Today begins part II of our multi-part exploration of the gospel of Matthew, called “Follow me.” Here’s an overview of the mega-series:
Part I - Spring 2025: Matthew 1, 3-10
Part II - Fall 2025: Matthew 11-20
Part III - December 2025: Matthew 2 (The Magi)
Part IV - Spring 2026: Matthew 21-28
Why spend so much time in Matthew? Well, each of the four gospels have their own angles and perspectives on the ministry of Jesus, and they are all valuable, but I find Matthew particularly special.
Matthew was likely writing to a group of Christ-followers in a city like Antioch towards the end of the 1st Century AD. These believers were a mix of Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, having to figure out how to be one unified community with so many cultural differences between them.
They were also facing increasing pressure from the Jewish synagogue community and the Roman authorities. They needed help understanding their place in this broken world.
And this is awesome, because the way Matthew talks to them is super relevant for us. Because we face a lot of the same challenges today that they did back then.
A diverse congregation, pressure to conform to a changing world, and big questions like “What does it really mean to follow Jesus in our everyday lives?”
There are three significant themes that we’ve been focusing on in Matthew. First, this gospel in many ways is a Discipleship Manual. It is full of instructions of how to follow Jesus.
Do you want to model your life on his? Well, whether you’re living in the 1st century or the 21st, Matthew will show you how.
Second, Matthew is what I’ll call a Kingdom Manifesto. It is full of shocking truths about the “upside-down” kingdom of God. Where the last are first, the poor are blessed, where leaders are the servants of all.
God’s kingdom upended many of the values of the 1st century world, and it’s still doing that today.
Finally, Matthew is a Story of Fulfillment. The gospel is constantly demonstrating how Jesus fulfills the promises of God from the Old Testament and how we, as his followers, can be a part of that fulfillment.
I love Matthew and I hope, by the end of this multi-part series, you will too.
Today, as we re-engage with the story, we’re going to zoom in on one character in particular: The disciple named Peter.
For the next three weeks, we’re going to look at some very high highs and some very low lows that Peter experiences as he tries to come to grips with who Jesus really is.
If you’re not familiar, Peter is quite the character. He shows up in all four gospels as a pretty impetuous, passionate, and emotional young man.
Peter leaps without looking. Which means, of course, that he’s constantly putting his foot in his mouth by speaking before he really thinks things through. Although sometimes it means that he’s a little bit ahead of the curve.
In the book of Acts, Peter goes on to become a powerful leader in the early Church. Catholics think of him as the first pope! But in Matthew, he is simply a hot-headed, low-class, teenage fisherman who is usually way in over his head.
In other words, he’s relatable. He’s like us. And we have a lot to learn from his sincere, if sometimes ham-fisted, attempts to follow Jesus.
So let’s pray, and then we’ll get into it.
[PRAY]
THE RAGING SEA
The story we’re going to look at today is in Matthew 14:22, Page ________. It’s the story of Jesus walking on water.
Just a bit of background. [image: Sea of Galilee] The Sea of Galilee was a large freshwater lake in, you guessed it, Galilee, where Jesus and many of the disciples were from.
Peter, specifically, was from Capernaum, a city on the north side of the sea. As a fisherman, he had undoubtedly spent many years sailing these waters.
What we’re about to read comes right after Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 5000, where he fed a huge crowd with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Let’s read what happens next.
Matthew 14:22-27
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. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Let’s pause here for a moment.
With a story like this, it’s helpful to remember that ancient people, including the Israelites, thought of the sea as the realm of chaos.
And it makes sense. Because whereas God created order and life and dry land, the sea was doing the opposite. It was constantly battering the shore, eroding the coast, swallowing up ships and sailors.
The sea was a dangerous and terrifying place, even for experienced fishermen, like Peter.
In verse 24, Matthew tells us that “a strong wind had risen,” and that the disciples were “fighting heavy waves.” Literally in the Greek, the wind was “against” them, and the boat was being “tormented” by the waves.
I love that. It’s like the sea is alive, trying to swallow them up.
Earlier in the gospel (back in chapter 8), the disciples were in a different storm on the sea, and there Jesus simply rebuked the wind and the waves and everything got calm.
But this time, Jesus isn’t with them, is he? The watery forces of chaos are tormenting the little boat, and they have no way out of the danger.
Until Jesus himself comes walking up on top of the sea. Can you imagine? It’s night time, and suddenly they see a figure moving towards them, getting closer between each swell of the waves.
