Peter Walked on Water

Sure. I've known the story since I was a kid, heard and read it many times over the years. In order to get away from the huge criwds following him, Jesus sent the disciples away first by boat, then came to them later walking on the water. Nothing really unusual, I wouldn't think, for the Christ, the Messiah, the son of God. Then Peter said something like, "If it be you, Lord, bid me come to you." And Jesus said, "Come." So, Peter started to him, on the water, became afraid, amd began to sink. Jesus took him by the hand and helped him back into the boat. And that's the story.

This is probably how my thinking went when this episode was part of a sermon I heard a few weeks ago. But then, listening, it struck me. Peter walked on water. PETER WALKED ON WATER. Not just Jesus. Peter.

Let's read it.

Matt 14:23-32
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. (All the emboldening is my doing.)

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.
KJV

As Peter began to sink, he cried, "Lord, save me," and Jesus did so. Note, though, that Jesus never told him something like, "Why did you look down? Never look down." Or, "Always lean into the wind." Of course not. They sound crazy, don't they. Nothing Peter did or didn't do would have changed anything at all.

Peter believed and did the impossible. Then he doubted. And he failed.