And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole (Matthew 14: 22-36)
We read here an account of a miracle performed by the Lord Jesus Christ for the encouragement of His disciples. Just before this, their Master had shown His power by feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fishes. Immediately after this miraculous provision, He “constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away” (v 22). Why? John the evangelist provides a likely reason for the hasty dispersal of the crowd – the people, having enjoyed the benefits of His miraculous provision, wanted to make Jesus king: “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone” (Jn 6: 15).
The following commentary by J C Ryle (http://gracegems.org/Ryle/m14.htm) on the above passage provides a meaningful insight into the miracle that follows – that of Jesus “walking on the sea”. May we glean precious lessons from this mighty miracle.
The history contained in these verses, is one of singular interest. The miracle here recorded brings out in strong light the character both of Christ and His people. The power and mercy of the Lord Jesus, and the mixture of faith and unbelief in His best disciples, are beautifully illustrated.
We learn, in the first place, from this miracle, what absolute dominion our Savior has over all created things. We see Him “walking on the sea,” as if it was dry land. Those angry waves which tossed the ship of His disciples to and fro, obey the Son of God, and become a solid floor under His feet. That liquid surface, which was agitated by the least breath of wind, bears up the feet of our Redeemer, like a rock.
To our poor, weak minds, the whole event is utterly incomprehensible. The picture of two feet walking on the sea, is said by Doddridge to have been the Egyptian emblem of an impossible thing. The man of science will tell us, that for material flesh and blood to walk on water is a physical impossibility. Enough for us to know that it was done. Enough for us to remember, that to Him Who created the seas at the beginning, it must have been perfectly easy to walk over their waves when He pleased.
There is encouragement here for all true Christians. Let them know that there is nothing created, which is not under Christ’s control. … He may allow His people to be tried for a season, and tossed to and fro by storms of trouble. He may be later than they wish in coming to their aid, and not draw near until the “fourth watch of the night”. But never let them forget that winds, and waves, and storms are all Christ’s servants. They cannot move without Christ’s permission. “The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea” (Ps 93: 4). Are we ever tempted to cry with Jonah, “the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me” (Jon 2: 3). Let us remember they are “His” billows. Let us wait patiently. We may yet see Jesus coming to us, and “walking on the sea”.
We learn, in the second place, from this miracle, what power Jesus can bestow on those who believe on Him. We see Simon Peter coming down out of the ship, and walking on the water, like his Lord. What a wonderful proof was this of our Lord's divinity! To walk on the sea Himself was a mighty miracle. But to enable a poor weak disciple to do the same, was a mightier miracle still.
There is a deep meaning in this part of our history. It shows us what great things our Lord can do for those that hear His voice, and follow Him. He can enable them to do things which at one time they would have thought impossible. He can carry them through difficulties and trials, which without Him they would never have dared to face. He can give them strength to walk through fire and water unharmed, and to get the better of every foe. Moses in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon, the saints in Nero’s household, are all examples of His mighty power. Let us fear nothing, if we are in the path of duty. The waters may seem deep. But if Jesus says, "Come," we have no cause to be afraid. “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (Jn 14: 12).
(… to be continued)
– Pastor