Scripture Daily

Context No. 3382 of 4322 · Matthew

Context · Reflection

Matthew 14:28-36: in context

28Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.” 29He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!” 34When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who were sick; 36and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.

Peter does a bold thing: at Jesus' word he steps out of the boat and walks on the water toward him. But then he sees the wind, takes his eyes off Jesus, and begins to sink, crying out, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus reaches out his hand and takes hold of him, saying, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?

There is a whole spiritual lesson in this. Peter walked as long as he looked at Jesus, and began to sink the moment he looked instead at the storm. His faith was real, real enough to step out of the boat, and yet fragile, faltering at the wind. But notice the mercy: Jesus does not let him drown; he catches him at once, and only then gently questions his doubt. Even our faltering faith is met by a Savior whose hand is quick to catch us the moment we cry for help. The call is to keep our eyes on him, and, even when sinking, to cry out, for he does not let go.

When fear pulls my eyes off Jesus and I begin to sink, do I cry out "Lord, save me," trusting his hand to catch me at once?

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