Have you ever wondered who walked on water with Jesus? Most people remember that powerful moment when Jesus calmed the storm and walked across the sea. But there was one disciple, full of courage and faith, who also stepped out of the boat that night Peter. It wasn’t just a miracle; it was a story of trust, fear, and learning to keep your eyes on Jesus even when the waves are high.
In this post, we’ll walk through the Bible story from Matthew 14:22–33, understand what really happened that night, and discover what this miracle teaches us about faith and courage. You’ll also find simple lessons we can apply in our daily life, plus a short prayer to help strengthen your faith when life feels stormy.
Quick Answer:- Who Walked on Water with Jesus?
The disciple Peter is the one who walked on water with Jesus.
According to the Bible in Matthew 14:22–33, Peter stepped out of the boat when Jesus told him to come. For a few amazing moments, Peter walked on the waves toward Jesus. But when he became afraid of the wind and looked away, he began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out His hand and saved him, showing both His power and His love.
What Matthew 14:22–33 Records (The Full Narrative)
This beautiful story happens right after one of Jesus’s greatest miracles feeding over five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish. Let’s look step-by-step at what the Bible says about that unforgettable night on the Sea of Galilee.
1. Feeding the 5,000:- Setup for the Miracle
Before walking on water, Jesus had just finished feeding a huge crowd with very little food. The people were amazed, and the disciples had witnessed His divine power. After this, Jesus sent His disciples ahead in a boat while He stayed behind to pray. This moment of separation sets the stage for the next great miracle.
2. Into the Night:- The “Fourth Watch” & Alone at Sea
As the disciples sailed across the lake, a strong wind began to blow. The waves tossed their boat, and they struggled for hours. It was during the “fourth watch of the night” around 3 to 6 a.m. when the sea was darkest and their strength was gone. In that deep moment of fear, Jesus came walking toward them on the water.
3. Jesus Walks on Water:- The Disciples’ Alarm
When the disciples saw someone walking on the water, they were terrified. They thought it was a ghost! But Jesus spoke right away and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” His calm voice cut through the storm. Then Peter, full of bold faith, said, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water.”
Peter’s Step of Faith:- How He Walked on Water
When we think about who walked on water with Jesus, Peter’s brave step stands out as a lesson of faith. He saw Jesus doing the impossible, and something inside him wanted to believe that, with the Lord’s help, he could do it too. This moment shows how powerful faith can be when we fix our eyes on Jesus.
1. “If it is You, Command Me”:- Peter’s Request
Peter didn’t jump into the sea out of excitement. He first asked, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” That one line shows his deep respect and trust. Peter knew that walking on water was only possible if Jesus gave the word. Faith always begins with listening to His voice before taking the step.
2. Jesus Says “Come”:- Peter’s Courageous Move
When Jesus said just one word “Come” Peter stepped out of the boat. Imagine the courage it took to put his foot on those wild waves! For a moment, his eyes stayed on Jesus, and he walked on the water just like Him. That’s the power of obedience and faith when we follow Jesus’s word, even the impossible becomes possible.
When Faith Fades:- Why Peter Sank
Faith lifted Peter, but fear made him sink. The same wind and waves were there all along only his focus changed. This part of the story reminds us that faith isn’t about calm waters, it’s about keeping our eyes on Jesus even when life feels like a storm.
1. From Focused to Frightened:- The Shift
As Peter walked, the wind grew stronger and the waves got higher. He took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm around him. In that moment, fear entered his heart. That’s when he began to sink. Just like Peter, we too start sinking when we focus more on our problems than on God’s power.
2. Jesus Reaches Out:- Rebuking Doubt
When Peter cried, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and caught him. He said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Those words weren’t harsh they were loving correction. Jesus didn’t let Peter drown; He lifted him back up. Even when our faith is small, His grace is greater.
Three Ways to Read the Story (Scholarly Views)
The story of who walked on water with Jesus is not just a miracle account it’s also one of the most studied passages in the Gospels. Over the years, Bible scholars have explained it in three meaningful ways. Each view helps us understand something deeper about faith, fear, and the power of Christ.
1. Literal Miracle Interpretation
Many Christians believe this event happened exactly as the Bible records. Jesus and Peter truly walked on the water. It was a real miracle showing Jesus’s divine power over nature. This view reminds us that God can still do the impossible, and nothing in creation is beyond His control.
2. Symbolic or Pastoral Reading
Some readers see the story as a picture of the Christian life. The storm represents life’s troubles, the boat is our comfort zone, and stepping out shows our faith in Jesus. When we keep our eyes on Him, we rise above fear. When we doubt, we start to sink. It’s a beautiful message about trust and spiritual focus.
3. Textual / Critical Notes on Matthew’s Emphasis
Bible scholars note that Matthew is the only Gospel writer who includes Peter’s attempt to walk on the water. This small detail gives the story a personal and pastoral meaning. Matthew shows that even strong believers can fail but Jesus never abandons them. His hand is always near to lift us up again.
6 Lessons You Can Apply Today
This story isn’t just about what happened long ago it’s about what can happen in our hearts today. Here are six simple lessons we can live by:
1. Keep your eyes on Jesus:- Don’t get distracted by life’s storms; stay focused on His presence.
2. Dare to step out of the boat:- Faith begins when you take a step outside your comfort zone.
3. Don’t let fear overwhelm faith:- Fear may come, but faith should lead.
4. Call out to Jesus when you sink:- When you fall, cry out to Him; He will lift you up again.
5. Worship Him amid storms:- Even in hard times, choose to praise. That’s where peace begins.
6. Live with boldness in daily trials:- Each day is a chance to trust God more deeply and walk closer with Him.
Short Prayer & Reflection
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me through Peter’s story that faith begins when I step toward You. When fear rises and waves surround me, help me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Strengthen my heart to trust You even when the storm feels strong. Thank You, Lord, for always reaching out Your hand to lift me up. Amen.
Reflection:
Take a quiet moment today to think about this question: What’s one “storm” in your life where Jesus is asking you to trust Him more?
Just like Peter, you may feel the wind and fear the waves but remember, Jesus is still near. He hasn’t changed. His hand is stretched out toward you right now, waiting for your step of faith.
FAQs: About Who Walked on Water with Jesus?
Q1: Are Simon and Peter the same person?
Yes, Simon and Peter are the same. Jesus gave Simon the name Peter, which means “rock,” showing he would become a strong foundation for His church.
Q2: Why did Simon walk on water in The Chosen?
In The Chosen, Simon (Peter) walks on water to show his faith in Jesus. Just like the Bible story, it reflects courage, trust, and stepping out of fear with Jesus’ help.
Q3: Why did Peter fall in the water?
Peter began to sink when he focused on the strong wind and waves instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus. His fear made him doubt God’s power for a moment.
Q4: Where in the Bible did Peter walk on water?
Peter walked on water in Matthew 14:22–33. The story happens right after Jesus fed 5,000 people and shows Peter’s faith and Jesus’ power to save.
Conclusion
The night sky was dark, and the waves were strong, but Peter looked beyond the storm and stepped toward Jesus. In that moment, he walked on water a miracle of faith and courage.
Just like Peter, you can rise above fear and take steps toward Christ in your own life. Remember, it is not the calm waters but keeping your eyes on Jesus that allows you to move forward.
Which step of faith will you take this week? Think about it, write it down, and share your story in the comments below. Let this story of who walked on water with Jesus inspire your heart and strengthen your trust in Him every day.
“Curious about what happened to Peter after his amazing faith? Learn more about how Peter died in the Bible and his ultimate crucifixion here.”