tribulations approach, / Let this blest certainty control: / That Christ has respect for my helpless position / And has bled his own blood for my soul. Edward Motes poem My Hope is Built on Nothing Less says, When darkness obscures his lovely face / I rest on his unchanging grace. Soon doubt started forming in his mind. It's easy for us to see other cultures or communities doing this; it's difficult to see ourselves doing it. As Peter later writes to the persecuted church in 1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for . According to Christians, this narrative has life lessons that go beyond what is immediately apparent: Making place for God: Jesus dispatched his followers so that he could go alone to a mountaintop and pray alone in solitude. After Jesus entered the ship, the wind ceased, and they arrived at land. Night fell and the sea arose as the ship became caught in a wind storm. Theism not deism. 'How Great Thou Art' By Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 10 Things Your Husband Wishes You Would Say to Him, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. , Readers who pay close attention may see that the words It is I (eg eimi) in John 6:20 literally translate as I am. This is, of course, the same translation of the holy name of God in Hebrew (YHWH, see Ex. Derrett, 1981). 5:21; Heb. Did Jesus walk on water? [13], Richard Cassidy states that this episode sheds special light on the position of Peter who had faith in Jesus and acknowledged Jesus' extraordinary powers, and by considering to walk on water himself, wanted to share in the act of Jesus before the other disciples for he considered himself closest to Jesus. Covering topics including Miracles, Peace, Strength, It is common in parts of our. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! They were frightened, thinking that they were seeing a spirit, but when Jesus told them not to be afraid, they were reassured. The miraculous feat of Jesus walking on the water, written in three of the Gospels, came right after His wondrous feeding of the 5,000 with only five loaves of bread and two fish ( Matthew 14:17 ). Answer to the question Immediately following His miraculous feeding of the 5,000 with only five loaves of bread and two fish (as recorded in three of the Gospels; Matthew 14:2236; Mark 6:4556; John 6:1621), Jesus performed the miracle of walking on water (Matthew 14:17).Jesus disciples were convinced that He was the Son of God by the miracle of His walking on the water (Matthew 14:3233), but it was the miracle of Jesus walking on the water that convinced them the most.The action of the story takes place at the Sea of Galilee, which is located in the lower portion of the Jordan Valley, in a mountain range that rises to 4,000 feet above sea level and is home to the apostle Jesus. Peter replied, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water," and Jesus invited Peter to do exactly that. 48 And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them: 49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. Jesus is the true source of our escape since He is the Passover Lamb (John 1:29) and the One who guides His people safely across hazardous rivers (John 6:1621), among other roles.And we know He is capable of doing so because Christ has shown Himself to us.During the most difficult time of their ordeal, when they were terrified by the fury of the sea and the apparent certainty of death, the disciples overheard Jesus declare, It is I; do not be terrified (John 6:20).Do not be scared, Moses instructed the Israelites on the eve of the Red Sea crossing: Do not be terrified. Remain steady and watch for the Lords redemption, which he will bring about for you today (Ex.14:13).2 This implies that we have nothing to be afraid of as long as God is with us, as He is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The point is this: fear and faith cannot live in the same heart, for fear frequently blinds the eyes to the presence of the Lord. [26] In the Hebrew Bible, God gives power over the sea, e.g. Despite this, he was able to walk on water like the Son of God!Why?!How? "We Do Not Own The Rights To Any of The. 51 And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves; 52 for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. When they saw him, they were all scared, according to Mark 6:5051. Miracles, Peace, Strength, And we know that He can do this, because Christ tells us who He is. