Recently, while I was reading the story of Christ Jesus and Peter walking on the water (see Matthew 14:22–33), my attention was drawn to the sequence of events after Peter stepped out of the boat.
As Jesus walked across a rough sea to the disciples, they thought they were seeing an apparition. Jesus spoke to them, identifying himself and encouraging them. But Peter demanded proof that it was really Jesus. He even spelled out exactly what he deemed to be sufficient proof by asking, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” Jesus replied with one simple word, “Come.”
So Peter found himself walking on water—but only until the wind gusted. When that happened, he became fearful. His steps faltered, and he cried out for Jesus to save him. The Bible says that Jesus “stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” The story ends, “And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.” This is the part that grabbed my attention: Jesus didn’t calm the water until after they had returned to the boat.
