Walking on Water

Illustration of Walking on Water
In the fourth watch of the night, the disciples saw Jesus walking on the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee as if it were a sidewalk. Peter stepped out too - and walked, until he looked down.

In the Gospel accounts, following the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sent his disciples ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee while he prayed alone on the mountain. A violent storm arose during the night, and Jesus approached them walking on the water, revealing his identity with the words "It is I" before inviting Peter to step out of the boat. Peter walked briefly toward Jesus but began to sink when fear and doubt overcame his faith, leading Jesus to rescue him and question the weakness of his trust. This event highlights Jesus' divine sovereignty over nature, reinforces the call to steadfast faith amid trials, and strengthens the disciples' understanding of his messianic identity in Scripture.

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Details

Category
Nature
Testament
New Testament
Performed by
Jesus

Key Chapters

Matthew 14 John the Baptist Beheaded 5 min read This passage shows Jesus' power over creation and invites us to trust Him withou... Mark 6 Jesus Rejected at Nazareth 8 min read This passage reveals Jesus meeting his followers in their fear, showing his powe...

Key Passages

Jesus Walks on Water

Matthew 14:25-33

This passage shows Jesus' power over creation and invites us to trust Him without fear amid life's storms.

A25nd in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Mark's Account

Mark 6:47-52

This passage reveals Jesus meeting his followers in their fear, showing his power to bring peace amid overwhelming circumstances.

A47nd when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. 49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Explore Related

Characters 4

Jesus Jesus is portrayed in the Bible as the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah whose coming fulfilled Oldโ€ฆ Peter Peter, originally a fisherman named Simon, was called by Jesus along the Sea of Galilee to become one ofโ€ฆ John (Apostle) John the Apostle, son of Zebedee and brother of James, was among Jesus' innermost circle of disciples andโ€ฆ James (Son of Zebedee) James, son of Zebedee, was one of the first apostles called by Jesus while fishing on the Sea of Galilee,โ€ฆ

Places 1

Sea of Galilee The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake in northern Israel also known as Lake Kinneret, formed the geographicโ€ฆ

Themes 3

Creation In the beginning, God created. Six days of divine artistry produced a universe of staggering beauty andโ€ฆ Sovereignty of God The Lord reigns. From Joseph's slavery to Daniel's lions' den, Scripture reveals a God who works all thingsโ€ฆ Faith Without faith it is impossible to please God. From Abraham leaving everything for an unknown land to aโ€ฆ

Did You Know?

1

The disciples had been rowing against the wind for 9 hours (from evening to the 'fourth watch').

2

Peter actually walked on water too. He only sank when he looked at the waves instead of Jesus.

3

Jesus said 'It is I'. Literally 'I AM' in Greek, echoing God's name from Exodus.