Wordy Wednesday: Challenged by Peter

Today's bible story at school is Peter Walking On the Water. I have always loved this story, but felt like I was reading it for the first time today. My kids of course think its cool that Jesus and Peter were walking on water, but its the rest of the story I love so much.

Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus Walks on the Water

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

First of all, what was Peter thinking?! He said “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” Seriously?! I think I would be in the fetal position crying like a baby! For one, there was already a storm! The boat and the disciples lives were already in danger. But then to see what they thought was a "ghost." Their lives were already in jeopardy because of the storm... scary adventure #1. Then to ask Jesus to allow you to go to him OUT ON THE WATER! ... scary adventure #2. Can you imagine what Peter was thinking and feeling as he stepped out of the boat?! My heart is racing just thinking about it!

As he begins walking towards Jesus.... ON THE WATER.... keeping his trust and focus solely on the one worthy... he is successful.... at WALKING ON THE WATER! Is this cool to anyone besides me?!

Then my favorite part... "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

I think I love this because I see myself so clearly in Peter. Its so easy to trust Jesus in the good, fun times, but when the storms of life are raging and I turn my focus to them I begin sinking... and wonder why every time! All the while, he's saying, “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” But the best part of this story... IMMEDIATELY he (Jesus) reached out his hand and caught him (Peter.)