How does Peter's request in Matthew 14:28 demonstrate faith in Jesus' power? Setting the Scene • Just hours earlier, Jesus had fed the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), proving His authority over creation. • He then sent the disciples ahead, remaining alone to pray. During the fourth watch of the night He came to them, “walking on the sea” (Matthew 14:25). • The disciples, terrified, thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus immediately calmed their fears: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27). Peter’s Request: A Closer Look Matthew 14:28 — “Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.” • “Lord” — Peter addresses Jesus with the title of divine authority. • “If it is You” — not doubt of Jesus’ identity so much as a plea for verification through obedience (cf. 1 John 4:1). • “Command me” — Peter believes that a single word from Jesus carries creative, sustaining power (Genesis 1:3; Hebrews 1:3). • “to come to You on the water” — he does not ask for the storm to cease but to share in Jesus’ supernatural act. Expressions of Faith in the Request • Confidence in Jesus’ lordship: Only the true Lord could enable such an act. • Expectation of the miraculous: Peter assumes that if Jesus commands, the impossible becomes possible (Luke 1:37). • Desire for proximity: Faith draws him toward Jesus, not merely toward safety. • Submission to Christ’s word: He waits for Jesus’ “Come” before taking a single step (Psalm 119:105). What Peter Believed about Jesus’ Power 1. Authority over nature — Jesus doesn’t just calm the sea; He walks on it (Job 9:8). 2. Power shared with followers — Peter expects that power can extend to him (John 14:12). 3. Immediate responsiveness — A present, spoken word from Jesus is enough (Matthew 8:8-10). Lessons for Us Today • Faith asks big because it trusts big. • True courage is not self-confidence but Christ-confidence. • The safest place in any storm is wherever Jesus is, even if it is on top of the waves. • Obedience precedes experience; Peter steps out only after the command. Thus Peter’s request in Matthew 14:28 stands as a vivid act of faith: he willingly entrusts himself to Jesus’ spoken word, believing that the One who created the seas can enable him to walk upon them. |
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