Matthew 14:22–33. Walking on the Sea

1.       Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

2.       What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

3.       According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

4.       What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

5.       Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

So, right after the Savior performs an amazing miracle of feeding 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and two fishes, he then performs another miracle just for his chosen apostles.  It seems odd that he did it.  Possible he perceived that the apostles did not think the previous feeding miracle was that grand.  I feel like the Savior knew this and purposefully set up the scenario wherein he would walk on the water.  Why else would he have sent the apostles away in a boat while he labored to send the multitude away?  I know that it says he later went apart into a mountain to pray, but he could have done this while the apostles waited for him on the shore.

Oddly, when the disciples saw Christ walking on the water, they cried with fear, believing it was a ghost.  They must have been hard of learning.  We know that Peter asked to go out and meet the Savior, essentially asking the Savior to allow him to walk on water.  I think this showed Peter’s initiative, and leadership, to speak up first and actually be brave enough to make such a request.  I know that it also shows his faith, but I think the faith was more of a hope or strong curiosity.  We have all been there, when we see someone do something amazing and our first thought is, “I want to do that also”.  Is that first thought faith?  To some degree yes.  You have to believe that you can actually do what the other did, but it is more of a desire to accomplish what the other has done.  I think this is why Peter began to sink when the wind was “boisterous”. 

Now the Lord “immediately” saved him, which obviously shows the Lords love for us and his ability to immediately help us in anything we do.  I think it is amazing that such a fear could come upon you when you are already walking on the water.  I think I would feel invincible if I were walking on water.  I am sure the Savior had the foreknowledge that Peter would ask to come out.  I also think that the wind was brought forth to further test Peters faith.  Interesting how the wind ceased when they entered the boat.  The scriptures teach that the Lord tests and tries those whom he loves.  Peter was to be the lead apostle, Christ had to continually test and try him.

I think that as we travel through the storms of life we need to have a focused mind and heart.  Our mind and heart should always point to the Lord and we should ever be striving to become as he is and living the gospel he has given to us.  If we do this, we shall be filled with his light and be able to comprehend all things.