Jesus walks on water

Jesus walks on water/ Jesus calms the storm

English Standard Version Chapter 8

26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

English Standard Version Chapter 14

32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Distant & Separate to close and assured

Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the

Let’s return to the flow of the narrative. Matthew tells us of a threefold response when the disciples see that Jesus is walking on the sea: (1) The disciples are troubled (ἐταράχθησαν). (2) They speak a sort of anti-confession, “It is a ghost!” And (3) they cry out (ἔκραξαν) from fear (14:26). They assume that whatever being has appeared before them in such close proximity cannot bring good news. They are in the presence of something beyond their ken, and they are afraid of such power and mystery. They do not know who this is.

Jesus replies “immediately” (εὐθύς) in triple fashion (14:27), matching the disciples’ responses perfectly. Because they are troubled, Jesus calms them with his invitation “be courageous.” Because their anti-confession shows that they don’t know who he is, Jesus responds simply and absolutely, with overtones of Yahweh’s own speech, “It is I.” Because they have cried out from fear, Jesus speaks assuring words, “Stop being afraid.” He has matched their need, immediately, there in their presence. The message is clear and straightforward. This amazing being who has mastery over the sea and who comes to them in a fearful epiphany is none other than Jesus, their Master. Because it is he, they can know that this awe-full figure is for them. They do not have to be afraid. In this, his reassuring word, he has given them everything, and it is enough.

Why isn’t it enough?

Concordia Commentary: Matthew 11:2–20:34 First Movement: The Son Walks on the Sea and Speaks to Fearful Disciples (14:25–29a)

It should be. Mt 14:28–29a, however, rudely interrupts the scene and provides the transition from the text’s first movement to its second. It is not enough, apparently, because Peter does not quite believe that it is Jesus. It is actually a little hard to imagine that the fisherman could have the gall to say what he now says to the One who has power over the sea and who has revealed himself as the Master whom Peter and the others are following. Matthew gives no explicit insight into Peter’s mental or spiritual condition. It seems clear, however, that Peter does not consider Jesus’ word to be enough, and he asks for something more, something bizarre. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come on the waters to you” (14:28). Jesus responds with a single word: “come” (14:29a). Peter has demanded more. What will now become of Peter? The issue is this: What will it take for Peter to believe that it is Jesus?

Have you ever heard the song, “The Silence of God” by Andrew Peterson? If you aren’t a fan of modern worship music because you feel the lyrics are to shallow then you need to listen to Andrew Peterson. In the song, “The Silence of God” he sings about the challenge of following Jesus when everyone else seems so certain and yet you feel so unsure. Wondering where God is in the midst of the night. You have homework today, listen to that song and read the lyrics. Its a great song.

Then he sees the wind and the waves.

What should I do?

Concordia Commentary: Matthew 11:2–20:34 Second Movement: Doubting Peter and Gracious Jesus (14:29b–31)

Peter’s faith is not being held up as an example to emulate. His weakness is being showcased, in order that, in direct contrast, Jesus’ identity and power and grace might be seen more fully.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

6 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.