There’s a substance in this world that is vital to life surviving and thriving, and yet that same substance can be fatal… Water. Going for a swim and boating on a lake are activities that involve some measure of risk. Today’s Gospel Reading reminds us of that very risk.

Immediately following the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples got into a boat and went ahead of Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is really a lake that’s eight miles wide.

It appeared the disciples are at the mercy of the wind and waves on that “sea.” Matthew records, “But the boat was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.” The word “against” has an element of hostility—as if the wind and waves are being used to attack the disciples. It’s as if Satan is trying to use these against the disciples in order to make them lose focus on Jesus and what He has taught and done in feeding the 5,000.  

The Lord’s command for Peter to walk to Him on the water reveals the power Jesus’ Word. It does what it says. The command to leave the boat and walk on the water was a serious one, and Peter certainly trusted that it could happen. That’s why he got out of that boat and started to walk on the water toward Jesus.

Just as Peter trusted the Word of the Lord, so can you. Just as Peter trusted the sure and certain Word of Christ to walk out on the water, so you can trust the sure and certain Word of Christ spoken at your Baptism “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” that washes away your sin. The sure and certain Word of Christ declares to you God’s pardon and peace. The sure and certain Word of Christ pledges His body and blood given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins. Jesus’ Word has great power—the power of our wonderful God who speaks things into existence.

When Jesus called out to Peter, he listened, got out of the boat, and started to walk on water toward Jesus—trusting the Word of Christ that he could do so. The rest of the disciples watched Jesus and Peter walking on the water in the middle of a 141 feet deep lake.

While Peter’s eyes were focused on Jesus, by Christ’s Word and power he was able to accomplish great things—things considered impossible! But… but… he’s walking on the water in the middle of a lake, and the wind a has been against them so that the waves are raging. “But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid.” He likely saw the waves surrounding Jesus and lost His focus on Jesus’ Word of promise. He feared the wind and waves more than he trusted the Word of Christ. Beginning to doubt the Word of Christ, he trusted the power of the wind more than the power of Christ. When His faith shifted from the power of Christ to the power of the wind and waves he began to sink into the raging water underneath him.

We also lose focus on the Word of Jesus, who has called us to trust Him. We also often fear the opposing winds and waves of life more than we trust the Word of Christ. We are easily tempted to fear losing money more than we trust our Triune God to provide for our daily bread, and believe that we must be the ones to acquire it for ourselves as we try to build nest eggs and acquire tons of stuff. Many of us are tempted to fear a loss of control or power over our own little worlds more than we trust the power of Christ. Many of us are tempted to fear not being recognized for our accomplishments and acts of service throughout life’s journey more than the Christ who is worthy of all glory, laud, and honor. Many of us are tempted to fear hardship, suffering, and tribulation more than we trust Christ’s grace and mercy. Many of us are tempted to fear a world that despises the Lord and considers faith to be foolish more than we trust the power of Christ’s Word to speak boldly. When faith shifts from the power of Christ’s Word to something else, we begin to sink into temptations that are perilous to our souls.

When Peter sees the raging waves kicked up by the fierce wind, loses focus on Jesus, and begins to sink into the turbulent waters, he realizes what he has gotten himself into and pleads for help: “Lord, save me!” He realizes his need for salvation and begs for grace, mercy, and salvation, because he realizes that he can’t save himself. Jesus could have let Peter sink into the thing he feared more than his trust in Christ Jesus. Jesus could have let Peter drown as a result of his sinful doubts. But Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter with one comment: “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Salvation comes solely from the Lord. What Jesus did for Peter, He does for you and me each and every day. He reaches out—forgiving our sins—and pulls us out of the death grip that sin has on us. The Law of the Lord makes us realize our need of salvation, and the Lord acts for us in grace and mercy. He reaches out in Baptism to save you. He reaches out in the absolution—the pronouncement that your sins are forgiven through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He reaches out to you in the Supper of His Body and Blood given and shed for you. He reaches out to an entire world with the Good News that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. He reaches out throughout our lives, bringing our focus back to Him and His Word.

Today’s Gospel reading is typically titled “Jesus Walks on the Water.” Of course, He does walk on water, but there’s much more happening in the passage that reveals His power and authority. By the power of His Word, He causes Peter to walk on water. By His authority, when Jesus and Peter get into the boat, the wind ceases. It stops its commotion. It quits working against them. There’s nothing coincidental about that, but it’s the Lord power and authority at work. The Lord is the Lord of all—including nature. The Lord has power and authority over all creation.  God isn’t bound by laws of nature. Our Triune God created nature and the laws whereby nature functions. God isn’t limited in His abilities, and because God isn’t limited, Jesus who is fully God and fully man, has authority over nature.

Jesus has authority over the things that assail us in our daily lives. He says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” He’s our source of hope, comfort, peace, and joy. He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” We cast our worries, burdens, and troubles upon Him because He promises to care for us. He has the power and authority to deal with them as guide us through the midst of them.

Although we still sin and experience death in this world, Jesus has conquered these, and by His Word sin and death no longer have a claim on us who have been claimed by Christ in forgiveness, life, and salvation. Jesus says, “You are mine. I bought you with my blood and pulled you out when you were sinking.”

Nothing can stop Jesus and His Word of salvation. The laws of nature can’t stop Him, Satan can’t stop Him, and sin and death can’t stop Him. Just as He walked on water toward the disciples, He uses incredible means to deliver forgiveness to us. Just as He reached down to save Peter from sinking, Jesus reaches down to deliver us from our sins. Despite the perils that we encounter in this life, and our doubts in Christ and His Word, the Lord reaches His hand of salvation and saves you from sin, death, the devil, and hell. Nothing can snatch you out of His hand. Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.