“Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” (MSG)
“Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.” (CEV)
“Take Courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (NIV)
Heavenly Father,
I think every Christian is fascinated by the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter’s attempt to do likewise. In the midst of the strong winds and waves, Jesus chooses to walk out to the boat…at 3 AM! No wonder the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared out of their wits! A crowd reaction….fear. They all saw him, they all were startled and frightened. This was different than anything Jesus had done in their presence up until now. They had seen him heal and cast out demons. They had seen him feed 5000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves. They had heard him preach powerful words…the sermon on the mount…and challenge them spiritually in ways they couldn’t understand. They had seen him stand up to the Pharisees and argue with them. Why was this different? I think they could probably find arguments or explanations for much of what they had seen so far. But walking across the water in a heavy gale that they could barely row a boat in, was somehow more startling and harder to explain.
Then brave fool-hearty Peter volunteers to try it! He actually succeeds at first, which added to the amazement of the whole lot of them! Then Peter panics in the face of the wind and calls for Jesus to save him. Jesus reached out and caught him and they both climb into the boat. Wow! What an intense drama unfolding before their eyes against the backdrop of a raging storm! As soon as they are safe in the boat….the winds calm. All of the disciples bow down and worship Jesus at this point and acknowledge the “truth” they see….”You are the Son of God!” This miracle has a profound effect on all of them. Another crowd reaction. From total fear to total awe in a matter of moments. With this acted parable/miracle Jesus convinces them of his identity as God’s Son. Fear becomes recognition and faith. Hope is born in all of them. Thank you! Amen.
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