Ah, yes—today we read the famous Jesus walking on water story! For even casual observers of Jesus’ “greatest hits,” we’ve probably heard this passage taught as an invitation to see ourselves in Peter’s shoes. In other words, how are we like Peter, lacking in faith? The common interpretation of this is: “Just doubt less and have a little more faith, ya lil faith weakling!” That interpretation isn’t wrong … but wait, there’s so much more (read in a “Price Is Right” Bob Barker voice)!
Ancient Jewish scholars often refer to Scripture as a diamond: When you turn it in the light, you notice something new each time. So here’s another way of understanding this familiar story …
Matthew’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ life and ministry by showing Jesus doing “God things.” This Gospel was written for a Jewish audience, who would have been very familiar with the God of the Old Testament.
For example, the first book of the Bible, Genesis, opens with God’s Spirit hovering over the waters and then creating order out of the watery chaos. Throughout the Bible, water often represents chaos, disorder, or evil. God takes chaos (represented by water) and brings order, calm, and shalom. And look! Today, we find Jesus doing that same “God thing.” Jesus steps directly into the chaos of the stormy sea, this time with frightened humanity caught in it.
It’s buried in our English translations, but the way that Jesus says it is him in this passage is actually a very important and famous phrase throughout Scripture: “I am!” Jesus saying this in today’s reading echoes God’s self-revelation to Moses in the burning bush.
Matthew is laying out a case for Jesus’ divinity: Look at Jesus doing these things that only God does! Could it be true that Jesus is the Messiah, God himself? (More on that later this week!) At the end of this story, the disciples answer this for themselves. In verse 33, they exclaim, “You really are the Son of God!”
May that confession be our own exclamation today: Jesus, you really are who you say you are! You really are the one with authority over all things! You really are the one who comes to us—in our storms, anxieties, and fears—and creates order from all chaos!
Reflection:
- The disciples’ fear of the storm was justified. Storms on the Sea of Galilee could be dangerous. Seeing Jesus’ power displayed in this story by walking on the water to the disciples is a HUGE testament to Jesus’ authority! Spend time simply marveling at the authority that God has over creation. What does that sense of wonder and awe stir in you?
- Just as the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first, there are MANY storms in life where God comes to meet us, and we just miss it. When anxiety is raging or fears are in full focus, what helps you notice God’s presence in the midst with you?
- Peter’s cry to Jesus from the water, “Save me!” is a great cry for us. It’s a cry we see all over the Psalms. It foreshadows what Jesus is going to do at the end of Matthew’s Gospel. How can that be your prayer as well today?