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Matthew 14:28 (BSB)
“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”” — Matthew 14:28
Imagine you’re in a stormy boat, waves crashing all around, and then you see someone walking on the water! It's wild, right? That's Peter reacting in this moment. He’s feeling a mix of excitement and a little fear. When he calls out to Jesus, he’s not just asking for a miracle; he’s showing his deep desire to connect with Him. It’s like saying, 'If it’s really you, then I want to be where you are, even if it’s scary!' This moment is all about faith and the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples. He was there for all these incredible moments and wanted to share the story of Jesus' life and teachings with everyone. Including Peter’s request to walk on water is super important because it highlights the struggle between doubt and faith. Matthew’s perspective as someone who followed Jesus closely gives us a first-hand look at the challenges and triumphs of faith in action.
Matthew wrote this during a time when followers of Jesus were facing tough challenges—like persecution and misunderstanding from society. This was a revolutionary period where people were searching for meaning and answers. By highlighting Peter's response to Jesus in a moment of fear, Matthew is tapping into a universal human experience: facing uncertainty. This setting helps us understand the depth of Peter’s request to step out onto the water—it wasn’t just about a miracle; it was a bold statement of faith.
This verse matters because it speaks directly to you in your own moments of doubt and fear. Just like Peter, you might find yourself facing your own storms—maybe it’s about a tough decision, a relationship challenge, or a big life change. This moment encourages you to take that leap of faith, to step out of your comfort zone, and trust that you’re not alone. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most amazing experiences come when you’re willing to take the risk and reach out for something greater.
To live out this verse, think about what 'stepping out of the boat' looks like for you. Is there something you’ve been putting off because it feels too scary? Maybe it’s having a tough conversation with someone, trying something new, or pursuing a goal you’ve always dreamed of. This week, take one small step towards that. It could be as simple as writing down your fears and then writing down what you want to achieve. Just like Peter, take that leap—reach out, and see what happens!
Now, let’s zoom out a bit. Earlier in the chapter, there’s this incredible scene where Jesus feeds thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread and fish. After that miracle, He sends His disciples ahead on a boat while He goes off to pray. Later, a storm kicks up, and the disciples are terrified. That's when they see Jesus walking toward them on the water, and Peter's bold request to join Him happens right at this peak moment of tension. This verse is significant because it shows Peter stepping up, ready to trust Jesus amidst the chaos. It's a turning point that highlights the theme of faith in action.
When was a time in your life when you felt called to step out in faith, like Peter? What held you back, and what did you learn from that experience?
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