get out of the boat

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.



Think about a few things here...

Before we judge Peter too harshly, remember that Peter was the only one who got out of the boat.

Yes, Peter got overwhelmed by his situation, but as soon as he took a hold of Jesus' hand, he was safe.

And he walked back to the boat with Jesus - iow, Peter walked on the water back to the boat, with Jesus.


I wonder what the other disciples said to Peter when he got back into the boat, soaking wet.

I wonder what they thought about Peter.

I wonder what they thought about Jesus.

I wonder if they wished they'd jumped out of the boat.

And I wonder what they thought about the whole thing.



In my life, one of the things I wish I'd done differently is that I wish I taken more risks, trusting Jesus to take care of me.

Sometimes the most astounding things will happen if we trust Jesus & "get out of the boat".