Walking on Water

00:00:00 Speaker 1: But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me Matthew fourteen thirty. Dear Lord, as we meditate on the story of Peter walking on the water, we're reminded of our own vulnerabilities and the moments we feel engulfed by the storms of life. In Peter's desperate plea, we see our own hearts reflected, eager to step out in faith, yet sometimes faltering under the weight of doubt and fear. Lord, in your infinite compassion, you reached out your hand to Peter, and to day we ask that you extend that same hand of rescue to us in the midst of our trials and uncertainties. Remind us that you are always near, ready to catch us, to calm our fears, and to lead us back to safety. Instill in us of faith that is bold and unwavering, a trust that looks beyond the wind in the waves. Fixed firmly on you, give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, knowing that you are with us, empowering us to do the impossible. May our lives bear witness to your faithfulness and power, inspiring others to call out to You in their need. With passionate hearts, we declare our dependence on You Lord, for every step we take in Jesus name. Amen, Thank you for praying with me to day. Your listening to the Jesus Podcast, dramatic stories of hope and redemption remain here for the story of Jesus walking on water, stepping over the very trials that consume us. If you're wondering how to support this podcast, follow and share with a friend. He actually is who he says he is. Peter bit into the savory flesh of a smoked fish, and another bite into warm, yeast filled bread. Look at all these left doors. These will feed us for days. We won't even have to fish tomorrow if we don't want to. 00:02:30 Speaker 2: If we didn't have him, we couldn't eat this way if we tried. 00:02:34 Speaker 1: The disciples all looked at each other in awe. They watched Jesus laughing with some children. He tagged one of them and ran up a small hill. Then he turned to them, pretending to be a monster, chasing them as they laughed and shrieked excitedly. Somehow Jesus could heal people of leprosy, feed thousands of people and play a game of pretend all within a few minutes. He was the ultimate provider, the very one who once sent manna down from heaven years ago to the people of Israel. He was the bread of life, more satisfying than any earthly meal. However, the moment of bliss turned in an instant. The people, seeing that Jesus had just made food appear from air, stood and cheered. Their cheering was delightful at first, but quickly turned to tribal chanting. They had seen Jesus heal the lane and give sight to the blind. He shall be made king. Dawn with seize it. Let Jesus arise and give us bread. The crowd chanted, growing more unruly by the second. They stormed up the hill to grab hold of Jesus to make him king. Jesus knew that if he stayed one minute longer, the crowd would overtake him by force. Jesus grabbed his disciples to the water. Quickly they descended the hill to the sand, Andrew untied the boat while James and John hoisted the others aboard. Get to the other side. I am going to be alone with my father. What Jesus, no, come with us. That crowd will bind you in march you straight to Rome. 00:04:30 Speaker 2: Look at them. 00:04:31 Speaker 1: Don't worry about me. 00:04:32 Speaker 2: You go. 00:04:34 Speaker 1: I must stay to pray. There are many things I must discuss with my father. 00:04:39 Speaker 2: I will see you soon, Master, I can't have you alone like this. 00:04:43 Speaker 1: The crowd will Peter. You are afraid of so many things? Have I not told you? Be at peace? Hearing his birth name, Peter relented, How will we find you again? I will find you. With those words, Jesus pushed the boat out. The disciples began paddling away, watching Jesus march up the shore, narrowly escaping the mob of people. 00:05:20 Speaker 2: Have you ever wrestled with faith and doubt? In Mark nine, a father comes to Jesus to heal his son possessed by a demon, and he says, but if you could do anything, take pity on us and help us, to which Jesus replied, if you can, everything is possible for one who believes. It's then that the father cries out, I do believe, but help my unbelief. This sentiment is one shared by many followers of Jesus. We believe, but we have moments where we need Jesus to help us in our unbelief. Luckily for us, we have a God who is patient with us and willing to help in our greatest battles of doubt. