Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 After they got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
34 After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick 36 and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.
After feeding the crowds, Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat while He remains behind to pray in solitude (v. 22–23). This act emphasizes the priority Jesus placed on prayer and His communion with the Father, especially before major signs or teachings (cf. Lk 6:12).
While the disciples are at sea, the wind and waves make it difficult for the boat to make progress (v. 24). Sometime between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. (the “fourth watch,” v. 25), Jesus approaches them, walking on the water. This act is more than a display of ability—it is a direct revelation of His divine identity. In the Old Testament, only God has command over the sea (cf. Job 9:8; Ps. 77:19), and in the creation account, it is God’s Spirit that hovers over the chaotic waters (Gen 1:2). Jesus’ action identifies Him with the same divine power that brings order, stability, and life out of chaos.
The disciples respond with fear, thinking they are seeing a ghost (v. 26). Jesus immediately reassures them: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (v. 27). His words—“It is I”—translate the Greek egō eimi, a phrase that echoes the divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush: “I AM” (Ex 3:14). This same expression is used by Jesus in John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” By speaking this way, Jesus is not only identifying Himself to the disciples but revealing His divine identity using language drawn from God’s self-revelation in Scripture.
Peter then says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (v. 28). He does not presume to act on his own initiative but asks for a command, showing that he understands such an act is only possible by Christ’s authority. His request reflects a desire to be near the Lord and a willingness to trust in Jesus’ word, rather than any pride or self-reliance.
Jesus says, “Come” (v. 29), and Peter begins to walk toward Him. However, Peter’s focus shifts from Jesus to the surrounding wind and danger. When Peter becomes afraid, he begins to sink and cries out, “Lord, save me!” (v. 30). This brief prayer reveals the heart of true discipleship. Peter does not rely on his own strength or try to return to the boat. He turns immediately to Jesus and asks to be saved. His words reflect humility, dependence, and faith—all essential attitudes for those who follow Christ. Jesus responds without hesitation: “Immediately he stretched out his hand and caught him, and said “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (v. 31). Peter’s problem was not the danger around him but the interruption of his trust in Jesus. Even when faith falters, Christ remains near and ready to save those who call upon Him.
When they return to the boat, the wind stops (v. 32). The disciples respond by worshiping Jesus, declaring, “Truly, you are the Son of God” (v. 33). This is not simply a reaction to the calming of the storm, but a recognition of His divine identity. The experience of the Divine compels worship and reveals the proper response of the soul before God: faith, awe, and submission. This is the first time in Matthew’s Gospel that the disciples explicitly recognize Jesus with this title. The phrase does not mean merely a holy man or prophet. In the biblical context, calling Jesus the “Son of God” affirms His divine status and mission.
The final verses (v. 34–36) describe Jesus continuing His ministry of healing. Even touching the fringe of His cloak brings healing. This affirms the reality of Jesus’ power and compassion, and it also confirms the faith of the people who sought Him out.
This passage reveals important truths about both who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. It shows that He has authority over creation, that faith in Him enables believers to act beyond natural limits, and that His presence brings peace amid turmoil. It also reflects the reality of the Church: Christ sends His followers into the world, prays for them, comes to them in their trials, strengthens their faith, and draws from them a deeper trust and worship.
Lord Jesus, when we begin to doubt or fear, help us turn to You and trust in Your power to save. Strengthen our faith, and help us to follow You without hesitation. Amen.
________________________________________
Sources and References:
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Orchard et al. (1953).
- The Navarre Bible: Matthew, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. Chiu et al. (2018).
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§439, 448, 2616.
- St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew 50 (c. 390).
- St. Augustine, Sermon 76, on Peter’s cry and Christ’s hand.
Comments