Jesus Walks on Water

Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat, dismisses the crowds, and prays alone on the mountain. While the boat is battered by wind and waves, he comes toward them walking on the sea. Their fear is answered by his immediate call to courage and his assurance of his presence.

I²²mmediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. ²³After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, ²⁴but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. ²⁵During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. ²⁷But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Peter asks to come to Jesus on the water, and Jesus calls him out. Peter walks briefly, then sinks when he notices the wind; Jesus reaches him at once and questions his doubt. Back in the boat, the wind stops and the disciples worship him as God’s Son.

²⁸“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.” ²⁹“Come,” said Jesus. ³⁰Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” ³²And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down. ³³Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”