Jesus Walks On Water (Meaning & Significance Of This Miracle)
When Jesus walks on water it is one of the most awe-inspiring events recorded in the New Testament.
Imagine the scene: a stormy night, waves crashing against the boat, and frightened disciples fighting against the relentless winds.
Suddenly, a figure appears, seemingly defying the laws of nature, walking effortlessly on the raging sea.
It is Jesus, displaying His divine power and authority over creation.
This extraordinary account from Matthew 14:22-33 reminds us of the profound lessons we can learn from this extraordinary event.
It is a testament to the power of faith that can enable us to overcome the storms of life and walk with assurance amidst the chaos.
As we dive deeper into this incredible story, we will uncover the significance of Jesus' actions and the profound message it carries for us today.
We will also explore the depths of this miraculous event and uncover the spiritual truths that lie beneath the surface.
What does Jesus walking on water mean?
The remarkable event of Jesus walking on water is a profound demonstration of His divine power and authority.
It serves as a powerful symbol of His supremacy over the natural world and His ability to transcend the limitations of human existence.
As Jesus walks on water, He reveals Himself as the true Son of God, displaying his control over the forces of nature.
This miraculous act also serves as a testimony to the disciples and all who witness it, confirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah and strengthening their faith in Him.
It is a reminder of the extraordinary power and presence of our Lord and Savior.
The context of Jesus' miraculous water scene
Before the story of Jesus walking on water, there were several significant events that took place.
The incident recorded in Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21 occurred after Jesus fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish.
After dismissing the crowd, Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray, while the disciples embarked on a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee.
As they sailed, a strong wind arose, causing the waves to batter the boat. In the fourth watch of the night, which is between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM, Jesus came towards the disciples, walking on the water.
Upon seeing Jesus, the disciples were terrified, thinking they had encountered a ghost.
But Jesus reassured them, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."
Peter, filled with faith, asked Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water.
Jesus granted Peter's request, and Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus.
However, when Peter noticed the strong wind, he became afraid and began to sink.
He cried out to Jesus for help, and immediately, Jesus stretched out His hand and caught Peter, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
After Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind ceased, and the disciples worshiped Jesus, proclaiming, "Truly you are the Son of God."
This miraculous event left the disciples astounded, deepening their understanding of Jesus' divine power and authority over nature.
The story of Jesus walking on water is preceded by the feeding of the five thousand and serves as a demonstration of Jesus' divine nature and ability to bring comfort and deliverance in the midst of challenges and fears.
Mistaking Jesus for a ghost
Mistaking Jesus for a ghost was a common reaction among His disciples.
They were startled and afraid, thinking they were seeing a supernatural being. But Jesus reassured them, saying, "It is I; do not be afraid."
Their fear stemmed from a lack of understanding and a limited perception of who Jesus truly was.
They had not fully grasped His divinity and the power of the Holy Spirit working through Him.
It was only when Jesus revealed Himself and spoke with them that their fear subsided.
In our own lives, we may also have moments of misunderstanding or confusion when it comes to the Holy Spirit.
We may not fully recognize His presence or the incredible power He holds.
But just as Jesus calmed His disciples' fears, He can calm ours as well.When we embrace the Holy Spirit and allow His power to work in us, we can experience a transformation like no other.
Our doubts and fears are replaced with faith and courage.
We are no longer bound by the limitations of this world, but are empowered to live in the fullness of God's kingdom.
The disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus on the sea
During the night, the boat was battered by the waves and the wind.
In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to his disciples walking on the water.
When the disciples saw him, they were terrified, thinking it was a ghost.
But Jesus immediately reassured them, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Peter, one of the disciples, responded to Jesus and said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."
Jesus then invited Peter to come, and Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus.
However, when Peter saw the wind, he became frightened and began to sink.
He cried out, "Lord, save me!"Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught Peter, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
As they both got into the boat, the wind died down, and the disciples worshiped Jesus, declaring him to be the Son of God.
This powerful story of Jesus walking on water and his command to take courage and not be afraid serves as a reminder to us today.
