Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition and Growing Faith
4.5 — Walking on Water
Walking on Water: In the midst of the storm, Jesus calls His followers to trust Him and not be afraid.
4.5 — Walking on Water
Trusting Jesus Above the Storm
The feeding of the five thousand had just taken place.
The crowds were amazed.
The disciples had witnessed one of the greatest miracles of Jesus’ ministry.
Yet another lesson was about to follow.
Jesus sent the disciples ahead by boat while He remained behind to pray.
As night fell, the disciples once again found themselves battling wind and waves on the Sea of Galilee.
Hours passed.
The boat struggled against the storm.
The disciples were exhausted.
Then something happened that they never expected.
Jesus came walking toward them on the water.
What followed became one of the most memorable lessons about faith in all of Scripture.
This story is not only about a miracle.
It is about learning to trust Jesus when circumstances seem impossible.
Scripture References
Matthew 14:22–33
Mark 6:45–52
John 6:16–21
Psalm 77:19
Job 9:8
Isaiah 43:2
The Story
After feeding the crowd, Jesus instructed His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat.
He remained behind to pray.
During the night, strong winds arose.
The disciples struggled as waves battered the boat.
They rowed for hours with little progress.
Shortly before dawn, Jesus came toward them walking on the water.
When the disciples saw Him, they were terrified.
They thought they were seeing a ghost.
Jesus immediately spoke:
“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered:
“Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
Jesus replied:
“Come.”
Peter stepped out of the boat.
For a moment, he walked on the water toward Jesus.
But when Peter focused on the wind and waves, fear overwhelmed him.
He began to sink.
Peter cried out:
“Lord, save me!”
Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him.
Together they entered the boat.
The wind stopped.
The disciples worshiped Jesus and declared:
“Truly You are the Son of God.”
Understanding the Story
Why Were the Disciples Alone?
Jesus intentionally sent them ahead while He spent time in prayer.
The disciples found themselves facing a difficult situation without understanding why.
Why Did They Think Jesus Was a Ghost?
People in the ancient world often associated unusual events at sea with danger and fear.
Seeing someone walking on the water seemed impossible.
Their first reaction was terror.
Why Did Peter Step Out of the Boat?
Peter often acted boldly.
His request revealed both faith and a desire to be near Jesus.
For a brief time, Peter experienced the miracle himself.
Why Did Peter Begin to Sink?
The Gospel emphasizes the shift in Peter’s attention.
He began by focusing on Jesus.
Then he became consumed by the wind and waves.
Fear replaced trust.
Understanding Jesus
The Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee frequently appears in the ministry of Jesus.
Its geography allows sudden storms to develop quickly, creating dangerous conditions for fishermen and travelers.
Walking on Water in the Old Testament
Several Old Testament passages describe God alone as having authority over the sea.
Job says God:
“tramples down the waves of the sea.”
By walking on water, Jesus was demonstrating authority associated with God Himself.
The Importance of “It Is I”
In Greek, Jesus’ words can also carry the meaning:
“I AM.”
Many readers see a connection to God’s self-revelation in the Old Testament.
The statement points beyond the miracle to Jesus’ identity.
Why the Disciples Worshiped
This miracle moved the disciples beyond amazement.
They responded with worship because they were beginning to understand who Jesus truly was.
Old Testament Connections
The Bible often uses water as a symbol of chaos, danger, and forces beyond human control.
God repeatedly demonstrates authority over the waters.
Psalm 77 says:
“Your way was in the sea.”
Isaiah 43 promises:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
The miracle echoes these themes.
Jesus does not simply survive the storm.
He walks above it.
Missing Context Check
Is This Story Mainly About Peter Failing?
No.
Peter is often criticized for sinking, but he was the only disciple who stepped out of the boat.
The story highlights both faith and the need to keep trusting Jesus.
Does Faith Mean We Never Experience Fear?
No.
The disciples experienced fear repeatedly.
Faith means trusting God even when fear is present.
Why Is This Miracle Important?
The miracle reveals Jesus’ authority over creation and leads the disciples toward a deeper understanding of His identity.
A Deeper Look: Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus
Peter’s experience has encouraged Christians for generations.
As long as Peter focused on Jesus, he moved forward in faith.
When he became overwhelmed by the storm around him, he began to sink.
The lesson is not that believers must have perfect faith.
The lesson is that Jesus remains faithful even when faith struggles.
When Peter cried out for help, Jesus immediately reached for him.
This story connects closely to:
Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith: 4.1:Jesus Calms the Storm
Key Themes
Jesus Is Greater Than the Storm
The waves did not control Him.
Faith Requires Trust
Peter stepped forward because he trusted Jesus.
Jesus Rescues
When Peter cried out, Jesus responded immediately.
Worship Follows Understanding
The disciples increasingly recognized who Jesus was.
Why This Lesson Matters
Everyone experiences seasons of uncertainty.
Storms may come through illness, grief, financial struggles, broken relationships, fear, or unexpected change.
This story reminds believers that Jesus remains present during those storms.
The lesson also teaches that faith is not about never struggling.
Faith is about continuing to trust Jesus when life feels overwhelming.
Connecting to Jesus
This miracle reveals Jesus as:
Son of God.
Lord of Creation.
Savior.
Faithful Rescuer.
Christians believe Jesus is present in every season and remains worthy of trust even when circumstances seem impossible.
Living the Message
This week:
Identify an area where fear has been competing with faith.
Spend time in prayer focusing on God’s presence rather than the problem.
Read Matthew 14:22–33 slowly.
Remember times when God has carried you through difficult seasons.
Encourage someone who may be facing a storm in life.
Reflection Questions
Why did Peter step out of the boat?
Possible answers:
He trusted Jesus and wanted to follow Him.
Why did Peter begin to sink?
Possible answers:
He shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm around him.
What does this miracle reveal about Jesus?
Possible answers:
Jesus has authority over creation and is worthy of worship.
What can believers learn from Peter?
Possible answers:
Faith involves trusting Jesus even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
How does Jesus respond when Peter cries for help?
Possible answers:
Immediately and compassionately.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus walked on water and revealed His authority over creation.
Reasons We Believe
The miracle points to Jesus’ divine identity and power.
Obedience in Action
Choose faith over fear in one area of your life.
Walk It Out
Reflect on a current storm and ask God to help you keep your focus on Christ.
Related Pages
Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith, 4.1:Jesus Calms the Storm
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Continue Learning
Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith:4.6:The Four Messianic Miracles Fulfilled
Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith:4.4:Feeding the Five Thousand
Season 4 — Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
The waves were real.
The fear was real.
But Jesus was greater than them all.
And when Peter cried out, Jesus reached for him.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
