Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side [toward Capernaum*, to Bethsaida*], while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. (Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 6:45-46*; John 6:16-17*)
In our previous study, Jesus miraculously fed over 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread. (see THE GOSPEL: Two Fish, Five Loaves, 5,000 People) Now He's sending everyone away, even the disciples, so that He can have private time with God the Father, in prayer. This is a good habit we should also practice, praying in private. (see THE GOSPEL: Establish a Prayer Life) But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. [Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.*] Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:24-27; Mark 6:47-50*; John 6:18-20) At this point, nothing Jesus does should surprise us anymore! He's performed so many miracles, that we should be convinced beyond any doubt that He is the Son of God; Let heaven and earth praise Him, The seas and everything that moves in them. (Psalm 69:34)
The question we need to ask ourselves is what are we now able to do, because of our belief in Christ Jesus? And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28-31) Through our belief in God, faith in Christ Jesus, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) - even walk on water, in the midst of boiserous winds, the distractions and temptations of this world! No matter what challenges life presents us, ...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,... (Hebrews 12:1-2)
But, just like Peter, if we become distracted by the boisterous winds and take our "eyes" off of Christ, let's pray that we'll have enough sense about us to cry out to God, “Lord, save me!” Not only will God save us, but He will also take us safely to the place He has prepared for us. And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:32-33; Mark 6:51) And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:51-52) After all the miracles the disciples had been eye witness to, even the feeding of the multitude, they still had their doubts, just like many of us do. As Jesus will explain to some unbelievers in a future lesson, it applies here also: "If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” (John 10:37-38) Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. (John 6:21)
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