Of course, they’re terrified. They think he’s a ghost. Or, literally, a
φάντασμα - phantasma: a phantom, specter
Most likely they think he’s an apparition of a sailor who drowned in that spot, just like they’re about to do. He’s going to grab them and pull them down.
But in response to their cries of fear, Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here.”
Now, I believe these simple words are laden with meaning. Especially that last sentence: “I am here.”
In the Greek what Jesus literally says is, “Take courage…”
ἐγώ εἰμι - egō eimi - “I am”
This phrase does often mean something straightforward like “I exist,” “It’s me,” “I’m here.”
But let’s remember that Matthew is a Story of Fulfillment. If it ever seems like his narrative is working on multiple levels, it probably is. And I think that’s exactly what is happening here.
Way back in the book of Exodus, when God is going to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, Moses asks God what his name is.
Exodus 3:14
God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.”
This is the name of our God. Not some proper name like Zeus or Marduk or Toby. His name is simply, “I exist.” “I am.” Talk about a transcendent being, right? He’s not some regional deity; he’s the creator of spacetime. “I simply am.”
Well, in the Greek translation of Exodus (the Septuagint, the Bible Matthew and the other disciples used), can you guess how this name shows up? Yeah:
ἐγώ εἰμι - egō eimi - “I am”
The exact same two words Jesus says as he’s walking up to the boat. “Take courage. I am.”
I don’t think this is an accident at all. And here’s why: All throughout the Old Testament we see God - the Creator - depicted as having mastery over the waters of chaos.
He sends a flood. He tames the sea monster Leviathan. He splits the sea for the Israelites.
Isaiah 43:16
I am the LORD, who opened a way through the waters,
making a dry path through the sea.
The “I am” is the Creator of order and life. He makes a way through the waters of chaos, and even a way above them.
Job 9:8
[God] alone has spread out the heavens
and marches on the waves of the sea.
My point is this. When Jesus appears to the disciples and tells them, “Take courage, I am,” I believe Matthew wants us to understand that Jesus is not just a healer, he’s not just a teacher… he is God.
He is the Creator who had mastery over chaos when he led the people across the sea in Egypt, and who has mastery over chaos still.
WALKING ON WATER
Now, in Mark and John’s gospels, the story of Jesus walking on the water ends right here. But Matthew includes what happens next. Let’s read:
Matthew 14:28-33
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me? When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
The first thing to notice is that the disciples as a whole are making progress. When Jesus calms the storm in Matthew 8, all they can say is,
Matthew 8:27
“Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”
They’re clueless. At least now they’re acknowledging that he’s the son of God.
But Peter, true to form, takes things to a whole different level. As usually happens with him, Peter enthusiastically suggests something nobody else was even thinking. He calls out to Jesus, “Tell me to come to you on the water!”
(The other disciples are looking at him thinking, “What, are you nuts?!?”)
Jesus simply responds (one word in the Greek): “Come!”
So, in true Peter fashion, he jumps without considering the consequences. He’s walking on water for a bit before he even realizes that this isn’t supposed to happen.
Finally he remembers the wind and waves, takes his eyes off Jesus, and starts to sink. He needs to be rescued. Classic Peter.
DREAM BIGGER
So that’s the story. But here’s a question. As I said, John and Mark don’t include this story of Peter, but Matthew does. Why do you think that is?
Well, I believe it’s because this gospel is a Discipleship Manual. There is something here for us to learn about what it means to follow Jesus.
So what’s the lesson? Well, I think it’s right here in verse 31:
Matthew 14:31
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
I’ll be honest. For years I used to be bothered by this passage. It feels like Jesus is being totally unfair.
“You have so little faith”? It’s not like any of the other disciples trusted Jesus enough to get out the boat. Peter literally walked on water for a bit because he had faith. Why is he getting scolded?
Well, the more I’ve studied this passage, the more I’ve come to see that Matthew is communicating something here that’s a lot more profound than I first realized.
The way I see it now, Peter is not in trouble here. He’s an object lesson in discipleship.
Let me explain. When Jesus says, “you have so little faith,” he’s using a phrase that he uses four other times in the gospel of Matthew.
Again, it comes across like a criticism. A rebuke.
But when you look at all the other times Jesus says it, it’s in the context of some truly unbelievable stuff: Calming a vicious storm with a word, multiplying loaves of bread to feed a multitude, casting out demons, moving mountains…
These are not the kinds of things the disciples would have even thought possible before Jesus came on the scene. These are not even categories in their minds. Like feeding thousands of people with five loaves? I wouldn’t have even dreamt of that. Would you?