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, a year of story showcasing the depth of Christ's love through storytelling and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. I'm Zach, your host from pray dot com. Welcome back to another story of christ miracles. Follow the podcast as we dive deep into the story of faith, doubt in God's rescue. We've noticed that about fifty percent of the people who listen to this podcast are actually following it. If you press follow, not only do you get notifications of when new podcasts come out, but you also help us get discovered by more people. Those small steps actually really matter to us, so thanks for helping out. Following the Feeding of the five Thousand, Jesus sends his disciples off to cross over the Sea of Galilee to protect them from crowds that sought to make Jesus their conquering king over Rome. This was always the tension Jesus would face in his ministry, though some would doubt his claim to be the Messiah, and others would receive him as the son of God. There were still others who believed in Jesus as the anointed one, but in their minds they pictured the promised Savior more of a gallant knight who would stride in on a horse and conquer Rome, overthrow Caesar, and re establish the Kingdom of God, as a warrior, kind of like David. But as we know, Jesus's throne was not made of jewels and gold. It was across, rugged and bloody. Jesus determines to go and pray alone in solitude, and he leaves his disciples to take a trip over the Sea of Galilee. It wasn't long before the disciples were caught up in a storm common in the Sea of Galilee, as cold winds from the steep hills collided with the warm waters that rose from the surface. Though several of the men on the boat were seasoned fishermen who were quite familiar with the waves of the sea, it's evident that this storm had caused fear to grip even the hard and seafaring hearts. But through it all we see Jesus's faithfulness to never depart from them. 00:07:49 Speaker 1: Night fell and the silvery moon rose low over the waters, casting white reflections on the sand. The mob of people trying to take Jesus dispersed and took the grassy trails back to their towns for the night. Atop the hill, Jesus sat in the tall grass. The disciples boat was a small wooden toy from here, drifting deeper and further away. Jesus needed them gone so he could escape the mob and retreat to be with his father. The air shifted and the moon's beams disappeared as storm clouds rolled in from the coast. Mist smeared into the heavens, telling of a coming storm. Crickets snapped beside his sandals, and the tall, waxy grass rustled along his arms. Jesus breathed in, deeply, soaking in the presence of his father. They spoke for hours, connecting through the spirit. The incoming wind cut the summer warmth. Jesus slung his arms over his knees, watching the distant clouds burst with lightning. Thunder came seconds later. Jesus closed his eyes, resting his head on his arm, then thanking God for what he had done that day. He marveled at the beauty of the Father, the goodness of the Father, the gracious wonders of the Father. He prayed for the men in their tiny boat. He gave thanks for them, and interceded on their behalf. He asked that they would be strengthened by the storms ahead. Jesus sat there, resting in the wonder of God for so long. The time wound forward. The clouds raced across the moon, and the stars pivoted along their path. Great winds picked up, blowing mist onto the waters, and the faint light of the hidden moon had already descended into the fourth watch of the night. The disciples were out of view. Now it was time to go meet them. The men struggled in their boat, wrestling with the ropes and trying to steer through the storm to stay on course. A strong wind blew from the east, repeatedly setting ways slapping against the side of the small vessel. A few of them bailed water out constantly, while others wrestled with the sails to no avail. They hardly gained an inch against the wind and waves. Peter managed the tiller, while James, John and Andrew manned the ropes. The rest rowed, bailed water and prayed for the storm to cease. Each row seemed useless. John glared into the mist back of the way they came. The shore was nowhere in sight. Peter followed his eyesight and frowned through his salty bear. 00:11:13 Speaker 2: You can't look back, John, It's too late to change course. 00:11:17 Speaker 1: I'm worried about Jesus. Is he going to sail alone in the storm. How will he catch up with us? I'll circle back and get him out of sunrise, focus on the task I had. 00:11:30 Speaker 2: I'd feel a lot better if he was here. 00:11:32 Speaker 1: All this just so we could sit and pray, couldn't he prey On the other side. A large wave heaved and splattered into the boat's hall, tossing foamy water aboard. Matthew rushed to banglet out. This constant seafaring had taken its toll on the poor tax collector, the nauseating waves, the unending struggle just to get to shore. He suddenly pined for his comfortable lounge, for an and cushy tax booth. His storm could be bad. 00:12:04 Speaker 2: Peter be on even halfway to the other side. 00:12:07 Speaker 1: John was right. The