Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous event of Jesus walking on water is a significant demonstration of His divine authority over nature, as recorded in the Gospels. This event is primarily documented in the Gospel of Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21. Each account provides unique details that contribute to a fuller understanding of this miracle.Biblical Account In the Gospel of Matthew, the narrative begins with Jesus instructing His disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, while He dismissed the crowds and went up on a mountainside to pray. As evening came, the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During 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. Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Peter, in a moment of bold faith, asked Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water. Jesus invited Peter, who then 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!" 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, affirming His divine identity, and serving as a powerful lesson in faith for His disciples. The act of walking on water is a clear demonstration of Jesus' supernatural power, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God. The calming of the storm upon His entry into the boat further emphasizes His authority over creation. The interaction between Jesus and Peter highlights the importance of faith and trust in Jesus. Peter's initial success in walking on water is attributed to his faith in Jesus' command. However, his subsequent fear and doubt, leading to his sinking, serve as a reminder of the human tendency to falter when faced with adversity. Jesus' response to Peter's cry for help underscores His readiness to save and His compassion for those who call upon Him. Symbolic Interpretations The event of Jesus walking on water has been interpreted symbolically by many theologians and scholars. The sea, often seen as a symbol of chaos and danger, represents the trials and tribulations of life. Jesus' ability to walk upon it signifies His sovereignty over all life's challenges. The boat, carrying the disciples, is sometimes viewed as a symbol of the Church, with Jesus' presence bringing peace and stability amidst the storms of life. Conclusion The miracle of Jesus walking on water is a profound testament to His divine nature and a source of encouragement for believers to maintain faith in His power and presence, even in the midst of life's storms. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 14:25And 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. On the Creation of the World The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew A Night on the Lake Masterful Dying. Letter Xli. St. Ambrose in this Letter to his Sister Continues the ... "But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell ... St. Ambrose Explains that the Flesh Given to Satan for Destruction ... On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs. Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning of Jesus walking on water? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |
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