Week 5 | Day 5 JESUS WALKS ON WATER Matthew 14:22-33 | Mark 6:45-52 | John 6:16-21

Some 2 ½ to 3 years into Jesus’ public ministry, a pivotal moment unfolds on the Sea of Galilee. After the disciples failed to grasp who Jesus truly was at the feeding of the 5,000, He sent them ahead without Him. In the dark of night, a violent sharkia—a sudden, fierce storm—descended upon them, leaving seasoned fishermen fearful for their lives. Then Jesus came to them—walking on the water. At first, they thought He was a ghost. But when Jesus identified Himself, something remarkable happened. Peter realized that it was safer to be with Jesus on the water than to remain in the boat relying on his own strength. So, he asked to come out—and he did. The others could have joined him, but they stayed put. Peter walked until fear shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm. As he sank, Jesus reached out and rescued him, teaching a defining lesson of the Christian life—faith isn’t self-confidence—it is step-by-step dependence on the power and presence of God. To be sure, this moment was more than a miracle. When Scripture says Jesus “passed by” them, it echoed the language used when God passed by Moses and Elijah—revealing that the One walking on the waves was none other than God Himself. The disciples finally saw Him not merely as a rabbi or miracle worker, but as the Lord of creation.

Application

1. It’s Safer on the Water with Jesus than in the Boat without Him

Obedience that feels risky is still safer than self-reliance that feels secure.

2. Faith Always Requires Movement

You can never walk on water if you never get out of the boat. Faith is more than words—it acts.

3. Desperation and Curiosity can be Doorways to Faith

Peter’s request wasn’t polished, but it was honest—and Jesus honored it.

4. The Christian life Can’t be Lived Independently of the Holy Spirit

Not improbably—impossibly. When we try in our ability and ingenuity, we sink.

5. Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus is the Difference between Walking and Sinking

Storms don’t sink us—shifting our focus does.

6. Don’t Criticize the one who Steps Out

Peter may have sunk, but he was the only one who walked.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing who You truly are—God in the flesh, Lord over the storm, and Savior who reaches for us when we sink. Give me the courage to get out of the boat instead of settling for comfort and control. Help me to desire You more than what feels safe to me. Teach me to walk with You—hand in hand, step by step—by faith and in the power of Your Spirit. Fix my eyes on You alone as my hope and strength. Amen.