S146P5 – Moments of clarity: the disciples in the boat

Mt. 14:28-33

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  He said, “Come.”  So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The situation on the sea had become dire.  Previous verses in this chapter tell us that the boat was far from shore.  It was beaten by the winds and the waves.  It was the fourth watch of the night when this event unfolded, so we know that they had been out there for some time.  It was dark, wet and tempestuous.  The boat was their lifeline, and it was out of control.  The appearance of Christ walking on the water, especially since they were not sure it was him, added a new element of fear.  Then, something would happen that would give these men a necessary moment of clarity.  What I believe is critical is that it was a moment they shared.

Sometimes we have experiences that seem too unreal to register as actually happening.  Perhaps you have witnessed something so seemingly unbelievable that you look to your left and your right to see if anyone else noticed it, too.  It is as if you need a corroborating witness to convince you that your eyes did not deceive you.  The scene here is quite this unbelievable, but the fact that these men witnessed this together might have solidified the truth of the moment.  No one could question whether what they saw had been real.  This man not only walked on water, but He calmed the very storm that had threatened their lives.  Not one but all of the men in that boat would bow in worship to the Lord that night.

Coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is certainly about the transformation of the individual heart.  However, that does not mean that this is always a one-on-one experience.  Jesus spoke specifically about the doubt these men shared.  Perhaps there was a reason why He chose to address that doubt not individually but corporately before them.  Perhaps this corporate recognition of Christ as Lord played an important role in strengthening their faith.  I can only imagine that in future times of doubt it would have been so valuable for these men to encourage one another by remembering together what they experienced here.  Father, thank You for the many ways in which You reveal Your son to us.