Faith Bible Study #6 – Stepping Out in Faith: Peter’s Walk on Water

Introduction

The story of Peter walking on water, found in Matthew 14:22-33, is a powerful example of the role of faith in the life of a believer. This story takes place shortly after Jesus had fed the five thousand, and it provides a glimpse into the disciples’ growing understanding of who Jesus was and the power of faith in Him.

In this Bible study, we will explore the context and details of the story, the significance of Peter’s faith and doubt, and the lessons we can learn from his experience. We will consider what it means to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, even in the midst of life’s storms and challenges, and how we can cultivate a deeper faith that enables us to step out of the boat and walk on the water with Him.

The story begins with Jesus sending His disciples ahead of Him in a boat while He dismissed the crowd and went up on a mountain to pray. As the night wore on, the boat was caught in a storm, and the disciples were straining against the wind and waves.

In the early morning hours, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. At first, the disciples were terrified, thinking they saw a ghost. But Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27, NKJV).

What happens next is a remarkable demonstration of faith and its power to enable the impossible. Peter, always the bold and impulsive one, called out to Jesus, saying, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28, NKJV).

Jesus’ response was simple: “Come” (Matthew 14:29, NKJV). And with that word, Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus. For a moment, Peter experienced the exhilaration and wonder of doing the impossible, of participating in the miraculous power of God.

But then, the story takes a turn. As Peter walked on the water, he saw the wind and the waves and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30, NKJV). Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31, NKJV).

This story is a vivid illustration of the role of faith in the Christian life. Like Peter, we are called to step out of the boat and follow Jesus, even when the way ahead seems impossible or uncertain. We are called to keep our eyes fixed on Him, trusting in His power and presence, even in the midst of life’s storms and challenges.

At the same time, the story also highlights the reality of doubt and the ways in which it can hinder our faith. Like Peter, we may start out strong, but when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the wind and waves around us, we begin to sink.

Throughout this study, we will explore the lessons we can learn from Peter’s experience, both his faith and his doubt. We will consider what it means to have a faith that enables us to walk on water, and how we can cultivate that kind of faith in our own lives.

As we do so, may we be inspired and encouraged by the example of Peter and the power of faith in Jesus Christ. May we learn to keep our eyes fixed on Him, no matter what storms or challenges we may face, and may we experience the joy and wonder of participating in His miraculous work in and through us.

The Context of the Story

To fully understand the significance of Peter’s experience walking on water, it is important to consider the context in which this story takes place. The story is recorded in Matthew 14:22-33, and it follows on the heels of another remarkable miracle: the feeding of the five thousand.

In that story, Jesus had taken five loaves and two fish and multiplied them to feed a crowd of over five thousand people. The disciples had witnessed this incredible display of Jesus’ power and compassion, and they were undoubtedly still marveling at what they had seen.

After the miracle, Jesus sent the disciples ahead of Him in a boat to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He then dismissed the crowd and went up on a mountain by Himself to pray.

It is important to note that Jesus had intentionally separated Himself from the disciples and the crowd. He knew that He needed time alone with the Father, and He also knew that the disciples needed time to process what they had witnessed and to grow in their faith.

As the night wore on, the boat was caught in a storm, and the disciples were straining against the wind and waves. The Sea of Galilee was known for its sudden and violent storms, and the disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, would have been familiar with the dangers of being caught in such a storm.

It was in this context of fear and struggle that Jesus came to them, walking on the water. The disciples’ initial reaction was one of terror, as they thought they saw a ghost. This reaction highlights the extraordinary nature of what they were witnessing – it was completely outside of their experience and understanding.

But Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27, NKJV). His words were a comfort and a reassurance to the disciples, reminding them of His presence and power even in the midst of the storm.

It is at this point that Peter speaks up, asking Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water. Peter’s request is a bold one, and it demonstrates a growing faith in Jesus. He had witnessed Jesus’ power in the feeding of the five thousand, and now he wanted to participate in that power himself.

Jesus’ simple response, “Come,” is an invitation to Peter to step out in faith. It is a call to leave the safety and security of the boat and to trust in Jesus’ power and presence.

