Topical Encyclopedia The miracle of Peter walking on the sea is a significant event in the New Testament, illustrating both the divine authority of Jesus Christ over nature and the faith required of His followers. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 14:22-33.Context and Setting Following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, while He dismissed the crowds and went up on a mountainside to pray alone. As evening came, the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. The Miracle In the fourth watch of the night, which is between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m., Jesus approached the disciples, walking on the sea. The disciples, seeing Him walking on the water, were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Peter, demonstrating a mixture of faith and doubt, responded, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water" (Matthew 14:28). Jesus simply said, "Come" (Matthew 14:29). Peter then got down out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. However, when he saw the wind, he became afraid and began to sink, crying out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down, and those in the boat worshiped Jesus, declaring, "Truly You are the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33). Theological Significance This miracle underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the divine nature of Christ, who exercises authority over the natural elements, walking on water as if it were solid ground. This act is a testament to His identity as the Son of God, a truth acknowledged by the disciples in their worship. Secondly, the event serves as a powerful lesson on faith and doubt. Peter's initial faith allowed him to walk on water, but his subsequent fear and doubt caused him to sink. Jesus' rebuke, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" serves as a reminder of the necessity of unwavering faith in Christ, even amidst life's storms. Lastly, the miracle illustrates the compassionate and saving nature of Jesus. Despite Peter's faltering faith, Jesus immediately responded to his cry for help, demonstrating His readiness to save those who call upon Him in times of distress. Symbolism and Application The imagery of walking on water is rich with symbolism. The sea, often representing chaos and danger, is subdued under the feet of Christ, symbolizing His power to bring peace and order. Peter's experience is emblematic of the Christian journey, where faith enables believers to overcome the impossible, yet human frailty can lead to moments of doubt and fear. For believers, this miracle is a call to maintain faith in Christ, trusting in His power and presence even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It encourages Christians to step out in faith, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2). Conclusion The miracle of Peter walking on the sea remains a profound testament to the divine authority of Jesus and the faith He calls His followers to exhibit. It is a narrative that continues to inspire and challenge believers to trust in the Lord's power and presence in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 14:29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ Teaching by Miracles The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret The King's Highway The Harmony of the Gospels. St. Peter The Two Storms (Jesus Walking on the Water) The Rationalistic Explanation. John vi. 16-18 The Fifth Miracle in John's Gospel Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ... Resources Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org What are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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