And yet, that’s where Jesus says, “You have so little faith.”
So here’s my theory. I think that by saying this in these moments, Jesus is not rebuking his disciples, he’s inviting them to Dream Bigger!
It’s like he’s saying, “Let your faith grow. Live in the trust that I can do the impossible. Dream bigger.”
And this is where the end of verse 31 is so vital. Jesus says, “You have so little faith… why did you doubt me?”
Literally in the Greek, why did you hesitate? Why did you waver?
There are other Greek words to describe a lack of belief or faith. This is a word that describes a lack of follow-through. Because of this, I now see this passage as Jesus commending Peter in a way, not criticizing him.
It’s like he’s saying, “Ah, Peter. You were dreaming bigger! You walked on water when the other disciples stayed in the boat! You started to really trust me to do the impossible. Why did you hesitate? You could have come all the way.”
I don’t think Peter is a failure in Jesus’ eyes. I think he’s ahead of the curve. While the other disciples are only just now starting to realize that Jesus is the Son of God, Peter is already starting to live like that’s true. He’s jumping out of the boat!
Yes, Jesus is disappointed that Peter’s faith is still on the small side. The wind and the waves got the better of him. But the question, “Why did you waver?” is proof to me that Jesus sees Peter’s potential.
It’s why, just two chapters later, Jesus says this:
Matthew 16:18
Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Peter is impetuous, hot-headed, and emotional. Half the time he is a knuckle-headed teenage boy. But Peter is starting to really believe.
He’s starting to dream bigger. And it’s that faith which Jesus believes will be the very foundation of His Church.
DREAM BIGGER
Ok, so what are we meant to take away from this passage in our own lives? If Matthew is a discipleship manual, then what is he teaching us here about following Jesus?
Well, remember the context of this gospel. It was written to Christ-followers in a chaotic and dangerous time. The epicenter of Christianity, Jerusalem, had been destroyed by the Romans, and the Church was scattered.
These believers in Antioch were navigating divisions and false teaching and persecution from the outside world. They undoubtedly struggled with fear, with hopelessness, and with despair.
Obviously, our world today is vastly different than theirs. Socially, culturally, technologically… But even so, there are many ways things haven’t changed at all.
We too struggle with hopelessness and fear about the future. We too feel the friction between the good news of Jesus and the powers of this world.
It is easy to despair.
Which is why I believe Matthew wants his readers - 1st century believers and 21st century believers - to accept the invitation that this passage offers us. That it offers you. To
Dream Bigger!
To let your trust in Jesus expand. To learn from Peter’s well-intentioned shortcomings and to not hesitate or waver in your faith.
Dream bigger and recognize that Jesus is not just some ancient rabbi. Not just some miracle worker. He is God himself. The “I am” who brought order out of chaos.
Dream bigger and understand that you have been saved by the God who provided manna in the wilderness and who multiplied the loaves. The God who split the seas and the God who walked on water.
Dream bigger and put your trust in the author of New Creation - the God who has pulled you from the grave and placed his very Spirit within you.
The time for despair is over. Because you serve the God of the impossible.
I don’t know what fear or burden you are carrying today. I don’t know what chaotic waves are tormenting your boat.
Maybe you’re despairing at a broken relationship that you don’t believe can ever be healed.
Maybe you’re caught in a hopeless addiction that keeps you locked in a spiral of shame.
Maybe you see the state of the world we’re in and feel like there is no hope for a brighter future.
Is it the fear that you won’t get a job? That you won’t graduate? That you’ll die alone? Maybe you despair, thinking that in the end your life won’t matter at all.
Whatever impossibility or fear it is that you are facing right now, Jesus’ invitation to you is crystal clear:
“Oh you of little faith, don’t you know that I AM the God of the impossible? Start living like that’s true and I will change your world. Maybe not in the way you expect, but I will not let you drown in despair. So don’t hesitate. Don’t waver. Step out of the boat and Dream Bigger!”
Learn to live in the way of trust. Trust that, as the Apostle Paul says,
Ephesians 3:20
[God] is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
There is hope for what you’re going through. Because you are not alone on the waves.
“Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here.”
What impossible thing can you ask Jesus to accomplish? Ask him, like Peter did. “Tell me to come to you on the water!”
You might just hear the same invitation in reply: “Yes, come!“
[PRAY]