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. The people on the lake, however, thought he was a ghost when they saw him wandering about on the water.They screamed because they had all seen him and were afraid of him.Immediately, he addressed them and encouraged them, saying, Take courage! Matthews narrative goes into greater detail about the scenario than the other two accounts.They had all finished their meals and were satisfied, and the disciples collected twelve baskets full of broken bits that had been left behind.In addition to women and children, there were around 5,000 males who participated in the meal. As Peter later writes to the persecuted church in 1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Help them to understand that you built everything for usso that we might have a place to call home for the rest of our lives.But, even more importantly, you designed our existence so that we may join you in a loving relationship for the rest of our lives, beginning right now.In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen.This devotional is taken from the book 60 Days for Jesus, Volume 1, and it is titled Get your hands on a copy right now! This is a straightforward statement.All of this is reinforced by the fact that the sea is frequently used as a metaphor for sin, death, and judgment in the Bible, as well.It is initially associated with the concepts of darkness and chaos (Gen.1:2).During the days of Noah, the sea served as Gods lethal tool of wrath against mankind (Gen.6:17).As a result, later on, when Israel attempted to flee Egypt, they were stranded by the sea (please grasp this) until God provided a way for them to safely travel over it on dry ground (Ex. Moses also doubts Gods ability to provide enough food (Num. 21 They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat: and straightway the boat was at the land whither they were going. Because they were afraid, they screamed when they realized he was walking on the water and assumed he must be a ghost.He had intended to pass by them, but they mistook him for a ghost and screamed when they realized he was on the sea.However, he instantly addressed them and stated, Take heart; it is I. Jesus is not a ghost hovering over the water to wow people. Hence, they attempt to make Him king (John 6:15; see Deut. To show His disciples that the very thing they feared, the raging, seething sea, was merely a set of steps for Him to come to them.Often we fear the difficult experiences of life such as illness, loss of loved ones, and financial hardships only to discover that these experiences can bring Jesus closer to us.But we have to ask, why did they not recognize Jesus?The answer is they were not looking for Him. [21] Others have held that the entire episode is a "pious legend" (B.H. it this way. Mark 6:52 establishes a stronger connection between the two stories. But we believe this, I believe this, not because it is a creed separate from scripture, but because it is a condensation of scripture. The details presented differ slightly, but the cornerstone of each is the declaration of who Jesus is. One of His encounters with them was at the road to Emmaus. Merrill Tenney states that the incident is in essence centered on that aspect, rather than their peril or the miracle itself. Several hours later in the night, the disciples encountered a storm that frightened them. Is this not what the old hymns taught us to sing? You of little faith, why did you doubt? he said as he reached down into the water and raised him to his feet. Philippians 2: Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. The narrative serves as a reminder to Christians that when the Lord appears to them in the midst of their own personal troubles, they may not recognize him. However, when he saw the tremendous wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink into the water. 13:1). The moment they notice Him approaching, they freak out, proclaiming that He is a ghost! [9], This event is also seen as a divine fulfillment of words of Job, Who alone spreadeth out the heavens and walketh upon the waves of the sea, Job (9:8). Im not sure, but Ill question Him about it one of these days.Because of the massive storm that is occurring all around them, as well as Jesus presence on the lakeshore, Peter responds, If its you, order me to come out on the sea (Matthew 14:28).As a result, Jesus accomplishes just that!Just think about it! So what was Jesus motivation for walking on water? California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away. When Jesus glanced out across the lake, he noticed that it was extremely windy, as if a storm had swept in. His voice rang out to the Lord even though he was terrified, knowing that Jesus was the only one who could assist him. A mighty fortress is our God / a bulwark never failing; / Our helper He amid the flood / of mortal ills prevailing (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Martin Luther). A synagogue ruler does the same thing in Matthew 9:18.But this is the first time the disciples worshiped Him.It is also important to note that their worship is joined to their confession (Matthew 14:33). Do not be alarmed. So many of us are apprehensive about even getting out of the boat!Jesus, please hurry up and come aboard the boat with us, in our secure little corner!So many of us Christians want him to do just that!No, instead, come out on the sea with me, He says.Im not going to let you drown. This is exactly what we need to do! The very rules of physics that allow our planet to float and spinas well as to be at precisely the proper distance from the sun to provide us with light and warmthwere established by you! 2023 Proven Way 14:3436; Mark 6:5356). However, He still could not keep his fear at bay in order to stay afloat. In him and by him everything was created. "Jesus Walks on Water Bible Story Study Guide." What did Jesus mean when He said, Peace, be still. He is showing to his followers that he is the God of the universe. Then he said to the group: Hey guys, sorry I was late, but why did you all go without me? Like the account of the feeding of 5,000 people, this is both amazing and terrifying. 