This is part of a series studying Peter’s life and ministry.  Click here for the entire series.

After the feeding of the 5,000 people, Jesus followers jumped in a nearby boat—maybe one belonging to Peter or possibly James and John.  That evening one of the frequent windstorms arose as the disciples rowed out into the middle of the lake.  As the waves battered the boat between 3 and 6 a.m., the disciples looked up to see what they at first thought was a ghost walking on the water toward them.  They were terrified and cried out in fear.  Jesus simply identified Himself, “Take courage!  It is I.  Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Then Peter jumped into action.  “Lord, if it’s you [and I think it is], tell me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28).  Peter had lived around the lake all his life and knew what would happen if he jumped in the water.  But he also knew the Miracle-worker was out there on the water.

There was no rebuke from Jesus—just a firm “Come” above the roar of the wind and crashing waves.  Peter had heard Jesus teaching and seen His miracles and now it was time for a pop quiz in faith.

Peter jumped overboard and began to walk on the water, too.  But then he ignored the advice expert mountain climbers give novices, “Don’t look down!”  He saw what the wind was doing to the waves and began to sink then cried out, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30).  Jesus grabbed his hand and pulled him up out of the water.  “Peter, your faith still hasn’t grown much.  Why did you doubt that I would take care of you?” (paraphrase of 16:31).  Notice Jesus didn’t say Peter had “no faith”, just “little faith.”

Peter may have experienced a lapse in faith but, unlike the other disciples, at least he got out of boat.  The others who stayed in the boat exclaimed, “Jesus, truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:32).  They observed what Peter experienced.

When was the last time you felt panicky or fearful?  After studying Peter’s experience, how do you think you should have responded?

Is there a boat – place of safety and security – God is asking you to climb out of and trust Him?