Just as Jesus reassured his disciples, he reassures us in the midst of life's storms and challenges.
We are called to trust in Jesus, have faith, and step out in obedience, knowing that he is always with us, ready to save and guide us.
Peter walks upon the water
Peter's walk on the water holds great significance in terms of faith and the power of God Almighty.
When Jesus called Peter to step out of the boat and walk towards Him on the water, Peter demonstrated an incredible level of faith.
In that moment, he trusted in the words of Jesus and believed that he could do the impossible.
As Peter stepped out of the boat, he experienced the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit enabling him to walk upon the water.
The Holy Spirit defied the laws of nature and allowed Peter to do something that was humanly impossible.
This event serves as a powerful reminder that with the Holy Spirit, all things are possible.
However, as Peter walked on the water, he began to focus on the wind and the waves instead of keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus.
This momentary lapse in faith caused him to lose sight of the supernatural power that was enabling him to walk on water.
As a result, Peter started to sink into the water.
This incident teaches us an important lesson about the importance of faith and trust in God's power.
When we take our eyes off Jesus and allow fear and doubt to consume us, we can lose sight of the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
It reminds us that without constant dependence on the Holy Spirit, we can easily fall into the traps of the world and lose the supernatural power that God wants to manifest through us.
Peter's walk on the water showcases the incredible power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of unwavering faith in God.
It serves as a reminder for us to keep our focus on Jesus and trust in His supernatural power, even in the face of adversity and challenges.
Matthew's account of Jesus walking on top of the water
The account of Jesus walking on water, as recorded by Matthew, stands out among the Gospel accounts.
It showcases the power and authority of Jesus, as well as the transformative nature of faith.
In Matthew's account, we see Jesus walking on the water towards the disciples' boat during a storm.
Peter, upon seeing Jesus, asks to come to Him on the water.
Jesus grants this request and Peter steps out of the boat, walking on the water towards Jesus.
However, when Peter loses faith and begins to sink, Jesus reaches out and saves him.
This account emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Jesus.
It shows that as long as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, we can overcome any challenge or obstacle.
The act of walking on water symbolizes the supernatural power and authority that Jesus possesses as the Son of God.
Comparing Matthew's account to the other Gospel accounts, we find variations in the details.
For example, Mark's account mentions that Jesus intended to pass by the disciples, indicating His divine authority over the elements.
Luke's account focuses more on the disciples' fear and their amazement at Jesus' ability to calm the storm.
While there may be differences in the specific details, the core message remains the same across all the Gospel accounts.
Jesus' ability to walk on water demonstrates His divine power and the significance of faith in Him.
It serves as a reminder that no matter how challenging our circumstances may be, we can trust in Jesus to provide the strength and guidance we need to overcome.
Mark's account of Jesus walking on the water
The story of Jesus walking on water, as recorded in Mark's account, is unique compared to the other Gospel accounts of Matthew and John.
In Mark 6:45-52, Jesus walks on water and calms the storm while the disciples are in the boat.
However, in Matthew 14:22-33, Peter also walks on water but begins to sink when he doubts.
John's account in John 6:16-21 focuses more on Jesus revealing Himself as the "I am" and His disciples' fear and immediate arrival at their destination.
In Mark's account, the emphasis is on the power and authority of Jesus over nature.
He demonstrates His divinity by walking on water and calming the storm, revealing His control over the natural elements.
The disciples witness this extraordinary event, leading them to exclaim, "Truly you are the Son of God!" (Mark 6:51-52).
On the other hand, Matthew's account adds an additional element by including Peter's attempt to walk on water.
Peter, initially filled with faith, steps out of the boat but begins to sink when he becomes afraid and doubts.
Jesus, however, immediately reaches out and saves him.
This account emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, as well as the readiness to step out in obedience even in the face of fear.
John's account when Jesus walked on water
In the Gospel of John, the emphasis is shifted to highlight Jesus' divinity and the significance of his miraculous sign.
John 6:19-21 states, "Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone.
Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks."
Here, John focuses on the immediate arrival of the boat to its destination, highlighting Jesus' supernatural ability to defy time and distance.
