Matthew 14: 22-33 Analysis

In the passage Matthew 14:22 – 33, Matthew describes the scene in which the boat housing the disciples is being fiercely beaten by the waves in the ocean. The disciples have been alone, straining at the oars and struggling against the wind and the water for hours to keep afloat and they are tired. It isn’t until the fourth watch of the night that Jesus appears to them in the middle of the sea, walking on water. The disciples are fearful and Jesus dispels any doubts they may have had by using words of reassurance. Jesus says, “It is I. Don’t be afraid”. The disciples’ fear is based on seeing someone walking on water because they think it is a ghost. Peter doubts Jesus and challenges him by stating that if it really is Him, then He should make Peter walk on water, too. At the Lord’s command, Peter is able to walk on water, but becomes frightened by the wind and starts to sink. Jesus immediately reaches his hand out, catching him, and reproves Peter’s faith in Jesus, claiming “Truly you are the Son of God.”
I feel that the most interesting aspects of the passage revolve around the role of Peter as he relates to both Jesus and the rest of the disciples. Jesus comes to his disciples as they are tossed about on the sea, not a safe place for desert-dwelling Hebrews. The sea is seen as a place of chaos and danger in many middle-eastern …show more content…
Peter, once again, goes too far, claiming that he is ready to follow Jesus even to death. Yet, we know that once Peter is separated from the group and finds himself alone at the high priest’s house, his fears get the better of him. His faith fails, and he denies that he even knows Jesus. Yet, after the resurrection, when they are all together, Jesus comes to the whole community of disciples. Again, they receive Jesus with joy and fall down and worship (Shirley,