The Encounter:
After sending the disciples ahead by boat and dismissing the crowd, Jesus goes up on a mountain by Himself to pray. During the night, while the boat is being battered by waves, Jesus comes to them walking on the sea.
The Divine Intervention:
When the disciples are troubled at seeing Him, Jesus speaks to them: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matt. 14:27). In Matthew’s account, Peter comes toward Jesus on the water at Jesus’ word, but begins to sink; Jesus takes hold of him and says, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31).
The Immediate Result:
In Matthew, when Jesus and Peter get into the boat, the wind ceases, and those in the boat worship Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matt. 14:33). In John, when Jesus gets into the boat, they immediately reach the land they were going to (John 6:21). Mark notes the disciples’ astonishment and that their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:51–52).
Jesus’ walking on the sea reveals His divine authority over creation and His identity as more than a prophet. He does what only God can do—exercising mastery over the waters and bringing safety to His disciples—leading to worship and confession of His sonship (Matt. 14:33). The miracle functions as a sign: Jesus is present with His people in distress, and His word overcomes fear and chaos.
In the biblical imagination, the sea often represents uncontrollable power and danger (cf. Job 9:8; Ps. 77:19). Jesus walking on the sea echoes Old Testament language about God alone “treading” upon the waves, underscoring the miracle’s christological weight.
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’” — Matthew 14:27
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Before Jesus came to the disciples on the sea, what did He do after sending them ahead and dismissing the crowd?
2. In Matthew’s account, what happened when Jesus and Peter got into the boat?