The Lord Will

Jesus and Peter Walking on Water in the Bible

Peter walked on the waters of the Sea of Galilee as long as he kept his eyes fixed on Jesus (Matthew 14:29). This miracle is one of the New Testament's most powerful pictures of faith: while Peter looked to Christ, the impossible became possible; but when he turned his gaze toward the waves, he began to sink. The account opens with the disciples straining against the storm in the fourth watch of the night, when Jesus came to them walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25). His coming is the very image of divine rescue in the midst of life's tempest. Terrified, the disciples thought they saw a ghost, but Jesus reassured them: 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid' (Matthew 14:27). Then Peter, in a surge of faith, asked, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' And Jesus said, 'Come.' So Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the water to go to Jesus. The lesson is clear: faith acts upon the word of Christ. But 'when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, Lord, save me!' (Matthew 14:30). Fear drew his attention away from Christ to his circumstances. Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' (Matthew 14:31). Thus, when faith falters, Christ does not let us sink, but stretches out His saving hand.

Key verse snapshot

β€œThis is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”

Bible Verses about Jesus and Peter Walking on Water

6 Scripture passages on this theme

1 John 5:6

β€œThis is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”

Genesis 24:43

β€œBehold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;”

John 4:14

β€œBut whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Psalms 1:3

β€œAnd he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

1 Kings 13:22

β€œBut camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.”

1 Kings 18:35

β€œAnd the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the miracle of Peter walking on water teach?
It teaches that (1) faith obeying the word of Christ produces the supernatural; (2) the gaze fixed on Christ rather than on circumstances sustains faith; (3) when faith weakens, Christ does not let us sink but stretches out His saving hand (v.31).
Why did Peter begin to sink?
Matthew 14:30 records, 'But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, Lord, save me!' Fear drew his attention away from Christ toward his circumstances. Jesus answered at once and asked, 'Why did you doubt?' Doubt and fear break the bond of faith.
What does it mean to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
Hebrews 12:2 invites us to run 'looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.' As with Peter, spiritual stability comes not from the absence of storms but from steady attention to Christ. When the gaze turns to difficulties, fear takes over; when it returns to the Lord, faith is restored.

Apply These Verses to Your Life

Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with jesus and peter walking on water.

Author:
The Lord Will Editorial Team
Reviewed by:
Ugo Candido
Last updated:
Category:
Scripture Guidance