Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus walks on water.)

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.

And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Last week in the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 there is room for speculation. Was that miracle about multiplying food or was it inspiring generosity and sharing? This week we have Jesus walking on water, and there is next to no room for speculation. Jokes about hidden causeways aside, the miracle is utterly remarkable and jaw dropping. This might answer our question about why on earth did Peter step out of the boat and attempt to imitate Jesus. 

A storm on the lake would have been a common occurrence for the disciples. Not all were fishermen, but they had quite a few amongst them who knew how to handle a boat. They would know that in a storm the best place to be was in the boat, however frightening the experience. So why step out? If I had been in that storm it wouldn’t have taken me much effort to know what I wanted: I would have wanted Jesus to come to me rather than me go to Jesus. What was Peter playing at!

Peter has always been portrayed as impetuous and larger than life, the kind of guy who would speak or act first and think later. When he saw Jesus walking on the water, he just wanted to be there with Jesus. When we look at the details of this story again, we realise that the disciples were not in danger. There was no need to abandon the boat. Peter was simply overcome by the sight of Jesus and he couldn’t help himself. He had to respond. 

I wonder whether this story reminds you of another similar incident. It was after the resurrection, and the disciples, once more, were in a boat on the lake. Jesus appears on the seashore. As soon as Peter realises it is Jesus he jumps out of the boat! This time he swims towards Jesus, but the impulse is the same as before. Peter sees Jesus, and he can’t wait to be with him. This is the same Peter who on the night of Jesus’ trial bottled it and denied knowing Jesus. This is the same Peter who on that same lake had been chided by Jesus who had said to him "You of little faith, why did you doubt?".

I know of many people who are like Peter. Their faith is sometimes weak, and occasionally they fail to do the right thing, but through all their weaknesses they long for Jesus. Though they falter, they want to be where Jesus is and to follow him. I would call them true saints.