Seeing and Believing (Matthew 14:22-33)

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.  (Matthew 14:22-23a NIV)

Jesus still hasn't had the opportunity to mourn the loss of his cousin and friend, John (see yesterday's post).  Now that he's healed the sick and fed the 5,000+, they are ready to go home for the night.  He is ready to spend the night in prayer.

Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. (Matthew 14:23b-25 NIV)

Now, he's ready to spend time with his closest friends here on earth.  His disciples are out in the boat.  He goes out to be in the boat with them...walking on water to get there.

When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:26-29 NIV)

I really believe this was a moment of truth for Peter.  He had watched Jesus turn water into wine.  He had been in the boat when Jesus calmed the storm.  He had just participated in the feeding of the 5000.  Now, he hears a "ghost" saying, "It is I."  Peter was ready to take a step of faith.  He was ready to see if Jesus really was the Savior/Messiah.  He was ready to put God to the test.  When Jesus called, he stepped out of the boat.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"  And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:30-33 NIV)

How about you?  Would you step out of the boat if Jesus called?  Are you ready to step out on faith?  Would you keep your eyes on Him and stay walking on water, or would you get distracted by the storm and sink?  Do you really believe that Jesus is the Son of God?