doubt

Matthew 14:22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

  24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o'clock in the morning* Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!"

  27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!"


  28 Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."

  29 "Yes, come," Jesus said.

  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.30 But when he saw the strong* wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.

  31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"

  32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.


Anybody besides me been like Peter?

What I mean is, has anyone, besides me, ever took a leap of faith, jumped out of the prissy, precious little life you're livin', & then overwhelmed by the storm around you?

And why do we doubt?

Is it because we've read the beginning of chapter 14, which recounts John the Baptist losing his head? John the Baptist - Jesus' forerunner? John the Baptist, whom Jesus characterized as being a greater prophet than anyone who had come before?

Is it that we doubt Jesus, or is it because we know that sometimes the story doesn't end "...and they lived happily ever after"?

Is it because we've read Hebrews 11:35-40, & read about those who lived lives of faith but whose lives didn't quite reflect the American Dream or have a storybook ending?

Or have I missed the point of this event in the disciples lives with Jesus?