Walking on water

Another week in my New Testament class. I was excited learning about Christ walking on the water. He did things that for me are impossible. But I found out how he did it, sort of...

Choice 3: 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.

In the scripture language it says, “And in the fourth watch of the night.” I’m not sure when they started their watch but I’m assuming that it’s late and they are all tired. It is during this time that they see Christ walking on the water. The apostles freak out. They think that they are seeing a ghost. I don’t blame them because no human that I know can walk on water.

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

After Christ confirmed that it was him and to not be afraid, Peter called out to him and asked to join him. If I were in that situation I would not do as Peter did. I like things that are firm, solid and sure. Water has none of those attributes. With that said, Peter demonstrated great faith. Faith enough to do as the Savior did.

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

So Christ bid Peter onto the water. Amazingly Peter began to walk on top of the water just like Christ did. Then a wind came and the scriptures say that it was a “boisterous wind”. I looked up that word and the dictionary says that boisterous means “rough, unrestrained, stormy, massive.” So this was a pretty strong wind. Peter began to sink because he was afraid of the wind knocking him down.

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?

As Peter began to sink, he called to Christ to save him. The cool part was Christ didn’t hesitate. He, as the verse says “Immediately…stretched forth his hand.” I like that. There is a good principle there. Peter called out for help and Christ immediately answered. In our prayers we do the same but are we listening for the answer that is our help? I know I don’t always listen. Sometimes I pray several times before I’m ready to listen. That’s bad. That is a habit I need to break. I need to be a little more patient.

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?

In this verse it is talking about having your eye single to the glory of God. It says that when you do this your whole body will be filled with light and you will be able to comprehend all things. So if you can comprehend things then maybe you can comprehend science, mathematics, mysteries of God. If that is the case then I don’t see how walking on water wouldn’t be hard if you had that kind of faith. I can’t think of the scripture but this scripture reminds me of another. It says something about if you have knowledge you will not fear. With all scriptures we need to apply them to ourselves. With this one I can see by keeping the faith and gaining knowledge I can literally walk over the storms of life because I have knowledge which increases my faith that all will be ok.

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