How does Matthew 14:25 demonstrate Jesus' divine authority over nature? Setting the Scene Matthew 14:25: “During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.” • The fourth watch (3–6 a.m.) places the event in deep darkness when human help or illusion is impossible. • The Sea of Galilee is stirred by sudden, violent winds; yet Jesus’ steps are steady. Walking Where Only God Can • Scripture consistently teaches that only God treads on the waves: – Job 9:8: “He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.” – Psalm 77:19: “Your path led through the sea; Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were unseen.” • By doing what only Yahweh does, Jesus unmistakably claims the same prerogative. • Creation itself submits; water, normally yielding, becomes a firm pathway under His feet—signifying absolute lordship over the natural order He spoke into existence (cf. Colossians 1:16-17). Fulfillment of Old Testament Portraits • The Exodus: God divided the Red Sea (Exodus 14). Jesus surpasses that by needing no dry path; He walks directly on the water. • Echoes of Psalm 93:3-4: the Lord is “above the roar of many waters.” Jesus stands physically above them, embodying that psalm. Authority Confirmed by the Response of Creation • No incantations, no struggle—simply His presence. Nature obeys instantly, mirroring Genesis 1 creation authority and Hebrews 1:3: “upholding all things by His powerful word.” • Parallel accounts (Mark 6:48-50; John 6:19) underscore the same effortless control, witnessed by multiple disciples. Implications for Our Faith Today • Confidence in His sovereignty: if waves obey, every circumstance of our lives is under the same command. • Assurance of deity: Jesus is not merely a prophet but the Creator in human flesh, worthy of worship and trust. • Invitation to courageous obedience: later in the passage Peter steps onto the water at Christ’s call, showing that believers can act with bold faith when their eyes are fixed on the One who rules sea and storm. |
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