But Jesus spoke up at once:
This phrase highlights the immediacy of Jesus' response to the disciples' fear. In the context of Matthew 14, Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000 and sent the disciples ahead by boat while He went to pray. The Sea of Galilee, where this event occurs, is known for sudden storms, which would have been terrifying for the disciples. Jesus' prompt response demonstrates His awareness and concern for their distress, emphasizing His role as a protector and guide.

Take courage!
This command is a call to bravery and confidence, often used by Jesus to reassure His followers. In the biblical context, courage is not merely an absence of fear but a trust in God's presence and power. This phrase echoes God's encouragement to Joshua in Joshua 1:9, where God commands him to be strong and courageous. It reflects the biblical theme that true courage comes from faith in God's promises and presence.

It is I.
The phrase "It is I" is significant because it can be understood as an echo of God's self-identification in Exodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM." In the Greek, "ego eimi" is used, which is the same phrase Jesus uses in other parts of the Gospels to assert His divinity (e.g., John 8:58). This declaration reassures the disciples of Jesus' divine authority and presence, affirming His identity as the Son of God.

Do not be afraid.
This command is a frequent reassurance found throughout Scripture, often given by God or His messengers to His people. Fear is a natural human response, but the biblical narrative consistently encourages trust in God over fear. In Isaiah 41:10, God tells His people not to fear because He is with them. Jesus' command here is a reminder of His sovereignty over nature and circumstances, encouraging the disciples to trust in His power and presence even in the midst of chaos.

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is walking on water towards His disciples. His words are meant to reassure and comfort them in a moment of fear.

2. Disciples
The followers of Jesus who are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. They are initially terrified, thinking they are seeing a ghost.

3. Sea of Galilee
The body of water where this event takes place. Known for its sudden storms, it serves as a backdrop for this miraculous event.

4. Storm
The natural event causing fear among the disciples, highlighting their vulnerability and need for Jesus' reassurance.

5. Walking on Water
The miraculous act performed by Jesus, demonstrating His divine authority over nature.Divine Presence in Fearful Times
Jesus' presence is a source of courage and peace. In moments of fear and uncertainty, believers can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is with them.

Recognizing Jesus in the Storm
Just as the disciples initially failed to recognize Jesus, believers today must train their spiritual eyes to see Jesus in the midst of life's storms.

Faith Over Fear
Jesus' command to "not be afraid" is a call to trust in His power and presence. Faith in Jesus should overcome our fears.

Immediate Response to Fear
Jesus immediately addressed the disciples' fear. Believers should also be quick to turn to Jesus in prayer and seek His peace when fear arises.

The Authority of Jesus
By walking on water, Jesus demonstrates His authority over creation. Believers can trust in His power to calm the storms in their lives.(27) Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.--The accuracy with which the words are given by St. John, as well as by St. Matthew and St. Mark, shows the impression which the incident made on the minds of the disciples. To hear the familiar tones and the cheering words was enough, even amid the howling of the winds and the dashing of the waves, to give them confidence and hope. We can scarcely doubt that in after years that moment came back to their recollection, invested for them, as it has since been for the Church at large, with something of a symbolic character. Often the sky became dark, and the waves of the troublesome world were rough, and the blasts of persecution beat on them, and the ark of Christ's Church was tossed on the waters, and they were wearied and spent with rowing. They thought themselves abandoned, and then in the dim twilight they would see or feel once again the tokens of His presence. He was coming to them through the storm. "Be of good cheer" became the watchword of their lives.

Verse 27. - But straightway Jesus spake unto them (ἐλάλησεν, not ἔκραξεν). He was evidently near them. Saying, Be of good cheer (θαρσεῖτε, Matthew 9:2); it is I; be not afraid. Encouragement, self-manifestation, recall from present terror. But the absence of θαρσεῖτε in John 6:20 suggests that it is, perhaps, a duplicate rendering of the Aramaic for μὴ φοβεῖσθε. For the LXX. commonly translates "fear ye not" by θαρσεῖτε (e.g. Exodus 14:13; Exodus 20:20). One or two second-rate manuscripts omit θαρσεῖτε in Mark, but this may be only due to a reminiscence of John. It is also omitted in Tatian's 'Diatessaron' (edit. Hemphill).

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

immediately
Εὐθὺς (Euthys)
Adverb
Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.

spoke up:
ἐλάλησεν (elalēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

“Take courage!
Θαρσεῖτε (Tharseite)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2293: To be of good courage, good cheer, be bold. From tharsos; to have courage.

It is
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

I.
ἐγώ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

[Do] not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

be afraid.”
φοβεῖσθε (phobeisthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them saying (Matt. Mat Mt)