Matthew 14:22-36

After feeding the multitude, Jesus sent the disciples back across the lake in the boat. After the crowds were gone, Jesus took some time to be alone and pray. He had been seeking solitude before the crowds came and did not allow the interruption to sidetrack Him completely. As Jesus demonstrated many times, it is good to be alone with God in prayer from time to time. When something important is weighing on your mind or you need special comforting, get away from everything and allow yourself to focus on God with no distractions. God speaks to us in those solitary times in a way unlike any other.


After He was done praying, Jesus went to catch up with the disciples. Since they were on the boat, miles from shore, Jesus walked out to them... on the water. It was early morning (between 3 and 6) and the sea was choppy. Under these circumstances, the disciples who saw Him thought He was a ghost. When Jesus spoke and told them who He was, Peter requested to walk to Him on the water. Jesus invited him to come, which he did, but before he got to Jesus, Peter started to sink. Jesus caught him by the hand and brought him back into the boat. When they were both back in the boat, the sea calmed and the disciples praised Him, calling Him the Son of God.

Peter showed great faith in stepping out on the water to walk to Jesus. It is often and rightly said that the first step is the most difficult. However, even though he started strong, Peter let the wind and the waves get the better of him after a while. Instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus, he let the fear of his surroundings become his main focus. When we start something for Jesus, we need to have faith that He will continue to support us no matter what happens. If it seems like things are getting too tough, that's when it's time to focus more strongly on Jesus. Remember, if He calls you to it, He'll see you through it.


When they reached the other side, more sick people were brought to Jesus and were healed. Wherever Jesus went, people had heard about Him and were eager to come to Him to be healed or to have a friend or family member healed. For every follower of Christ, then and today, someone had to spread the word. Be thankful that someone cared enough to spread the word to you; be thankful enough to spread the word to someone else.