As we consider the context of this story, we can see that it is a pivotal moment in the disciples’ journey of faith. They had witnessed Jesus’ power and authority in various ways, but now they were being called to participate in it themselves.

The story also highlights the reality of life’s storms and challenges, and the way in which Jesus meets us in the midst of them. The disciples were not spared the experience of the storm, but they were given the opportunity to see Jesus’ power and presence in a new and profound way.

As we face the storms and challenges of our own lives, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us, just as He was with the disciples in the boat. We can trust in His power and presence, even when the way ahead seems dark and uncertain.

At the same time, the story invites us to consider the ways in which Jesus may be calling us to step out in faith, to leave behind our comfort zones and to trust in His leading. Like Peter, we may feel the tug of Jesus’ invitation to “come,” to participate in His work and to experience His power in new and profound ways.

May the context of this story encourage us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, no matter what storms or challenges we may face, and to step out in faith when He calls us to do so.

Reflective Questions:

1. Have you ever found yourself in a “storm” of life, where you felt overwhelmed and afraid? How did you experience Jesus’ presence and power in the midst of that storm?
2. In what ways have you witnessed Jesus’ power and authority in your life or in the lives of others? How has that impacted your faith and your understanding of who He is?
3. Have you ever felt Jesus calling you to step out in faith, to leave behind your comfort zone and to trust in His leading? What was that experience like, and how did you respond?
4. What do you think it means to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, even in the midst of life’s storms and challenges? What practices or habits can help you to do that?
5. How can the context of this story, with the disciples witnessing Jesus’ power and then being called to participate in it themselves, encourage or challenge you in your own faith journey?

Peter’s Faith and Doubt

The story of Peter walking on water is a powerful illustration of the interplay between faith and doubt in the life of a believer. Peter’s experience highlights both the power of faith to enable the impossible and the way in which doubt can hinder and undermine that faith.

When Peter first speaks up and asks Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water, he is demonstrating a remarkable faith. He had just witnessed Jesus walking on the water, doing the impossible, and he wanted to participate in that same power.

Peter’s request is bold and even a bit audacious. After all, walking on water was not something that people typically did. It was a miracle, a demonstration of Jesus’ divine power and authority.

But Peter’s faith was not just a blind leap or a reckless impulse. It was grounded in his growing understanding of who Jesus was and what He was capable of doing. Peter had seen Jesus perform miracles before, and he had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.

When Jesus responds to Peter’s request with a simple “Come,” He is inviting Peter to step out in faith, to trust in His power and presence. And Peter does just that. He gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus.

For a moment, Peter experiences the exhilaration and wonder of doing the impossible. He is participating in the miraculous power of God, walking on the very substance that had been threatening to overwhelm him and the other disciples just moments before.

But then, something happens. The text tells us that when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30, NKJV).

In that moment, Peter’s faith wavered. He took his eyes off Jesus and began to focus on the wind and waves around him. He allowed his circumstances to dictate his faith, rather than keeping his faith fixed on Jesus.

This is a common experience for many believers. We may start out strong, full of faith and confidence in Jesus. But when the storms of life come, when we are confronted with challenges or obstacles that seem insurmountable, we can easily become overwhelmed and afraid.

Like Peter, we may take our eyes off Jesus and begin to focus on the wind and waves around us. We may allow our circumstances to dictate our faith, rather than keeping our faith fixed on the One who is greater than any circumstance.

But the story does not end with Peter sinking. Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches him, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31, NKJV).

This is a crucial moment in the story, and it highlights the way in which Jesus responds to our doubt and fear. He does not condemn Peter for his lack of faith, but He does challenge him to consider the reasons for his doubt.

Jesus’ question is not a rebuke but an invitation to reflection and growth. He wants Peter (and us) to examine the root of our doubt and to learn to keep our eyes fixed on Him, no matter what storms or challenges we may face.

The story ends with Jesus and Peter getting into the boat, and the wind ceasing. The disciples respond with worship, declaring, “Truly You are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33, NKJV).