John 6:16-17 states, "When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them."
In this account, John emphasizes the darkness and the absence of Jesus from the disciples' boat, creating a sense of anticipation and wonder.
While the other Gospel accounts portray the disciples' reaction and their lack of understanding, John's account presents Jesus' power and authority in a more profound way, emphasizing his divinity and the significance of his miraculous sign.
It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that John conveys this unique perspective, inviting us to recognize and embrace the true nature of Jesus as the Son of God.
Which of Jesus' disciples walk on water?
It was Peter, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, who stepped out of the boat and walked towards Jesus on the water.
His faith and trust in the Spirit enabled him to perform this incredible miracle, demonstrating the limitless possibilities that come with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
We must not underestimate the power that resides within us through the Holy Spirit, for it can enable us to do extraordinary things in the name of Jesus.
What is the significance of Jesus walking on water in John 6?
Jesus walking on water in John 6 holds great significance as it reveals His divine power and authority over the natural elements.
In verses 16-21, the disciples were caught in a storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus, not physically with them at the time, came to them by walking on the water.
This miraculous event displays Jesus' control over the forces of nature, emphasizing His deity and ability to transcend earthly limitations.
The disciples' initial response was fear and confusion, mistaking Jesus for a ghost.
However, Jesus reassured them by saying, "It is I; do not be afraid" (John 6:20).
This statement highlights His presence and power to bring comfort and peace in the midst of turbulent circumstances.
Jesus' miraculous walk on water serves as a foreshadowing of His coming crucifixion and resurrection.
Just as Jesus conquered the stormy waters, He would later conquer sin and death through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.
This event points to the ultimate deliverance and salvation that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.
Overall, the significance of Jesus walking on water in John 6 lies in its portrayal of His divinity, authority over nature, and as a prelude to His redemptive work on the cross.
It reminds us of the power and presence of Jesus in our lives, especially during difficult times, and invites us to trust in Him completely.
Why does God walk on water?
God walks on water to show His power and authority over the natural elements of the world.
By doing so, He reveals His divine nature and sovereignty through Jesus, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for Him.
Through this miraculous act, God beckons us to have faith in Him and trust that He can overcome any obstacle in our lives.
What is the faith to walk on water?
Faith to walk on water is a deep and unwavering trust in the power of God.
It is a complete surrender to God's will and a belief that He will enable us to do the impossible.
Just as Peter had faith to step out of the boat, we too can experience the miraculous if we put our trust in God and allow Him to guide our steps.
What did Jesus do and say Matthew 14:31?
In Matthew 14:31, Jesus said to Peter, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
This was in response to Peter's initial bravery in walking on water towards Jesus, but then becoming afraid and beginning to sink.
Jesus was teaching Peter and the disciples the importance of having faith and trust in Him.
He wanted them to understand that with their eyes fixed on Him, they could accomplish the impossible.
However, when doubt entered Peter's heart, he lost his focus and began to sink.
Jesus used this moment to teach them the power of faith and the need to rely on Him completely.
Who told Jesus to walk on water?
It was God through the power of the Holy Spirit that instructed and enabled Jesus to perform this miraculous act.
The Holy Spirit guided Jesus and empowered him to do the impossible, demonstrating the divine nature within him.
Without the Holy Spirit, Jesus would not have been able to walk on water or fulfill his purpose on earth because He choose to walk on earth within his human limitations as an example for us to follow (Matthew 26:53-55).
Why did water come out of Jesus?
Water came out of Jesus as a sign of His divine power and authority when He died on the Cross of Calvary.
It was a miraculous act that demonstrated His ability to bring forth life and cleanse us from our sins.
This act symbolized the spiritual cleansing and renewal that comes through Him and the Holy Spirit.
It is a reminder of the living water that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him, quenching our spiritual thirst and bringing eternal life.
Jesus Walks On The Water Bible Scripture Verses (KJV)
Matthew 14:22-31 - And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And 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?
Mark 6:48-53 - 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.
53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
John 6:16-21 - And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.