The Story of Jesus Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)

It was getting dark, and Jesus told his disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the sea. He would go up on the mountain to pray and come to them later. How do you think Jesus will come to them later? Will he really walk on the water, and will his disciples be safe in the boat without Jesus being with them? When they were about in the middle of the sea, a very big storm arose, and the huge waves tossed the boat back and forth and up and down and in about every direction. The boat will sink soon if Jesus does not come; but Jesus did come, and yes, he was walking on the water! Jesus said to them, “It is I, be not afraid.” They were safe even in the middle of the storm because they had obeyed Jesus in getting into the boat, and he was watching over them all the time. So what does that teach us? I think it teaches us that when we believe in Jesus and do his will, we do not have to be afraid even when bad things happen. Peter felt so brave when he saw Jesus that he asked if he could get out of the boat and walk with Jesus on the water. Jesus said to him, “Come,” and that’s what he did. Peter was able to walk on the water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, but when he felt the strong wind and saw the giant waves, he was afraid and started to sink. Peter than cried out, “Lord, save me,” and Jesus reached out his hand and pulled Peter from the water. They got into the boat and the storm stopped right away. The disciples then worshiped Jesus and said, “Of a truth, thou art the Son of God.” Boys and girls, here’s some good advice. Whenever you become afraid, don’t panic. Just ask Jesus to help you, and he will. Jesus loves you very much, and he is watching over you all the time.