“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”– Matthew 14:28 (KJV)
“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.’– Matthew 14:28 (NLT)
“Peter, suddenly bold, said, ‘Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.’– Matthew 14:28 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 14:28 Mean?
In Matthew 14:28, we witness a remarkable moment of faith demonstrated by Peter. When Peter saw Jesus walking on water, his immediate reaction was to call out to Him. The context of this scene is vital. The disciples had just experienced a terrifying storm while they were in a boat, struggling against the wind and waves. When they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water, initially, fear gripped them, and they thought they were seeing a ghost.
But Jesus reassured them by saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” In this verse, Peter responds to Jesus with a bold request: “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” This statement signifies a mix of doubt and faith. On one hand, Peter’s question suggests he’s unsure, wanting confirmation that it’s truly Jesus. On the other hand, it displays his willingness to step out of the boat if Jesus invites him. This illustrates a crucial lesson about faith—for Peter, faith meant stepping beyond the ordinary and into the miraculous.
Matthew 14:28 Explanation and Commentary
Peter’s boldness is commendable. He recognized the voice of Jesus amid the chaos of the storm and took a step that many of us often hesitate to take. We often find ourselves in metaphorical boats, caught in life’s storms. It is easy to rely on our understanding and remain where we feel safe. Yet, here, Peter challenges that tendency. His request to walk on water reflects not only faith but also an earnest desire to be close to Jesus.
This moment teaches us that faith often requires us to step outside of our comfort zones. When we think of Peter, we might wonder what he felt. Was there trepidation in his heart? Did doubt creep in as he asked? The reality for many of us is that our faith journey is filled with questions and uncertainties. However, God invites us to take those leaps of faith regardless of our doubts, trusting His presence to sustain us.
When we ponder the implications of Peter’s request, we realize that responding to God’s call might lead us to unexpected places. God often leads us beyond what we think is possible. Walking on water symbolizes the amazing things that can happen when we relinquish control and allow God to guide our steps. Each of us has moments where we feel called to respond to a challenge, whether it be helping someone in need, sharing our faith, or making a significant life change. We can learn from Peter’s willingness to step out without hesitation.
Additionally, Peter’s statement can also serve as a reminder to seek God’s guidance before stepping out. Asking, “if it be thou,” reflects the awareness that we must discern God’s voice amidst the noise of our lives. This discernment strengthens our faith and prepares us to act when He calls us. It’s a beautiful balance between trusting God and seeking His will prior to jumping into action.
Context of Matthew 14:28
Understanding the context of Matthew 14:28 enhances our appreciation for what Peter did. This event occurs shortly after Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. Following this miracle, Jesus sent the disciples across the sea while He withdrew to pray. In the midst of the sea, a significant storm arose, which terrified the disciples. They were experienced fishermen, accustomed to the water, and yet they found themselves in a predicament they could not control.
The disciples’ fear during this dramatic storm adds depth to Peter’s request. Seeing an apparent figure walking on the water was alarming; it was beyond anything they had ever experienced. In that moment of fright, rather than acknowledging the miraculous, they assumed it was a ghost. It’s typical for humans to react fearfully when faced with the unknown, which is precisely what we see taking place here.
Jesus’s calm response to their frightened state reminds us of His divine authority over nature. When He commands “Take courage! It is I,” it’s a call not only to overcome fear but also to recognize His identity. This context is essential for understanding why Peter felt prompted to ask to walk on the water. In essence, it was an opportunity to experience Jesus’ power firsthand and to exhibit faith that transcends human limitations.
When we think about our lives and the “storms” we face, this story resonates deeply. Many might find themselves in periods where anxiety or worry is overwhelming. Like the disciples, we may likely forget Jesus’s presence in our storms. These events remind us to maintain faith, especially when facing uncertainties.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 14:28
In analyzing Peter’s statement, several key parts stand out. First, his opening with “Lord” emphasizes recognition of who Jesus is. It’s a term of respect and acknowledgement of authority. Secondly, Peter’s conditional statement “if it be thou” reflects his need for confirmation. He wasn’t acting recklessly; instead, he desired assurance from Jesus that this was indeed Him.
Next, the command to “bid me come” signifies a strong willingness to follow Jesus. Peter understood that Jesus calling him would provide the validation he needed to step out. He was not merely seeking to demonstrate his bravery but to fully submit to Jesus’s voice. This represents our own journeys—where we often yearn for a signal that we are on the right path.
The action following Peter’s request signifies his commitment to faith. He did not sit back and wait; instead, upon receiving permission, he took that vital step out of the boat. Each of us encounters a moment in our lives where we are faced with a decision—a decision to step out in faith or remain in the perceived safety of our surroundings.
As we gather the essence of this verse, we should also reflect on what holds us back from following such prompts. Fear of the unknown often paralyzes us, but through Peter’s example, we are taught that having faith can lead to extraordinary experiences.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 14:28
The lessons from Matthew 14:28 are abundant and resonate deeply in our lives. One fundamental lesson is the importance of recognizing Jesus’s call amidst our storms. In our busy lives, it is easy to drown out God’s voice among our fears and doubts. Peter’s response to Jesus signifies that we should be attentive, inviting Him into our struggles even when we feel overwhelmed.
Another lesson is that great faith often comes with questions and doubt. It’s perfectly normal for us to seek confirmation from God. Just as Peter asked if it was truly Jesus before he acted, we can find peace in asking God for clarity regarding our paths. Faith is not about having all the answers; it’s about trust—trusting in His goodness even when uncertainty looms large.
Additionally, the act of stepping out in faith is a transformative, yet challenging experience. Like Peter, we sometimes hesitate to follow God’s calling because of fear. However, it’s crucial to remember the power of Jesus. When He calls, He provides the strength needed to take that step. We need not let fear anchor us down; instead, we must rise in faith.
Lastly, we can learn that faith is a journey. In Peter’s case, after stepping out of the boat, he initially walked on water but soon began to sink when doubt crept in. This signifies that even the strongest faith can waver. It’s a reminder to keep our focus on Jesus rather than the storms around us. When we fix our eyes on Him, we can trust that He will enable us to navigate our challenges successfully.
Final Thoughts
As we consider the depth of Matthew 14:28, it serves as a reassuring testament to our faith. We are called to recognize Jesus amidst our storms, to ask for guidance, and to boldly step out in faith. This verse illustrates the delicate balance between doubt and trust, and it invites us to embrace this journey.
Pursuing faith is not always easy, but like Peter, we can take comfort in knowing that every step toward Jesus is met with His unwavering support. No matter the challenges we face, we must remember that we do not walk this road alone; Jesus is always by our side, ready to help us conquer our fears and fulfill our purpose. For those eager to explore further, I encourage you to check out other enlightening biblical passages such as Matthew 11 or the stories in Genesis, which likewise display God’s promises and presence in our lives.