One of the most famous, and joked about, events in the ministry of Jesus is when he walked on water. Less memerable is when Peter walked on water. The walking on water part is not that amazing compared to his raising people from the dead but it is a spectacular thought that Jesus could defy the laws of nature and walk from the shore to a boat where the disciples were sleeping. Even more drama inducing the boat was being tossed by wind and waves when Jesus came to them. I have had an encounter with Christ that relates to this event that I want to share.
Failure Away from the Boat
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:22-27 ESV
Eight years ago, I was serving in ministry as a youth leader and I had an encounter with God, spiritually speaking, where he came to me in a rough sea and asked me to join him. You can read about this event here. Christ came to me and asked me to get out of the boat. But I am a shrewd man and a control freak so I came up with an alternative plan.
Boldness to Meet Christ
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28 ESV
Much has been made over Peter sinking in the water and Jesus saving him. But for me I can’t get over Peter’s boldness to want out of the boat. Peter wanted to walk on that water to Jesus. God calls me to him. Dear child come to me is what I hear. But Peter… Peter did not need to be called. He wanted to go. Eight years ago, I got out of the boat because God called but in my heart, I had tied myself off to the boat and put on my floaties. God was not impressed.
Why Did You Doubt?
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31 ESV
My reluctance and my not moving forward were based in fear and a lack of trust in God. It is an immaturity in me that Christ asks to me “why did you doubt?” For the last eight years I have been broken down and emerged new. I am taking risks and I am bolder than ever before. So why did a doubt and will I doubt again? Doubt is a normal thing for some like me. Not that I doubt God is real or that I doubt that he has saved and loves me. I dealt with those many years ago. My doubt is rooted in a lack of confidence in what he wants to do through me. Also I am soft and afraid of the pain that comes with following Christ into the fires.
Good Company of Doubters
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. Matthew 28:16-17 ESV
There is only one other place in the bible where this same “why did you doubt” word shows up and that is also in Matthew in the last chapter when Jesus gave the great commission. The eleven remaining disciples travel together to a location Jesus directed them to go. When they arrive Jesus is there and they worship him. The core key disciples that are just the eleven. The same eleven we all know their names. Matthew writes “but some doubted.” I most certainly would have been in that group. Even with a resurrected Jesus before me whom I am worshiping I would have doubted.
Doubt is Weakness in Me
My doubt is not in the things of Christ. My doubt is in the things of this life that God would have me accomplish. I am a fearful and weak personality. I have overcome much anxiety to even write this letter today. How much has Christ altered me to publicly speak and to teach in his church. Why Jesus asks did I doubt? I doubt what I can accomplish while forgetting that it is not me but Christ who accomplishes all things.
Growing Faith
I am excited to get out of the boat and like Peter and walk on water. I might even be willing to ask if I can leave the boat to meet Jesus where he is at. Some of the disciples doubted for what reasons we don’t know. But what we do know is that these doubting disciples changed the world and this change is summarized here by the commentary of Matthew Henry.
These doubts were afterward removed, and their faith grew up to a full assurance, and it tended much to the honour of Christ, that the disciples doubted before they believed; so that they cannot be said to be credulous, and willing to be imposed upon; for they first questioned, and proved all things, and then held fast that which was true, and which they found to be so.
