DAY TWENTY-THREE – Monday, March 28, 2022
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus used miracles to strengthen the disciples’ faith and to show them who he really was. Walking on water is one of the most widely known images of Jesus’ life on earth. Jesus has power over the elements. He calms the waters and earth’s gravity has no effect. The disciples do not believe their eyes when they see Jesus walking to them on the water and think that they are seeing an apparition. Jesus tells them to have courage and to not be afraid, because he is with them.
Peter, the most faithful of the disciples, puts Jesus to the test by saying “Lord, if it is really you, order me out on the water to you.” Jesus answers, “Come!” Imagine the turmoil in Peter’s mind. He is about to step off a boat into turbulent waters. His faith is so strong that he actually starts walking on water. Anything is possible if you believe. The passage does not say how far Peter walked on water, just that he “started walking”. Eventually, Peter’s reality catches up with him and he notices the strong wind. He starts to sink. His cry of “Save me Lord” is immediately answered by Jesus taking hold of him and bringing him into the boat. Jesus rebukes Peter, “Why did you doubt?” This shows us that none of us are perfect and that we all require help. The disciples, seeing the wonder of all that happened in front of them, declare “Truly you are the Son of God!”
Rob Ierullo (2017)
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus used miracles to strengthen the disciples’ faith and to show them who he really was. Walking on water is one of the most widely known images of Jesus’ life on earth. Jesus has power over the elements. He calms the waters and earth’s gravity has no effect. The disciples do not believe their eyes when they see Jesus walking to them on the water and think that they are seeing an apparition. Jesus tells them to have courage and to not be afraid, because he is with them.
Peter, the most faithful of the disciples, puts Jesus to the test by saying “Lord, if it is really you, order me out on the water to you.” Jesus answers, “Come!” Imagine the turmoil in Peter’s mind. He is about to step off a boat into turbulent waters. His faith is so strong that he actually starts walking on water. Anything is possible if you believe. The passage does not say how far Peter walked on water, just that he “started walking”. Eventually, Peter’s reality catches up with him and he notices the strong wind. He starts to sink. His cry of “Save me Lord” is immediately answered by Jesus taking hold of him and bringing him into the boat. Jesus rebukes Peter, “Why did you doubt?” This shows us that none of us are perfect and that we all require help. The disciples, seeing the wonder of all that happened in front of them, declare “Truly you are the Son of God!”
Rob Ierullo (2017)
