Walking on Water

After a full day of ministry and picking up twelve baskets of leftovers, Jesus sees that the disciples are exhausted. So he sends them off in a boat, onto the Sea of Galilee to get them away from the crowd and allow them to rest, while he dismisses everyone else (Mark 6:45). After bidding the crowd farewell, Jesus makes his way back up a nearby mountain to spend some time debriefing with his Father (Mark 6:46). It has been a long day, filled with a whirlwind of emotions for Jesus. He begins to relax and is enjoying the communion with his Father, when…

Questions from your reading

• As you study this story, what amazes you?
• What might Jesus have been thinking about as he watched his disciples “straining at the oars”? (Mark 6:48)
• What do you think Peter was thinking during this experience?
• What lessons did Jesus want his disciples to learn here?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

Jesus enjoyed an incredible night of communion with his Dad. As always, he was energised after spending time in prayer. Possibly the words of Isaiah 40:31 brought him strength:

“... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Jesus must have realised that the people below had wanted to make him king that morning (John 6:15). What was he to do? What were the marching orders? Jesus spent the evening discussing his next steps with his Dad.

It’s late now—about three o’clock in the morning (Matthew 14:25). As the wind begins to blow, Jesus lifts up his eyes and sees his leaders out on the lake, struggling against the storm. What will they do without him? Will they exercise their faith? Jesus begins to make his way out to the disciples, who are about 3–4 miles from shore (John 6:19). As he comes close to the boat, they start screaming, “It’s a ghost!” They were overtired and too scared to think clearly. When we’re tired and scared, who knows what will come out of our mouths? Jesus continues drawing near and says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Peter seizes the moment for a little adventure and says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus tells him to come. Imagine those first few steps—what must they have felt like? To step out of the boat and actually walk on water must have been extraordinary. Everything is going well until Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to focus on what’s happening around him. At that moment, he begins to sink. It’s the same with us—when we shift our gaze from Jesus to our circumstances, we start going under.

Notice what Peter cries: “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). Sound familiar? God loves to hear those words. He is a Saviour who delights in saving—because when he does, he receives all the glory.

Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and lifts Peter up. What a moment! As they climb into the boat, the storm stops—just like that. And the twelve leaders begin worshipping Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). Some might have been jumping and dancing; others perhaps lying face-down in awe. But one person likely worshipped at a different level. Peter—the only other person ever to walk on water—must have praised Jesus with a deeper sense of wonder. He had taken the step of faith and obeyed Jesus.

Applying what you’ve read

Are you a water-walker or a boat-hugger? The only way to “walk on water” as a leader is to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the author, leader, and perfecter of your faith. Let him consume your thoughts—take every one captive in obedience to him.

What’s your next step of faith? Have a good discussion with your disciples today about what it means to be a water-walker.