This declaration of faith is the culmination of the disciples’ growing understanding of who Jesus is and what He is capable of doing. Through the feeding of the five thousand, the walking on water, and the calming of the storm, they have seen Jesus’ divine power and authority on display.

But they have also seen the way in which faith and doubt can coexist in the life of a believer. They have witnessed Peter’s bold faith and his subsequent doubt, and they have seen the way in which Jesus responds with grace and an invitation to deeper faith.

As we reflect on Peter’s experience, we can take comfort in knowing that doubt is a normal part of the faith journey. We will all have moments where our faith wavers, where we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to sink.

But we can also take encouragement from Jesus’ response to Peter. He does not condemn us for our doubt, but He does invite us to keep our eyes fixed on Him, to trust in His power and presence, even in the midst of life’s storms and challenges.

May Peter’s example of faith and doubt inspire us to step out of the boat when Jesus calls us to do so, to trust in His power and to keep our eyes fixed on Him, no matter what winds or waves may come our way.

Reflective Questions:

1. Have you ever had a moment like Peter, where you stepped out in faith and experienced the exhilaration and wonder of participating in God’s miraculous power? What was that experience like?
2. In what areas of your life do you find yourself struggling with doubt or fear? How do those doubts and fears impact your faith and your ability to trust in Jesus?
3. How do you typically respond when you find yourself taking your eyes off Jesus and focusing on the wind and waves around you? What helps you to refocus on Him?
4. What do you think Jesus means when He asks Peter, “Why did you doubt?” How can reflecting on the reasons for our doubt help us to grow in faith?
5. How does the disciples’ declaration of faith at the end of the story encourage or challenge you in your own faith journey? What does it mean to truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

Lessons from Peter’s Experience

The story of Peter walking on water is rich with lessons and insights that can inform and inspire our own faith journeys. As we reflect on Peter’s experience, we can glean wisdom and encouragement for the challenges and opportunities we face in our own lives.

One of the key lessons from Peter’s experience is the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. When Peter first stepped out of the boat, he was able to walk on the water because his focus was on Jesus. But when he began to look at the wind and waves around him, he started to sink.

This is a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting in His power and presence, we are able to do the impossible. We are able to step out in faith and participate in His miraculous work in and through us.

But when we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to focus on our circumstances, we can easily become overwhelmed and afraid. We can start to sink under the weight of our doubts and fears, losing sight of the One who is greater than any storm or challenge we may face.

The lesson here is clear: we must learn to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, no matter what. We must learn to trust in His power and presence, even when the way ahead seems impossible or uncertain. We must learn to anchor our faith in Him, rather than in our own strength or understanding.

Another lesson from Peter’s experience is the power of Jesus’ word. When Peter asked Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water, Jesus responded with a simple “Come.” And with that word, Peter was able to do the impossible.

This highlights the authority and power of Jesus’ word in our lives. When He speaks, things happen. When He commands, the impossible becomes possible. When He invites us to step out in faith, He gives us the power and grace to do so.

As believers, we have access to that same power and authority through the Holy Spirit. We have been given the word of God, which is alive and active and able to transform our lives and enable us to do the impossible (Hebrews 4:12).

The lesson here is to trust in the power of Jesus’ word and to rely on it as we step out in faith. We must learn to listen for His voice, to seek His guidance and direction, and to obey Him when He calls us to action.

A third lesson from Peter’s experience is the reality of doubt and the way in which Jesus responds to it. When Peter began to sink, he cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” And Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him.

This is a beautiful picture of the way in which Jesus responds to our doubts and fears. He does not leave us to sink under the weight of our own weakness, but He reaches out to us with grace and mercy. He meets us in our place of need and lifts us up with His strength.

At the same time, Jesus also challenges Peter (and us) to examine the reasons for our doubt. He asks Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” This question is not a condemnation but an invitation to reflection and growth.