tempest grew louder, and more violent by the minute. The water was like a beast, growling and threatening roars. The Disciples were outmatched. Peter knew it. Even a skilled sailor such as himself couldn't help. But worry. Why he isn't here with us, Peter thought to himself. The whole situation seemed unnecessary. Why did Jesus have to retreat at such an inconvenient time? With Jesus away, Peter felt responsible for everyone on board. He didn't quite feel up to the task against the backdrop of thunder, wind and rain. He wasn't Jesus. He could never be Jesus or do what Jesus could do. Peter's insecurity began to bubble in his stomach. He felt uneasy and unsure of himself. Peter's anxious thoughts were interrupted by a strike of lightning. It struck right beside the boat, lighting the disciples terrified eyes. Thunderbillowed like a beast of old, challenging their resolve. Keep rowing, Peter shouted, pretending to be sure of himself. The men rolled against the waves and struggled against the wind row. Peter shouted again. Don't stop, he commanded. They need need to be stronger, Peter thought to himself. They need a strong leader, someone who knows what they're doing, someone more. Lightning struck, causing Peter to flinch. When Peter opened his eyes, he saw John's terrified face flushed with shock. 00:13:47 Speaker 2: Don what's wrong? 00:13:49 Speaker 1: John's shaking hand pointed forward. What was that? The others looked back. They squinted between the rain and frothing waves. A figure was standing above the water, slowly approaching. Andrew stood up and peered into the distance. Is it a creature, a trick of the light. Peter couldn't have the men losing their will to row. The sea would take them under. It's just a ma roger the sea. We've been out here too long. Keep rowing. None of the men moved. Lightning struck again, this time revealing the silhouette of a man hovering over the water like a specter. Panic spread throughout the men. It's a ghost, foul spirit of the sea, come to swallow ourselves. Peter looked back and leaned against the edge, jaw quivering with fear. Was John Wright? Was it a spirit coming to drag them down to shield? The Lightning flashed again. This time the thunder shook Peter's entire body, his head, hands began to shake. He was losing control of himself. Don't show fear. You are stronger than this. Then, speaking past the wind and rain, they heard a familiar voice. Take heart. The words resonated in their chests like thunder. Don't be afraid. I am here. Peter finally saw him, the healer, the Master, the Messiah. He was standing above the chaos. The dark abyss had no pull on him, no power. Death was under his feet. Jesus walked over the darkness with confidence. Peter watched Jesus approach, heart pounding in his chest. His words fell into the sea. Weighed down by the rain, he stood on the boat legs, shaking as the vessel rocked to and fro with the ways. Master, he shouted through the rain. 00:16:08 Speaker 2: If it's really you, command me to come out to you. Command me, and it will be so. 00:16:14 Speaker 1: Peter, are you crazy? Peter shot andrew a harsh glare. 00:16:19 Speaker 2: If he is who he says he is, then why would he be crazy? 00:16:22 Speaker 1: Peter was testing Jesus. Jesus showed that he was greater than the storm. He had the authority to walk over the sea, but could he make Peter do the same. Could Peter be great too? Jesus, I have seen you perform miracles and command demons to flee. 00:16:42 Speaker 2: I know I will if you command me to walk to you. 00:16:46 Speaker 1: Jesus stood upright. A great wave approached from behind him, but rolled downward. The second it came to Jesus, nature was bending to his will. Jesus extended a hand to Peter and said, come, Peter, come to me. His voice was calm but resolute. The command pierced through the wind, finding its way to Peter's heart. Peter scrambled over the deck, past Matthew's iron grip on the side. He dangled his legs over the edge. Andrew was about to grab and pull him back aboard, but something stopped him. His mouth hung open as he watched his brother fall forward. Peter's bare feet hit the sea, and the chill of cold water brushed his toes, but he went no further than the surface. He placed all his weight on the balls of his feet. The sea didn't consume him, he didn't sink. Peter took a single step, then another. His gaze was fixed on Jesus. Don you've red, Peter whispered to himself. He kept looking up, refusing to take his eyes off Jesus. Dread fell over the disciples, causing them to question their eyes. Peter, the brash and uneducated fisherman from the slums of Galilee, was walking on water. The storm didn't relent. The wind was sharp, piercing the sides of Peter's face. The waves thrashed all around him, but his feet continued to move forward. Step by step. He was moving toward