31st August 2026

It is amazing that in my time of need God is personally with me and to grant me his help and comfort. The same God who was with Israel, the same God who was with King David, the same God who walked beside the prophets, comes to our aid as well. This is Immanual – God with us. God is present with us in our suffering. Just as Jesus did that day on the lake of Galilee, God himself steps right into the storms of our life with us.

So here comes Jesus, walking on the water and slowly approaching the boat. You might say to yourself well why didn’t they recognise Jesus? Why were they so afraid? There are many reasons why: they are very tired, the storm was raging, the boat and waves were tossing, and if it was raining, they could not see or tell who it was. But most of all, people walking on the water is not something that happens every day.

So, as Jesus approached the boat, he announced himself to his disciples. And it was still not clear in their mind what they were seeing, because Peter had to ask if it was truly Jesus. I bet he genuinely wanted to believe, genuinely wanted to know that his Lord and Rabbi was right there with him by his side. I do not think this was a question of doubt, but one of a need for confirmation. Peter may not be trusting himself, and he knows that if it truly is Jesus, he will be able to prove it. Note that Jesus did not take offense to Peter’s question, or his request. God does not take offense to our questions, and fears.

Matthew tells us, ‘And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” [Jesus]said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus’ (Matthew 14:28-29). I admit I would be hesitant of doing this, especially with my fear of deep water. God has given us the natural fear of things that help preserve our lives. Some daredevils are lacking in this wisdom. So, if Jesus called me out to walk on the water, I would be excited about the opportunity, but deep in my mind would be the realisation that ‘whoa, I really can’t do that.’ On our own there are many things that we cannot do, but with Jesus by our side, and taking us by the hand, we sure can.

Matthew continues, ‘But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (vv.30-31). Peter demonstrated his faith by walking out on the water but at the same time the realisation of what he was doing took hold. I do not think he was doubting so much in Jesus as he was in himself. We are all still on a learning curve when it comes to the realisation of who we really are in Jesus. And yes, we all are creatures of little faith. But that is where the faith of Jesus comes into play in our lives. It is Jesus who is the author of our faith, and it is Jesus who will continue the growth in this faith until it is completed (Hebrews 12:2).

When Peter’s faith faltered Jesus did not just leave him sinking in the water, Jesus reached out and took him by the hand and gave him the strength and support he needed to have faith in him. Our focus should not be upon what Peter did or did not do, upon what we do or do not do to save ourselves, our focus must be on what Jesus can and does do for us. 

The storm on the lake pointed to a greater storm that Jesus would walk into for us. One day Jesus would walk into the storm of sin and death on the cross for all of mankind. On the cross the son of God would fully take on our fear, our failure, our guilt, and our death upon himself. And in its place, he would place his own righteousness, his own life for us.

Peter’s cry ‘save me’ was a universal cry for the entire world. We all need saving, we all need rescue, and Jesus responded fully to that need.

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