34 And when they had crossed over, they came to the land, unto Gennesaret. When we repeat a particular idea often enough that it becomes part of the air we breathe for years, or even generations on end, it accumulates a gravitas, an authority, that soon goes unexamined. The Bible recorded only one instance when Jesus walked on water. But when he saw the fury of the wind he panicked and began to sink, calling out, "Lord save me!" At once Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying, "You little-faith! Peter jumped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus, but the moment he took his eyes offof Jesus, Peter saw nothing but the wind and waves, and he started to sink. Later, when Israel sought escape from Egypt, they were trapped by the sealet the reader understanduntil God made a way for them to pass safely through it on dry ground (Ex. Even so, Philips doubts about Jesus ability to feed five thousand come after Christs miraculous provision of wine for a wedding feast (John 2:111). Why Does Jesus Walk on Water in the Bible? Wanting to believe, Peter steps out in faith to walk on the water with Jesus. Jesus walks on Water. By the end, no one could tell what [11] Dwight Pentecost and John Danilson state that this miracle was deliberately designed by Jesus to instruct his apostles and increase their faith. The same Peter that sunk in fear, and later denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:31-35), is the same Peter that started the church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:14-42). It was suggested that there is a negative correlation between taking the position that theistic evolution is the best description of Gods method of creation method and a willingness to believe in the miracles related in scripture, in the Old Testament, and more importantly in the New Testament. After all the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned 8:26 when calming the storm or 16:8 regarding bread and the Pharisees just before the Confession of Peter) and may mean "of no faith". Matthew's and Mark's accounts end at this point, but John mentions that the next day some people from the other side of the sea that looked for Jesus, noted that the disciples left without him, but they didn't know where he went. The third significant point is that Jesus proved Himself to be in command of the elements, something only God can do.He revealed this truth to the disciples who recognized His divinity and responded with a confession of faith in Jesus as God: The wind died down.Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God (Matthew 14:3233). A: In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus met the two women as they walked, but only met the disciples at a mountain in Galilee and from there sent them forth to teach all nations. It is common in parts of our society to dismiss the power of God, to reduce theism (belief in a personal interactive God) to deism (belief in a God who got everything started). When his fear hits, he begins to sink, but Jesus immediately saves Him. Colossians 1: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (Matthew 14:31; Mark 12:31).After that, they went onto the boat, where the storm had subsided.All of the disciples eyes were wide open and riveted on Jesus, as if they couldnt believe what they were seeing for the first time!And theres Jesus, all alone in the middle of the room.I believe He was beaming from ear to ear the entire time. Hades or Sheol was seen as the place of the dead with three areas or compartments: (1) the abyss or tartarus, the place of confinement for those demons who sinned in the days of Noah; (2) torments, the place of suffering for . The sea is seven-and-a-half miles long and thirteen miles wide at its widest point. [1] The fact that the John account also lacks this detail suggests that this account of "St. Peter's venture"[6] is a redactional addition by Matthew. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. debate, where people kept asking a Protestant minister who was also a TE He came with a mission to reconcile all things to God himself. The episode occurs shortly after another miracle, the feeding of the 5,000.This event convinced the 12 disciples that Jesus is indeed the living Son of God.Thus, the story is extremely significant to Christians and the basis for several important life lessons that govern . 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came unto them, walking upon the sea. He did not come to make us rich, famous, or comfortable. Restoring faith after a lapse: When Peter got off the boat, he had excellent intentions, but his faith began to wane as time went on. According to the lesson, when Christians take their eyes off of Jesus and concentrate on their challenging circumstances, they begin to crumble under the weight of their issues and eventually perish. Meaning of Jesus Walking on Water. Jesus Walks on Water Bible Story Study Guide. / In every high and stormy gale / My anchor holds within the veil. But why? 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