Walking on the water

 This Sunday's reading from Matthew 14:22-33 tells the hard to believe story of Jesus walking on water, and Peter's failed attempt to do so. 

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

 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, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

Pretty incredible right? 

Last year we sailed on the Sea of Galilee and got to understand how big it is. Strong winds could really whip it up. Fortunately our cruise was during calm weather. Note that the wind was still strong when Jesus walked across the water. The sea therefore was not flat. This would have made Jesus' feat all the more miraculous, and it certainly doomed Peter's attempt. 

Cruising on the Sea of Galilee

Ancient boat from Jesus' era recovered from the Sea of Galilee

Could Jesus have done it? 

Yes for truly he is the Son of God.