COME OUT OF THE BOAT

By Jay Pearson

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou,
bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come.
(Matthew 14:28-29b)

It took a lot of courage and faith for Peter to come out of a perfectly good boat.  Even though they were in the middle of a storm, he followed Jesus’ request, Come. It took even more faith to walk on that water. It took the faith of Jesus Christ to walk on that water. For a moment it was Peter’s faith in Christ. Then it became Peter’s faith in his surrounding circumstance, the strong boisterous wind. Then Peter’s little faith and fear allowed him to sink. As he cried out Save me Lord, Jesus immediately stretched forth his hand and caught him and together they returned to the boat and the wind ceased. Jesus has beckoned for us to come. Come out of the safety of your worldly fortresses and into the Lord’s care. The Lord is bigger than any of your circumstances.

Peter, a mortal man, walked on water to come to the Lord. After the Lord rescued Peter from sinking, did Jesus carry Peter back to the boat (Matt. 14-32a) or did they both walk back together? Some say Peter had to be walking on stones or a reef. No, he walked on water and when he saw his circumstance he began to sink. He did not fall off of whatever, he was sinking. Let’s read the full account:

Matthew 14:23-33
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Peter came down out of the boat and walked on water to go to Jesus. Peter began to sink when his focal point became the storm and not Jesus.

An example of focus can be experienced when riding a bicycle, motorcycle, or performing on the balance-beam at the Olympics. You must look where you are going or you will go where you are looking. Are you looking at your circumstances or are you looking to Jesus? Gabby Thomas was interviewed after winning her gold in the 200 meter of the Olympics. She was asked how she was able to leave the field in the last 60 meters in suck fashion. She said when she saw the finish line that was her “happy place.” That was the joy set before her, that was her focus.  Peter needed to keep his eyes looking unto Jesus. That goes for us too.  

I believe this is a great verse for exhortation, hope, and an example given to the church, here in Hebrew 12:

Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus is bidding you today to come. Come out of the boat and walk in the Spirit with your focus on Jesus. If you are sinking in your circumstance or any other distraction, call on the Lord. He will stretch forth his hand. He is bidding you to come. He will lift you up if you start to sink. Come out of the boat of your worldly trust and trust in the Lord. He will care for you. He bids you always come unto him for his deliverance and comfort.

May we come out of the boat and walk on water today. Amen

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Presented August 11, 2024 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana