Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Ah, there’s so much that’s interesting about this passage that it’s hard to know just where to drop down and dig in. That Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go to the other side. The he knew he needed some quite time to pray. That his presence at first terrified his disciples. So many interesting details!
The one that grabs my attention this time, however, is about Peter. Not so much that he impetuously asks to come out of the boat onto the water. I actually kind of expect that of Peter. J Nor that he takes his eyes of the Lord and gave over his attention to the fierceness of the waves and wind. While I’ve heard a lifetime of sermons on how we should keep our eyes on Jesus – and of course we should – I can sympathize with Peter. Think about the last thunderstorm you were caught in – it’s hard not to notice the rush of the wind and pounding of the rain!
No, what grabs and holds my attention is that when Peter loses confidence and begins to sink, when he essentially “fails” the faith test and proves himself one of little faith, yet Jesus reaches out and grabs him.
Which gives me courage…courage to take on big challenges, even though I may fail, trusting that Jesus will reach out and grab hold of me, too.
So the question isn’t whether we’re caught in a storm or whether we have enough faith to walk on water, the question is whether we can dare great things trusting that Jesus will reach out and grab hold of us, even when we falter.
Prayer: Dear God, encourage us, strengthen us, embolden us, and bless us with the promise that you will never let us go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Post image: “Jesus Walking on Water,” Ivan Aivazovsky (1888).
May God give you the encouragement, peace, and strength to dare to do great things! My prayers are with you and the whole LTSP communty, and well, all seminary communities.