46 TIME-LIFE MIRACLES OF FAITH
WALKING ON THE SEA
WONDER
ON THE
WATER
Withaboatfulofhisdisciples
watchingonestormynight,Jesus
walks upon the Sea of GalileeA
fter Jesus demonstrates his power by
feeding the huge crowd with a mere five
barley loaves and two fish, he sends his
disciples down to their boat and instructs
them to row over to another area in Pales-
tine. Worried that the people are “intending to come and
take him by force to make him king,” Jesus dismisses the
large crowd and retreats into the mountains to pray, ac-
cording to the Gospel of John.
For the disciples, the winds and waves on the Sea of
Galilee are rough, and a treacherous journey lies ahead.
When they have rowed about three or fourmiles, accord-
ing to John’s account, and have been on the water for sev-
eral hours, Jesus comes to them, “walking on the sea.” The
disciples fear the apparition, but Jesus reassures them,
saying, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Matthew’s gospel alone recounts that the disciple Pe-
ter replies. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you
on the water,” he says. Jesus responds, “Come.” Yet as Peter
walks toward Jesus, he is overcome by fear and begins to
sink. Jesus reaches out his hand, saying, “You of little faith,
why did you doubt?” ▪NEW TESTAMENT