Walk on Water
Matthew 14:22-36
22 Immediately he had the talmidim (disciples/students) get in the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowds away. 23 After he had sent the crowds away, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night came on, and he was there alone. 24 But by this time, the boat was several miles from shore, battling a rough sea and a headwind. 25 Around four o’clock in the morning, he came toward them, walking on the lake! 26 When the talmidim saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said and screamed with fear. 27 But at once Yeshua spoke to them. “Courage,” he said, “it is I. Stop being afraid.” 28 Then Kefa called to him, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come!” he said. So Kefa (Peter) got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Yeshua. 30 But when he saw the wind, he became afraid; and as he began to sink, he yelled, “Lord! Save me!” 31 Yeshua immediately stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “Such little trust! Why did you doubt?” 32 As they went up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 The men in the boat fell down before him and exclaimed, “You really are God’s son!”
34 Having made the crossing, they landed at Ginosar. 35 When the people of the place recognized him, they sent word throughout the neighborhood and brought him everyone who was ill. 36 They begged him that the sick people might only touch the tzitzit (knots on the prayer shawl) on his robe, and all who touched it were completely healed.
It is a longer portion today, but we will close out Matthew 14.
Jesus walked on water... I don't know what I would do if it was dark and I was in a boat and I saw someone walking toward me. I would probably freak out just like the disciples did.
The idea that Peter had enough faith to get out of the boat should become our strength. Many, many teachings can be taught about the short scenario. The fact that Peter is human enough to doubt should be an encouragement to us. In spite of his doubt, God used him in many ways.
I don't believe Jesus said the words, "Such little trust! Why did you doubt?" in a mean or angry voice. I would like to think that Jesus was having fun when He spoke those words. That He was almost teasing Peter as He said them. How do you see Jesus saying these words?
The name Peter means, "rock." He kind of sank as he tried to walk on the water, but Jesus took care of him and he gained a new strength to walk forward from that day forward. I believe that as we walk through these days that are challenging, we can learn the same things. We can watch our faith grow stronger as we continue to take the hand of the Father and walk with Him.
The last little section is connected to a writing I did when the issue of the woman was blood was taught. I will connect a link to that blog so you can refresh your mind with the teaching about tzitzits.
Today as you face new things, know that HE is there to walk with you. HE is there to take you out on the water and take care of you. He won't let you slip or fall.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rose
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