JCG-006 • LIFE OF CHRIST COLLECTION

Jesus Walks on Water

After feeding the 5,000, Jesus comes to His disciples across the stormy sea, Peter steps out of the boat in faith, and the disciples worship Jesus as the Son of God.
Matthew 14:22–33 • Mark 6:45–52 • John 6:16–21
Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee as Peter steps from the boat, begins to sink, and is rescued

“Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Matthew 14:27

Immediately After the Feeding of the 5,000

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side while He sent the multitude away.

After dismissing the crowd, Jesus went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.

Matthew 14:22–23

The Boat Is Battered by the Waves

The disciples were already far from land. The boat was being tossed by the waves because the wind was against them.

These were experienced fishermen, yet they found themselves struggling through difficult conditions during the night.

Matthew 14:24

Jesus Comes Walking on the Sea

During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward the disciples walking on the water.

When they saw Him, they were terrified and thought they were seeing a spirit. Jesus immediately spoke peace to them.

Matthew 14:25–27

Peter Asks to Come to Jesus

Peter answered, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Jesus answered with one word: “Come.” Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Him.

Matthew 14:28–29

The Miracle in Six Movements

1

The Disciples Cross the Sea

Jesus sends them ahead while He remains behind to pray.

2

The Wind Turns Against Them

The boat is battered by waves during the night.

3

Jesus Walks on the Water

Jesus approaches the frightened disciples across the sea.

4

Peter Steps Out in Faith

At Jesus' command, Peter leaves the boat and walks toward Him.

5

Peter Begins to Sink

Seeing the strength of the wind, Peter becomes afraid and cries, “Lord, save me!”

6

Jesus Saves Peter

Jesus immediately reaches out, catches Peter, and brings him safely back.

Lord, Save Me!

When Peter saw that the wind was boisterous, he became afraid. As he began to sink, he cried out to Jesus.

Scripture emphasizes the immediacy of Jesus' response: He stretched out His hand and caught him.

Matthew 14:30–31

Truly You Are the Son of God

When Jesus and Peter entered the boat, the wind ceased.

Those in the boat came and worshiped Jesus, declaring, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:32–33

Why This Moment Matters

This event reveals both the authority of Jesus and the nature of faith. Jesus comes to His disciples in the middle of the storm, walking over the very waters that threaten them.

Peter's experience is part of the same miracle. He truly steps out of the boat and walks toward Jesus, but when fear overtakes his focus, he begins to sink. His immediate cry is met by the immediate hand of Jesus.

The account concludes not merely with the storm ending, but with worship. The disciples respond to what they have witnessed by declaring Jesus to be the Son of God.

← Return to Jesus Christ & the Gospels