Why Did Jesus Walk on Water
Today we will talk about why did Jesus walk on water. Many Christians do not know what this means. This miraculous event, found in multiple Gospels, is filled with rich meanings and lessons. Jesus walking on the water shows His power over nature and serves to teach us about faith, fear, and trust in Him. As we meditate on these verses, let’s open our hearts to understand how this story speaks to us today.
The Miracle of Walking on Water
To grasp the significance of Jesus walking on water, let’s first look at the biblical account. Found in Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21, each Gospel adds its own touches to this extraordinary event. In these scriptures, Jesus walks on the surface of the Sea of Galilee during a storm, inviting Peter to join Him. The water represents chaos and struggle, while Jesus represents peace and divine authority.
In Hebrew, the word for “water” is מַיִם (mayim), which symbolizes chaos and the unknown. In contrast, in Greek, the term for “sea” is θάλασσα (thalassa), often associated with unpredictability and fear. Walking on water illustrates Jesus’ authority over these chaotic forces—He is not just a teacher but the Son of God who can conquer the storms of our lives.
The historical background of this event underscores its significance. The Sea of Galilee is known for its sudden storms due to its geographical setting. Fishermen, like the disciples, understood the peril of being out on the turbulent waters. Jesus’ action not only demonstrated His miraculous power but also served to strengthen their faith. The disciples, who were familiar with storms, were amazed when they recognized Jesus amidst the waves, showing that their fear was real, yet misplaced when faced with the divine.
Moreover, Jesus walking on water mirrors other instances in the Bible where He confronts chaos, such as in Genesis where the Spirit of God hovered over the waters (Genesis 1:2). It’s as if Jesus is saying, “I was there at creation, and I still hold authority over all things.” His act isn’t just a display of power; it’s a reminder of His divine nature.
The Call to Faith
One of the main lessons from Jesus walking on water revolves around faith. When Peter walks towards Jesus, he starts off strong, trusting in the power of Jesus. But as he notices the wind and waves, he becomes fearful and begins to sink (Matthew 14:30). This reflects our own spiritual journeys. We often begin with strong faith but get sidetracked by life’s challenges. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Just like Peter, we need to remember to focus on Jesus amidst our fears and uncertainties.
When we talk about faith, it’s essential to understand the Greek word πίστη (pistis), meaning trust or belief. Jesus is calling us into a relationship of trust with Him. It’s more than mere belief; it’s about actively trusting Him with our lives. This relationship changes how we face storms in life. As stated in Philippians 4:19, God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Jesus reaching out to catch Peter symbolizes how He is always ready to help us when we falter. We may find ourselves in positions where we feel like we’re sinking, but Jesus is there to lift us up. This teaches us that faith isn’t about never failing; it’s about the willingness to get back up with Jesus’ help.
In our walks of faith, we often face our “storms”. These may manifest as financial troubles, health issues, or emotional turmoil. Just as the disciples feared for their lives, we too can feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. However, remembering that Jesus walks on water encourages us that He has power over our troubles. Romans 8:28 reassures us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him. This serves as a reminder that Jesus seeks to bring us closer to Him, especially during trying times.
Overcoming Fear
Fear plays a significant role in the story of Jesus walking on water. When the disciples first see Jesus, they think He’s a ghost (Matthew 14:26). Their fear blinds them to the truth of who He is. The phrase “Do not be afraid” is repeated throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God rather than succumbing to fear (Isaiah 41:10, Luke 12:32).
When storms come in our lives, fear can grip our hearts. Fear distorts our perception, causing us to doubt God’s presence and power. In this passage, however, Jesus approaches the disciples, telling them not to fear. This is a common message throughout scripture, encouraging us to have faith over fear. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are urged to cast all our anxieties on Him, for He cares for us.
Jesus walking on water is much like a declaration that the physical aspects of life should not easily dictate our spiritual realities. Looking upon Jesus enables us to see beyond our immediate worries. Just like He brought calm to the storm, He also wants to instill peace in our hearts.
The historical context of fear when sailing on the Sea of Galilee adds an additional layer to this message. The disciples, experienced fishermen, would have known the dangers of the sea. Yet, their familiarity with the waters didn’t prepare them for Jesus’ miraculous appearance. How often do we allow our experiences to shape our fears rather than trusting in God who transcends those experiences? Jesus’ walk on water helps us understand that while storms are real, so is His presence in our lives.
A Lesson of Trust and Obedience
Another important aspect of Jesus walking on water relates to trust and obedient faith. When Jesus calls Peter to step out of the boat, it symbolizes an opportunity for Peter to exercise trust. Peter boldly steps onto the water but soon loses sight of Jesus, illustrating a shift from faith to doubt (Matthew 14:29-30).
In learning about obedience, we can examine the Greek word ὑπακοή (hypakoē), meaning a listening or submission to authority. In our relationship with Jesus, obedience flows from our trust in Him. John 14:15 states, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience isn’t tied to fear but rather to love and trust.
When Jesus calls Peter to come, it was more than a mere invitation; it was also a challenge. Stepping out symbolizes the call to follow Christ, which often requires moving beyond our comfort zones. Sometimes, Jesus asks us to take steps that seem impossible—like walking on water! This is true faith: believing in Jesus despite the storms raging around us.
This kind of trust encourages us to ask ourselves, “What is God asking me to step out in faith toward?” Whether it’s mending relationships, pursuing a new direction in life, or reaching out to help others, we have to remember that obedience is often accompanied by challenges. But with Jesus, we can overcome them. Like Peter, when we obey and step out, we may indeed find ourselves supported by Jesus, even in unexpected ways.
The Affirmation of Jesus’ Divinity
The miracle of walking on water isn’t just about the act itself; it’s also an affirmation of Jesus’ divine nature. As the disciples witness Jesus calming the storm after Peter’s sinking, they declare, “Truly, you are the Son of God!” (Matthew 14:33). This confession emphasizes the awe and realization of Jesus’ true identity.
In the Old Testament, the Lord is depicted as having authority over the waters (Job 9:8, Psalm 89:9). By walking on water, Jesus confirms His power not only as a prophet or teacher but as divine, equating Himself with God. The act invites us to acknowledge Him in our lives as Savior and God.
The importance of recognizing Jesus’ divinity cannot be overstated—when we understand who He is, we can place our trust and faith in Him more securely. The invitation to believe in Jesus is made clear throughout scripture. John 20:31 tells us that the purpose of the Gospel is that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in His name.
Accepting Jesus’ identity impacts our relationship with Him. In recognizing His power over nature and the storms in our lives, we can surrender our fears and trust in His loving sovereignty. This is what faith is all about—the connection we foster when we genuinely regard Jesus as the Son of God who walks with us even on turbulent waters.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on why Jesus walked on water opens a wonderful opportunity for us to strengthen our daily faith walk. This miraculous event is not just a thrilling story but a rich lesson in faith, courage, and the powerful presence of Jesus in our lives. By understanding the significance of Jesus’ actions—His authority over chaos, His calming presence amid storms, and the imperative of trust—we are encouraged to let go of our fears and embrace His call.
Like Peter, we might find ourselves equally bold and fearful, ready to step out but sometimes sinking in doubt. It is in these moments we must remember that Jesus is always there—ready and willing to catch us when we falter. He reminds us that it is we who must place our faith in Him and trust in His perfect love, which drives out fear.
As we reflect on the story of Jesus walking on water, let us carry its lessons into our lives. God is good, and He desires for us to live courageously, focused on Him rather than the storms that surround us. In doing so, we can experience peace that surpasses understanding and a faith that triumphs over fear.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4