The lesson here is that doubt is a normal part of the faith journey, but it is not meant to be the end of the journey. When we find ourselves struggling with doubt, we can bring it to Jesus and allow Him to meet us in our place of need. We can also use it as an opportunity to examine the root of our doubts and to grow in our understanding and trust in Him.

Finally, Peter’s experience teaches us about the power of stepping out in faith. When Peter first got out of the boat, he was taking a huge risk. He was leaving behind the safety and security of what was familiar and stepping out into the unknown.

But in doing so, he experienced the joy and wonder of participating in Jesus’ miraculous power. He got to walk on water, to do the impossible, to be part of something greater than himself.

The lesson here is that faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to take risks and to trust in Jesus even when the way ahead seems uncertain or impossible. It requires us to be willing to leave behind what is familiar and to embrace the adventure of following Jesus wherever He may lead.

As we reflect on these lessons from Peter’s experience, may we be inspired and encouraged to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, to trust in the power of His word, to bring our doubts to Him, and to step out in faith when He calls us to do so. May we experience the joy and wonder of participating in His miraculous work in and through us, and may we grow in our love and devotion to Him each and every day.

Reflective Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus? What tends to distract you or cause you to lose focus on Him?
2. How have you experienced the power of Jesus’ word in your own life? Can you think of specific times when His word enabled you to do something that seemed impossible or provided guidance and direction when you needed it most?
3. When you find yourself struggling with doubt, how do you typically respond? What helps you to bring your doubts to Jesus and allow Him to meet you in your place of need?
4. Can you think of a time when you stepped out in faith, even though it required leaving behind what was familiar or comfortable? What was that experience like, and how did you see Jesus work through it?
5. What is one specific way that you sense Jesus calling you to step out in faith right now? What is holding you back, and how can you trust in His power and presence as you take that step?

Cultivating a Deeper Faith

As we have seen throughout this study, the story of Peter walking on water is a powerful illustration of the role of faith in the Christian life. It highlights both the power of faith to enable the impossible and the reality of doubt and the ways in which it can hinder our faith.

But the story is not just about Peter; it is also about us. Like Peter, we are called to a life of faith, to step out of the boat and follow Jesus, even when the way ahead seems impossible or uncertain. We are called to keep our eyes fixed on Him, to trust in His power and presence, and to participate in His miraculous work in and through us.

So how can we cultivate a deeper faith, one that enables us to walk on water with Jesus? How can we learn to trust in Him more fully and to step out in obedience to His call?

One key to cultivating a deeper faith is to make time for prayer and Bible study. As we spend time in God’s presence, seeking His face and listening for His voice, our faith is strengthened and our relationship with Him deepens.

In prayer, we have the opportunity to bring our doubts and fears to Jesus, to lay them at His feet and to receive His grace and strength in return. We can also use prayer as a way to align our will with His, to seek His guidance and direction for our lives.

Bible study is another essential component of cultivating a deeper faith. As we read and meditate on God’s word, our minds are renewed and our hearts are transformed (Romans 12:2). We begin to see the world and ourselves through the lens of God’s truth, and our faith is anchored in the unchanging realities of who He is and what He has done for us.

Another key to cultivating a deeper faith is to step out in obedience to Jesus’ call, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky. Like Peter, we may feel the tug of Jesus’ invitation to “come,” to leave behind what is familiar and to trust in His leading.

This may mean taking a step of faith in our relationships, our work, or our ministry. It may mean saying yes to an opportunity that stretches us beyond our comfort zone or trusting God with a situation that feels out of our control.

As we step out in obedience, we have the opportunity to experience the joy and wonder of participating in Jesus’ miraculous work. We get to see Him move in and through us in ways that we could never have imagined or achieved on our own.

Of course, stepping out in faith is not always easy. Like Peter, we may have moments where our faith wavers, where we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to sink. But even in those moments, Jesus is there, reaching out His hand to catch us and to lift us up with His strength.

Cultivating a deeper faith also requires us to be part of a community of believers who can encourage and support us in our faith journey. We were never meant to walk this path alone, but to be part of a body of believers who can spur one another on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).