his master. Little by little, he was proving to others and himself that following Jesus meant more than a change in title or behavior. Peter thought about his life before meeting Jesus. He was aimless and ineffectual. He thought about all the mistakes he had made, all the debts he owed, all the people he'd hurt. Who was Peter to be in this situation? Who was he to follow the Messiah? Who was he to walk on water? The lightning crack the skies again, striking a few feet away from Peter. He flinched and stopped, covering his eyes from the flash. That's when Peter saw it, the dark abyss below him. He saw his terrified reflection in the black sea. Then a massive wave came crashing beside him, unsteadying his footing. He looked at the waves, then at the swirling skies above him. He looked back at the others, seeing the terror on their faces. All the while Peter had taken his eyes off Jesus. His foot gave way into the water. He was sinking. Both feet sank deeper and faster. His legs submerged in the cold, churning water up to his chest. The waves were more titanic than ever. Peter fell below the breakers, then emerged from underneath, only to be buried by another wave. The impact left a ringing in his ears. His body swirled underneath. He swung his arms, unsure which way was up, then emerged again and gasped prayer. He was almost sure he would die. In his hysteria, he could spare a few breaths to shout in complete despair. He spoke one of the most powerful prayers ever, uttered a prayer that would echo into eternity. His cry for help was like a bolt of lightning, shooting upward from the dark abyss straight to the heart of God. The prayer was brief but powerful, changing his life forever surrounded by waves, and gasping for air. He looked up and shouted, Lord, save me. Then he sank below the surface, pulled down by the darkness. All was silent under the water. Peter descended slowly into the deep. He peered up at a sliver of light flashing from lightning above. He wondered if this would be the end of his journey, for the greatest moment of his life, befollowed by his death. The light from the surface began to dim as the sides of Peter's eyes grew dark. Then, breaking through the water was the hand of Jesus. It was as if his arm was stretching from Heaven itself. It grabbed Peter's hand and lifted him out of the darkness. Peter was pulled through the surface and raised to the arms of Jesus. Peter felt like a child in his arms, afraid but safe. Amid the raging wind and waves. Peter heard the soft rebuke of Jesus, Oh, youful, little faith, why did you doubt? The words stung momentarily, but Peter realized something profound. Jesus would always be there to pick him up again. The Lord carried him to the boat and placed him gently inside, Andrew wrapped a blanket around him, and the rest watched the wind die and the waves cease thrashing. Jesus was with them, The Prince of Peace was near. 00:23:03 Speaker 2: The story of Jesus Walking on Water can be found in Matthew fourteen, Mark six, and John six. It's a captivating recollection of fear, faith, doubt, and love. The lessons we can learn from it are many. Perhaps, as you read through the story you relate to someone different. Maybe it's the disciples at the beginning of the story, sailing on the Sea of Galilee through a rage and torrent of rain and pounding thunder. Maybe you feel gripped with fear as the waves of your own personal trials seem daunting and an impossible obstacle to overcome. When our trials feel like this, we can often feel afraid that this is the trial that we won't be able to overcome, wondering where God is in the craziness and if the madness will ever end. If we turn to our story, we see that though we might feel alone, Jesus never truly leaves us. Although he sent his disciples off on the boat on their own, he never truly left them. He never stopped watching, he never stopped caring. Jesus allowed them to face this trial to grow their faith and to prove to them that there would be nothing in the world that they would face that Jesus couldn't overcome. Jesus wants us to know the same sense of comfort in our trials. While our minds race with fear, panic, or anxiety, find peace in the knowledge that Christ never departs from us. He's always with us through his spirit. He's always watching us, always listening for our cries for help, and he is always going to be there to rescue us. Though their struggles seemed to be never ending, it wasn't long before Jesus appeared to the disciples. At first, they think that they're seeing a ghost floating across the enraged waters, But it wasn't long before Jesus gave them the most powerful. 00:24:37 Speaker 1: Words that he could speak. 00:24:38 Speaker 2: Take courage. 