Topical Bible: Sea: Jesus Walked Upon Lake Galilee

◄ Sea: Jesus Walked Upon Lake Galilee ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias or Lake Gennesaret, holds a significant place in the New Testament as the site of one of Jesus Christ's most remarkable miracles—walking on water. This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, and it serves as a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine authority over nature.

Biblical Account

The miracle of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee is detailed in Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21. According to the Berean Standard Bible, the account in Matthew begins with Jesus instructing His disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the lake while He dismissed the crowds. Afterward, Jesus went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. As evening came, the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. The disciples, seeing Him walking on the water, were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. But Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27).

Peter, one of the disciples, responded, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water" (Matthew 14:28). Jesus invited Peter to come, and Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. However, when Peter saw the wind, he became afraid and began to sink, crying out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down, and those in the boat worshiped Jesus, declaring, "Truly You are the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33).

Theological Significance

This miracle is rich in theological significance, illustrating Jesus' mastery over the natural world and His identity as the Son of God. The Sea of Galilee, often subject to sudden and violent storms, symbolizes the chaos and challenges of life. Jesus walking on the water demonstrates His sovereignty over these forces, offering reassurance to believers of His power and presence in the midst of life's storms.

Peter's experience further underscores the importance of faith and trust in Jesus. His initial success in walking on the water is attributed to his faith, while his subsequent fear and doubt lead to his sinking. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of keeping one's focus on Christ, especially when faced with adversity.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake in the northeastern region of Israel, approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. It is situated about 700 feet below sea level, making it the lowest freshwater lake on Earth. The surrounding hills and valleys contribute to the sudden and severe storms that can arise, as described in the Gospel accounts.

In the time of Jesus, the Sea of Galilee was a hub of fishing and trade, with several towns and villages along its shores. It was a central location for much of Jesus' ministry, where He performed numerous miracles and taught the crowds.

Conclusion

The account of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee remains a powerful testament to His divine nature and authority. It continues to inspire and encourage believers to trust in His presence and power, even amidst the tumultuous seas of life.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 14:25-31
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
... when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were ... They ought to have worshipped
Jesus as the Son of ... when he had done that, and had walked upon the water ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxiii first withdrawal from herods 3.htm

By the Sea of Galilee - the Final Call of the First Disciples, and ...
... During that bright summer He had walked along that Lake ... we are about to relate had
occurred while Jesus was returning ... As He was passing on by the Sea of Galilee ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii by the sea.htm

A Friend for the Sorrowful
... again, and she opened her eyes and got up, and walked. ... Just about this time Jesus
had some very sad news. ... called the Black Castle, by the side of the Dead Sea. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter vii a friend for.htm

The Boy of Nazareth.
... of heavy-laden camels from Tyre and Sidon by the sea on their way to ... It was the first
visit of the boy Jesus to Jerusalem, and as He walked strong and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iv the boy of.htm

Stories Told by the Lake.
... Perhaps he was thinking of this as He walked out one morning from Peter's house
along the pebbly shore and ... [Illustration: Jesus teaching by the sea]. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx stories told by.htm

Jesus in the Synagogue.
... into a gloomy prison down by the Dead Sea by Herod ... rocks below, but turning away
from them, Jesus walked quietly down ... no one was able to lay a hand upon Him to ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xiii jesus in the.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... down to Nazareth, and passing on to the sea-coast ... of miraculous cures made, in the
name of Jesus, by one ... and prayed there for us sinners; Who walked its waters ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Peter's Repentance
... When he saw Christ walking on the sea, he said: "Lord ... he stepped out of the boat
and walked upon the water ... Lord looked upon him; and that look of Jesus broke the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/peters repentance.htm

The Five Thousand Fed.
... To escape their well meant efforts Jesus retired to a ... The words, "walking on the
sea," are common to the ... other meaning here than that the Lord walked bodily on ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the five thousand fed.htm

The Compassion of Jesus
... in the morning on the shores of the Sea of Galilee ... When Jacob went forth to meet
Esau he walked with fear ... in Prospect Park and talked with me about Jesus and I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the compassion of jesus.htm