A Big Step of Faith

Walking on Water

There is a well-known story in the Bible about Jesus walking on water that may help us overcome the fears of verbally proclaiming the gospel to others.

The lesson of the story is learning how important it is to fix our eyes upon Jesus whenever we take a big step of faith. It means that we must take Jesus at his Word.

“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “it’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them; “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out this hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:22-33

After Jesus had fed the 5,000, he sent his disciples across the lake while he stayed back for some alone time to pray. While it was still dark and windy, the disciples – who were already afraid — saw a ghostly figure walking towards them on the lake.

Have you every been out on a lake or an ocean in the middle of the night?  It’s a bit creepy when the wind is blowing and the dark, murky water is choppy. If I saw a figure walking towards me on the water, I would be freaking out along with the disciples. Fear tends to alter perspectives and provide worst-case scenarios. Even though the disciples were with Jesus every day and saw him perform amazing miracles, they needed his words of comfort and assurance.

It’s okay. Stop freaking out. It’s just me.

Evangelism is the same way.

Since evangelism is a bit scary for many of us, we tend to think of worst-case scenarios that could possibly happen.

In my experience, we can borrow the same words from Jesus.

It’s going to be okay. I know it’s scary, but people are people. When you treat them with love and respect, they will be fine. Besides, this is all about me and never about you.

After receiving words of assurance from Jesus, did you notice that there was one disciple who made a bold request?

Of course, it was Peter. His request to walk on water seemed to fit his personality. Bold. Fearless.

Agree or Disagree: Of all the disciples, I can relate to Peter the most.  Why or why not?

Peter gets out of the boat and takes a few steps then starts to be distracted by the wind and waves. As he starts to sink beneath the waves, Jesus grabs a hold of him and helps a struggling Peter back into the boat.

“C’mon Peter,” Jesus said, “How come you didn’t trust me when I said you could come?”

The disciples in the boat immediately began to worship him.

We don’t know, but I wonder how many disciples asked Jesus if they could walk on water? My guess is few if any. I don’t know about you, but I can relate to the other disciples who stayed in the boat. I am a fearful person. Stepping out of the boat and on the dark, murky waters of the lake would have been asking too much.

It takes faith to walk on water.

It takes faith to get out of the boat.

How is it possible for people like me?

It requires that we fix our eyes upon Jesus and trust his promises.

Take Action: Record your answers to the statement above on page 5 of the study guide.