This article contains information about important events from Jesus’ life. Such as the walking on water, how Jesus calms the storm(John), and Peter’s faith.

Where did Jesus walk on water?

Jesus walked on water in Lake Ghenizaret (in the Sea of Galilee). It is not a very large expanse of water, but given the lack of it in the Holy Land, the inhabitants considered it a great blessing. It is small compared to the world’s seas – 24 km long, 12 km wide, 50 meters deep at most – and the depth at the shore is relatively shallow. During solid air currents and winds from the wilderness, the water creates movements inside the sea that make waves, threatening ships and people. Is this the place where Jesus calms the storm (John)?

The lake lies between the vineyard mountains and receives water from the springs of Hermon, which is over 3,000 meters high. The waters of the Jordan also flow here, their source being Banias. You get a sense of complete tranquillity when you are around this lake. There is an evangelical silence; the water and surrounding area seem to listen further to the Savior’s words so many times in this place. The Saviour has often surveyed the Sea of Tiberias. He said, and from its shores and the ship, calming the storm and urging the disciples to have strong faith.

Near this place, the disciples left everything and followed the Savior. The true God became man and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory. God the Lord loved the land of Galilee. He was considered Galilean, the dialect specific to this area showed Him, and years later, when Julian the Apostle, one of the Church’s adversaries, was shot on the battlefield, He could only say: that the Galilean won.

Nature miracle of Jesus

The event occurs after an impressive series of miracles, at the performance of which the apostles were also present. Among these was the Resurrection of Jairus’ daughter, witnessed by Peter. We saw the episode from the boat where Jesus calms the storm; now, let us look at the part where Peter walks on water.

Of course, when Peter saw Jesus walking on water, he remembered all these miracles. And he knew that the One who performed them could also give him the power to overcome the force of gravity. That’s why he tells him: Lord if it is You, command me to come to You. Peter believes in Christ.

From all he has seen and heard, he knows their Master is Christ. He also trusts Him. So great that he knows that if he commands him – and the word command is significant here, let us remember it – he will also give him the power to do it. He does not say to the Saviour call me to you but says command me to come. Peter has total confidence in God’s care, which is not absurd. He does not command the doing of things beyond our power to do. So he asks for the command. He receives it. Come! Get out of the boat and start walking on the sea. What a beautiful picture! God and Peter are among the waves. Only the waves were too big. Peter’s faith in Christ’s deity and extraordinary trust in his care. Were the waves too weak, or were they insufficient? What did Peter lack? And why did Christ not calm the sea before calling Peter to Himself? He knew only too well that he would sink. He knew for He knows everything. But Peter’s beautiful reaction to the episode is when Jesus calms the storm(John).

Did faith move Peter?

Yes, Peter was moved by faith in Christ and sustained by trust in His care. But he lacked faithfulness, that ultimate step of faith that perfects it. On a careful reading of the pericope, we understand that his getting off the ship is a personal drive, for selfishness can be a bit much. He goes to Christ to convince himself that he is not deluded. To reassure himself. To then benefit fully from the gift of wonder. Not for the sake of being with Him. Not disinterested, as he should be. Peter’s ego is at the root of his drive. Quite the same as the ego of Thomas, who, after the Resurrection, wants to lay his hands on Christ to believe. And when he walks on water, the ego proves its nothingness. Peter sinks. Having passed the test of perfect affiliation to Christ’s love, faith is pale and unfulfilled. This is the moment when Peter understands that he must be faithful.

Peter sank into the water.

He sees God beside him and cries out: Lord, deliver me! Peter comes to his senses like the prodigal son. He understands that only the heavenly Father can save you from the whirlwind of self, from the storm of worry and self-denial. That’s why they call to Him not as a conqueror of nature, as a wave-runner, but as a master: Lord. The loving Father is also perceived as the Master Father. And the Master must be served faithfully. In the Master, you must believe, trust, be faithful, and obedient. Peter comes to his senses and assumes the status of a son and a hired servant. Faithfulness is the state of a serf. This is Peter’s first coming to his senses. His humanity will show itself again during the passion when he will shamefully deny the Father. 

Peter doubts Jesus. Was Peter an unbeliever?

The final question is, “Was Peter, an unbeliever?” The Saviour Himself addressed him, saying: “Little believer, why did you doubt?” meaning that Peter was, in fact, faithful, but not faithful enough. After the fright of the storm and the surprising sight of the Saviour, he nevertheless found the courage to set out on the water towards him. Seeing the strong wind, he again questioned whether it was Him or a delusion. He doubted, his faith waned, and he began to sink. Help came from the One who was, in fact, the direction and the target he wanted to reach. The moment the strong bond of faith fell away, the water was no more extended support on which he could advance.

The Saviour could have supported him in other ways. Still, Peter needed to be aware of what had happened, unconfident of the Saviour’s divine pow, And He made this verification of his faith in front of all the other apostles. By this, the power of faith, which can even move mountains, was once again proved. And the confession made by the apostles before the Saviour shows precisely this strong faith they would prove throughout the preaching of the Saviour’s Gospel.

Conclusion

The Savior sees the fury of the worldly waves and our struggles against sin and the enemies of the Church. As with Peter, He intervenes at the right time, strengthening us and giving us patience and steadfastness in our faith. He stands and knocks incessantly at the door of our soul. All we have to do is open and receive Him until it is not too late. 

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