In Matt 14:22-36, we read the remarkable incident when Jesus walked on water, and the failed attempt of Peter to do the same. Most often, when we hear this story preached, the focus is on the uncertain faith of Peter. Today, I also want to talk about the faith of Peter, but with a twist. I invite you to reflect with me on the notion of misplaced faith. Misplaced faith. I also want to remind you that there were in fact two miracles that occurred in this story.
If we go back to the beginning of the story, we see that Jesus insists that the disciples take the boat and return to Capernaum. I think Jesus had to insist because the disciples must have been reluctant to row back, seeing that the wind and the waves were not suitable. To their credit, they obeyed Jesus and took off. And, sure enough, they had a difficult time crossing over because the waves were choppy and pushing them back. Again, to their credit, they didn’t quit but they kept on. And Jesus could see their futile efforts.
Normally it would have taken them just two hours to get to Capernaum. Bible scholars estimate that they had been rowing for 8 hours by the time Jesus caught up with them. And it was easy for Jesus to catch up, because He was walking above the waves.
Pause for a moment and imagine how tired and exhausted the disciples must have been. I remember once when my friends and I were sailing in Taal Lake, and we were returning to shore, but we just couldn’t navigate back because of choppy waters and strong winds. I was so tempted to jump off the boat and just swim to shore. I thought that would have been easier and faster.
So, I can imagine what Peter must have thought when he saw Jesus walking on water. I think Peter wanted to get off the boat, walk with Jesus and arrive on shore much more easily than rowing against the tide and the surf. I think this was his motivation to want to walk with Jesus on water. Not just to be able to experience something supernatural. But really, a very practical reason. He was tired of rowing. Better to walk above the waves, di ba?
And Peter believed he could do it. But maybe he started thinking that this was awkward and a totally new experience, like a baby learning to walk maybe. So he panicked, wanted to return to the boat and stumbled into the water. Jesus grabs hold of him, and helps him settle back into the boat.
Now, listen. As soon as Jesus boards the boat, the second miracle happens. The wind suddenly dies down, and waters become calm. Verse 33 says,
Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
That second miracle is important for us here.
I think Jesus was really intending to catch up with them, board the boat and calm the weather so that they could all head back to Capernaum together. They just had to have faith that He would come and let them get to their destination. But Peter didn’t realize that. He put his faith on the extraordinary effort of him walking on water instead of Jesus calming the weather. His faith was misplaced. And when Jesus rebuked him saying, “Why did you doubt?” Why couldn’t you wait for what I was going to do?
My friends, have you ever felt like you’re rowing all night and getting nowhere? You plan and work hard, try to be good at your job or career, or your ministry, or simply trying to make ends meet. Yet, despite all your effort, you feel like you’re making little progress? It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
When Jesus sends you off on some task or mission, no matter how hard it might be, just do the task. Listen to what the bible says in Hebrews 6:10 says,
“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work.”
The Lord SEES your effort, my friend.
Paul says in Gal 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
This story is about Jesus coming to people who cannot go to where they are trying to go. Just have faith and invite Jesus on to your boat. May the Lord be your strength and your song.
August 3, 2026
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