As we share our struggles and our victories with one another, as we pray for and encourage one another, our faith is strengthened and our love for Jesus grows. We are reminded that we are not alone in this journey, but that we are part of a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and who cheer us on as we run the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1).

Finally, cultivating a deeper faith requires a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on Jesus. It means recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5), but that with Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

It means learning to trust in His power and presence in every area of our lives, from the big decisions to the small details. It means surrendering our own plans and desires to Him, knowing that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

As we cultivate a deeper faith in Jesus, we will inevitably face challenges and obstacles along the way. There will be times when the wind and waves of life threaten to overwhelm us, when our doubts and fears loom large.

But in those moments, we can cling to the truth of who Jesus is and what He has promised us. We can keep our eyes fixed on Him, trusting in His power and presence to guide us through the storm. We can step out in faith, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

May the story of Peter walking on water inspire and encourage us to cultivate a deeper faith in Jesus Christ. May we learn to keep our eyes fixed on Him, to trust in His power and presence, and to step out in obedience to His call, no matter what winds or waves may come our way. And may we experience the joy and wonder of participating in His miraculous work in and through us, for His glory and for the good of the world around us.

Reflective Questions:

1. How can you make prayer and Bible study a more regular part of your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to prioritize time with Jesus and to listen for His voice?
2. In what areas of your life do you sense Jesus calling you to step out in faith and obedience, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky? How can you trust in His leading and provision as you take those steps?
3. Who are some of the people in your life who encourage and support you in your faith journey? How can you cultivate deeper relationships with them and be a source of encouragement to others as well?
4. What does it mean to you to have a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on Jesus? How can you practice surrendering your plans and desires to Him and trusting in His power and presence in every area of your life?
5. How has the story of Peter walking on water, and the lessons we can learn from it, impacted your understanding of faith and what it means to follow Jesus? What is one specific way that you want to apply these lessons to your own life and faith journey?

Conclusion

As we come to the end of this Bible study on the role of faith in Peter walking on water, we have explored the context of the story, the significance of Peter’s faith and doubt, and the lessons we can learn from his experience. We have seen that faith is not just a mental assent to certain beliefs, but a dynamic, active trust in Jesus that enables us to do the impossible and to participate in His miraculous work.

Through Peter’s example, we have learned the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, of trusting in the power of His word, of bringing our doubts and fears to Him, and of stepping out in faith when He calls us to do so. We have also seen the reality of doubt and the ways in which it can hinder our faith, but we have been encouraged by Jesus’ gracious response and His invitation to deeper trust and obedience.

As we reflect on the lessons of this story, may we be inspired to cultivate a deeper faith in Jesus Christ, one that anchors us in His love and power and enables us to walk on water with Him. May we make time for prayer and Bible study, seeking His face and listening for His voice. May we step out in obedience to His call, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky, trusting in His leading and provision.

May we also be part of a community of believers who can encourage and support us in our faith journey, sharing our struggles and victories and spurring one another on towards love and good deeds. And may we learn to have a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on Jesus, surrendering our plans and desires to Him and trusting in His power and presence in every area of our lives.

As we do so, we can have confidence that Jesus will meet us in our place of need, just as He met Peter on the water. He will reach out His hand to catch us when we start to sink, and He will lift us up with His strength and grace. He will enable us to do the impossible and to experience the joy and wonder of participating in His miraculous work in and through us.

So let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and let us run with perseverance the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1-2). Let us trust in His power and presence, and let us step out in faith and obedience, knowing that He is with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

May the story of Peter walking on water be a constant reminder to us of the power and potential of faith in Jesus Christ, and may we be inspired to live out that faith each and every day, for His glory and for the good of the world around us.

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How Can Navigating Faith and Doubt Enhance My Understanding of Stepping Out in Faith?

Navigating faith and doubt can profoundly deepen your spiritual journey. Embracing uncertainty often leads to growth, fostering resilience and open-mindedness. By acknowledging questions, you create space for exploration, ultimately cultivating certainty in faith. This process encourages stepping out in faith, empowering you to embrace life’s challenges with confidence and trust.