00:24:39 Speaker 1: It is I. 00:24:40 Speaker 2: Don't be afraid. This was more than a platitude or an empty encouragement in the original language. The words that Jesus used it is I, are actually only two words in the original Greek, and more accurately translated as I am. When Jesus called out to the disciples. It was more than a greeting of letting them know that he was there. It was a state meant to finding who he was. He was telling them that he was the Great. I am the one who spoke through the burning bush to Moses, the creator of the stars, and the one who holds the cosmos in the span of his hand. You see, Jesus is declaring, I am God. I am the creator of this universe. I am the creator of the raging seas that you see before you. And although they might consume you, they will not consume me. And for those who follow me, who step out in faith to come after me, the sea will not consume them as well. And your fears allow Jesus to speak those same words to your heart. I am here. God is here. God is present, and God is powerful and able to overcome anything in your life. He was, and is and always will be the God of the universe who is here for you. Once the disciples are aware that it's Jesus, Peter excitedly calls out to the Lord. It's a bold act of faith. The fisherman asked Jesus to call him out into the way. Maybe you identify with Peter in his faith, requesting Jesus to allow you to do the unthinkable. This type of faith is powerful. It stems from an understanding that faith isn't about knowing facts about God. It's putting our complete trust in Him to the point where we're willing to take action, even something as absurd as trying to step on water. And it was faith that allowed Peter to overlook his fear, set his eyes like a flint on Jesus and asked to be by his side. The same faith that radiated in Peter on the sea is available to you and I if we trust completely in Jesus through our trials, he will empower us to do the unthinkable and will give us triumph over our most formidable fears. Now this doesn't mean will always be perfect. It definitely wasn't the case for Peter. After he takes his first few steps, he's quickly reminded of the crashing walls of water that are surrounding him, and unfortunately, he takes his eyes off Jesus and doubt begins to fill his heart. It was this doubt. It was this doubt that caused the disciples to be pulled down once again. By his trial. Doubt is the enemy of faith, so how can we combat it? Well? Looking at Peter's example, we know it stems from taking our focus off of Jesus. We can make our faith about many things moral living church attendants, singing the right songs, dressing in the right way, saying the right words. We can make it about political parties. We can make it about certain social stances. We can make it about a certain ideology. We can make this whole thing about anything but Jesus. When we stop emphasizing Jesus, his power, his character, his death and resurrection, we begin to think once again about our own limits as human beings, or the darkness that's surrounding us. We can get consumed by the issues that plague our society, or by the vices that pull our own hearts down, and sometimes our trials or the world seems bigger than what we can manage. But we shouldn't let our humanity overshadow the limits and power of our God. Sure, our trials may in fact be bigger than us, but they'll never be bigger than our God. You've often heard it said, God's never going to give you a trial bigger than what you can handle. I'm sorry to burst your bubble, friends, but that's not true. God will give you trials and circumstances that you can't handle. He'll give you plenty of situations in your life that you and your own strength are absolutely unable to bear alone. God will give you trials that he can handle, and if you're dependent on Him, you will be able to press through. This is exactly what Peter does while just moments before he spoke out to the Lord with boldness to bring the mountainto the waters. His cries turn into desperation as he holds onto life. His passion turns to prayer, a short but beautiful prayer, Lord save me. When we feel ourselves drowning in life, this is all we need to cry out. We don't need to beg use big words, be super eloquent, pontificating on the different reasons why God is able to help us. We just need to simply shout it out, Lord, save me, Help me. It could be a simple cry of three words or just an anxious groan of your heart. Either way, God hears you. So while it's best not to take your eyes off Jesus during your trials, know that if you do. Jesus is waiting to rekindle your faith this second you turn to him again. Thanks for listening to the Jesus Podcast. We're going to keep pressing forward with different stories showcasing the miracles of the Messiah. Make sure to follow the podcast, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Thanks for being a part of this community. 00:29:32 Speaker 1: God bless