Eyes On Jesus: Faith That Walks On Water - Matthew 14:22–32 Series

Eyes on Jesus: Faith That Walks on Water - Matthew 14:22–32

Introduction: When Obedience Leads You into a Storm

One of the great surprises of discipleship is this: sometimes obedience leads you straight into difficulty.

We often assume that if we are following Jesus faithfully, life will be calm, predictable, and comfortable. But in this passage, the disciples are in a storm precisely because they obeyed Christ.

We live in an age of anxiety. The storms of our century are relentless—economic instability, moral confusion, digital overload, cultural hostility to biblical truth. Many believers feel as though they are rowing against a headwind that never ceases.

And into that storm, Jesus comes walking.

Let us turn to the Word of God.

Matthew 14:22–32 (NLT): 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 because the wind and waves were against them. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus went out to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, 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 really you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and became afraid, he began to sink. “Lord, save me!” he shouted. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “Truly you are the Son of God,” they exclaimed.

This passage occurs immediately after the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13–21). After witnessing this miracle, the disciples are instructed to cross the Sea of Galilee alone. At night, a violent windstorm arises—typical for this region, as the lake is surrounded by hills that funnel winds unpredictably.

Theologically, the passage is rich. Jesus demonstrates His sovereignty over creation—walking on water is an unmistakable revelation of His divine authority. This mirrors Old Testament passages, such as:

Psalm 77:19 – “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.”

Job 9:8 – “He alone spreads out the heavens and walks on the waves of the sea.”

Jesus’ mastery over the storm foreshadows His ultimate authority over death, chaos, and the sins that threaten to overwhelm His people.

1. Faith Begins with Obedience

Matthew 14:22 – “Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake.”

Here, Jesus initiates action. The disciples had witnessed miracles; now He commands them into what would become a trial.

The Greek word for “insisted” (?????ase, enankase) conveys compulsion, urging persistence despite reluctance. Discipleship is often uncomfortable; obedience sometimes leads to testing.

James 1:2–4 – Trials test faith and develop perseverance.

Luke 9:23 – “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself…”

Imagine a person stepping onto a plane for the first time. They trust the pilot’s instructions, but turbulence throws them around. Obedience is like boarding the plane; faith sustains you through the turbulence.

Max Lucado wrote: “Obedience is not always convenient, but it is always fruitful.”

Lucado reminds us that the first step of faith is trusting God’s instruction, even before we see the outcome. The boat is often rocking before the miracle.

Reflect: Are there areas where Jesus is calling you to obedience, even when the path seems uncertain?

Step in faith: Small acts of obedience build spiritual resilience.

2. Faith Looks Beyond the Storm

Matthew 14:25–27 – “Jesus went out to them, walking on the water… ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’”

Peter’s eyes are fixed on the impossible: a man walking on water. The disciples are terrified. But Jesus’ presence transforms fear into courage.

Greek Tharseite (Take courage!) implies boldness and stability of heart. It is the courage faith brings when Christ is present.

Isaiah 41:10 – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you…”

Psalm 56:3–4 – Trusting God transforms fear into confident worship.

A firefighter entering a burning building doesn’t rely on courage alone; they rely on training and the presence of colleagues. Faith is similar—our courage is rooted in Christ, not circumstances.

John Piper: “Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.”