August 9, 2026                Matthew 14:22-33

22 [Jesus] made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee,] while he dismissed the crowds.23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”  28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

May fear cease & peace come to you, as waters rage & winds howl.

Was there someone this morning who made you come to church? (Good for them.)  If not today, maybe that has been your experience on other weeks or for other services & events. Perhaps they made you go to work or get out to the bus to go to school. The one who issued the command or did the compelling, knew that if you went - it would be good for you! Perhaps you did not agree and that is why that extra push was required to get you moving.

Jesus made the disciples get into that boat and head for the far shore. The original verb used is one that carries strong force behind it, as if they were obligated to go. We know from the stories which were previous to this, Jesus had been trying to have a little time to himself, to recuperate, to mourn, and to figure out what was next on his agenda. So, He might have been in a rush to get those guys moving just because he really wanted to be alone & He did achieve that objective. But as we hear what happened next, we must realize that Jesus indeed had been thinking about those disciples, not himself, and what they needed to face within themselves, their fears. They needed to determine their true commitment and come to some conclusions about this Jesus. Their preparation time was getting short.

While Jesus was praying on the mountain, recall what else was happening. Those men in the boat were getting a thrill ride out on Galilee. The description in the Greek tells of the extreme violence of those waves which were tormenting the boat and its occupants. Several of those riders were fishermen, well acquainted with the sudden squalls and the intensity that could occur in those waters. But this was not merely rough weather; it was the kind of experience that exhausted their bodies, as they tried to cope and keep their boat upright. In spite of their efforts they barely were hanging on. It was a test that left them defeated and in despair. That was when Jesus appears. It was at the fourth watch, which is between 3 and 6 in the morning. They had no reserves of strength remaining and, in their fatigued state, they do not recognize Jesus. 

It should not be too difficult for us to understand their terror at that moment. More likely than not, you have had low moments as the testing of your courage and understanding have left you feeling defeated. Even if you were surrounded by supportive individuals, it was not enough to keep those fears at bay. You were sure that one more weight added at that moment would have broken you. When they saw this ghostly image appearing out of the fog, spray, and winds, they could only assume that it was a apparition and death was reaching out to take them.

Jesus speaks, reminding them “Do not be afraid!” His voice helped but it was too late to totally erase their fear, which had settled deep and had a fierce grip. Even gusty Peter wanted more proof than a voice saying a few words. After the testing they had been through, Peter devises a little test of his own. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  Peter  wants Jesus to show him conclusively that he is the One he claims to be. For when he called out for them to take heart, he says it is I - but in the translation we lose the original designation of I AM, that Jesus uses. [I AM is the name God utilizes for himself to identify himself to Moses, it is how Jesus has explained himself as John explained Jesus as I am the Bread of life, I am the Light of the world, I am the vine, I am the way, the truth, the life.] If Jesus is the I AM, as he claims, then his is the name that rules the seas, He was present at the foundation of the world, separating those waters, so, he could certainly provide Peter safe passage on the surface of these waters. Jesus bids him to Come. Indeed, Peter begins to walk on the water moving toward Jesus. But the wind distracts him, nature’s tempest had not died out, and Peter loses hold of his faith and his dependence on the I AM. Peter starts to sink. The lesson Jesus had designed this test to teach did then find its mark. We know Peter has learned it when he cries out: “Lord, save me.” Peter has learned where to place his trust.

Zina Jacque is an author and theologian who investigates the lesson Jesus wanted his followers to understand regarding how the essential lessons of life are learned. She speaks to many audiences and students inquiring what lesson has most shaped who you are, what changed how you live and see yourself? (Think about that) As that is being considered, she then asks if that lesson was learned during a time of ease? The vast majority recognized that the most significant of life-lessons had been learned by them during those times of testing when they had been embroiled in times of trials and affliction. Few people come to significant realizations about themselves, their life, and their faith, during times of leisure and ease. It is in the testing, in the struggles, and the heartache, that most really important life-lessons come. Perhaps you can see why God has allowed you to face those ordeals, that you perhaps have not appreciated, understood, or relished. We are given tests, hardships; because they teach.

As he sank, Peter faced the realization, that he needed Jesus to save him. As they both get into the boat the others also had learned that they too can trust in Jesus for they proclaimed, “Truly you are the Son of God.” When your next test comes, may you rely on Jesus to save you. Trust in the Lord who will come to you in spite of turbulent waves threatening to drown you and winds that blow you around. Jesus is no ghost but a teacher who has known death and returned to life and lives again to guide us each day.