"Come," said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. “Come,” said Jesus.This invitation from Jesus is a direct command and a test of faith. It echoes the call of Jesus to His disciples in other parts of the Gospels, such as when He called them to follow Him (Matthew 4:19). The word "Come" signifies an invitation to step out in faith, leaving behind the safety of the boat, which represents human security and comfort. This moment is a demonstration of Jesus' authority over nature and His ability to empower His followers to do the impossible when they trust in Him. The command also reflects the personal relationship Jesus has with His disciples, as He knows Peter by name and calls him specifically. Mat 11:28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,… Then Peter got down out of the boat, Peter's action of getting out of the boat is significant as it shows his willingness to trust Jesus and take a step of faith. The boat can be seen as a symbol of the church or the community of believers, and Peter's stepping out represents a move from collective security to individual faith. This act is a demonstration of Peter's impulsive nature, which is seen throughout the Gospels, such as when he declares Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16) or when he cuts off the servant's ear in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10). It also foreshadows Peter's role as a leader in the early church, where he would often be the first to act or speak. Luk 5:11 And when they had brought their boats ashore, they left… walked on the water, Walking on water is a miraculous event that signifies divine power and authority over creation. In the Old Testament, only God is described as having control over the seas (Job 9:8, Psalm 77:19), and this act by Peter, enabled by Jesus, shows the divine nature of Christ and His ability to share His power with His followers. This miracle is unique to the Gospels and serves as a type of Jesus' own resurrection, where He defies natural laws. It also prefigures the believer's ability to overcome worldly challenges through faith in Christ. Jhn 6:19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, … and came toward Jesus. Peter's movement toward Jesus symbolizes the journey of faith, where believers are called to draw closer to Christ. This phrase highlights the importance of keeping one's focus on Jesus, as Peter's subsequent fear and sinking occur when he looks away from Christ and at the storm (Matthew 14:30). The act of coming toward Jesus is a metaphor for spiritual growth and discipleship, emphasizing the need for continual movement toward a deeper relationship with Him. This journey is echoed in other scriptures that call believers to draw near to God (James 4:8) and to run the race set before them, fixing their eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). Jhn 6:37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who performs the miracle of walking on water and invites Peter to do the same. 2. Peter One of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his impulsive nature and strong faith, who steps out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus. 3. The Boat Represents safety and the familiar, from which Peter steps out in faith. 4. The Sea of Galilee The body of water where this miraculous event takes place, known for its sudden storms and unpredictable conditions. 5. The Miracle of Walking on Water A demonstration of Jesus' divine authority over nature and an invitation for Peter to exercise faith. Teaching Points Faith Requires ActionPeter's decision to step out of the boat illustrates that faith often requires us to take bold steps beyond our comfort zones. Focus on Jesus Peter's ability to walk on water depended on his focus on Jesus. When he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, he began to sink. This teaches us the importance of keeping our eyes on Christ amidst life's challenges. Divine Authority Jesus' command over the natural elements reaffirms His divine authority, encouraging believers to trust in His power over all circumstances. Overcoming Fear Peter's initial courage to step out of the boat shows that faith can overcome fear, a lesson for believers facing daunting situations. Learning from Failure Peter's experience of sinking and being rescued by Jesus teaches us that failure is an opportunity for growth and deeper reliance on Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Peter's willingness to step out of the boat teach us about the nature of faith?2. How can we apply the lesson of keeping our focus on Jesus in our daily lives, especially during challenging times? 3. In what ways does this passage demonstrate Jesus' authority, and how can that assurance impact our trust in Him? 4. How can we overcome fear and doubt when stepping out in faith, as Peter did? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were "sinking" in life. How did you experience Jesus' presence and help during that time, and how can that experience strengthen your faith now? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 8:23-27This passage describes another instance where Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature by calming a storm, highlighting His divine power. Hebrews 12:2 Encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, similar to Peter's initial focus on Jesus as he steps out of the boat. James 1:6 Discusses the importance of faith without doubting, which relates to Peter's experience as he begins to sink when he doubts. Isaiah 43:2 Promises God's presence and protection through waters, symbolizing trials and challenges, akin to Peter's experience on the water. Philippians 4:13 Emphasizes the strength believers receive through Christ, which Peter experiences as he walks on water. People Herod, Herodias, Jesus, John, Peter, PhilipPlaces Galilee, Genneseret, Jerusalem, Sea of GalileeTopics Boat, Climbed, Descended, Got, Peter, Ship, Stepped, Walked, Walking, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 14:22-33 8726 doubters Library July 23. "Bring them Hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18). "Bring them hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18). Why have ye not received all the fulness of the Holy Spirit? And how may we be anointed with "the rest of the oil?" The greatest need is to make room when God makes it. Look around you at your situation. Are you not encompassed with needs at this very moment, and almost overwhelmed with difficulties, trials and emergencies? These are all divinely provided vessels for the Holy Spirit to fill, and if you would but rightly understand their meaning, they would … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Grave of the Dead John and the Grave of the Living Jesus Peter on the Waves The Martyrdom of John The Food of the World The King's Highway Again on Matt. xiv. 25: of the Lord Walking on the Waves of the Sea, and of Peter Tottering. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiv. 24, "But the Boat was Now in the Midst of the Sea, Distressed by the Waves. " Mr. Fearing Comforted First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return. Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John. First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return. The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret The Preachings on the Lake. Be of Good Cheer. The Rationalistic Explanation. Capernaum The Grave of John, and Another Grave The Confidence of Prayer. --Matt. xiv. 22 The Glory of Penitents and Pious People. Christ's Encouragements Dancing. 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