After the crowds have eaten their fill, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while He sent the crowd away. And having sent the people away, He went up the mountain by himself to pray. At nightfall, He was there alone.
Meanwhile, the boat was very far from land, dangerously rocked by the waves for the wind was against it. At daybreak, Jesus came to them walking on the lake. When they saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. And they cried out in fear. But at once Jesus said to them, «Courage! Don't be afraid. It's me!». Peter answered, «Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you walking on the water». Jesus said to him, «Come». And Peter got out of the boat, walking on the water to go to Jesus. But, in face of the strong wind, he was afraid and began to sink. So he cried out, «Lord, save me!». Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of him, saying, «Man of little faith, why did you doubt?». As they got into the boat, the wind dropped. Then those in the boat bowed down before Jesus saying, «Truly, you are the Son of God!».
They came ashore at Gennesareth. The local people recognized Jesus and spread the news throughout the region. So they brought all the sick to him, begging him to let them touch just the fringe of his cloak. All who touched it became perfectly well.
Source: http://evangeli.net/gospel/
Analysis
Today's passage seems long and complicated, though has a short and simple message, that is a message of faith. In a bare summary, Jesus ordered the disciples to go ahead of Him while He went to the mountains alone to pray. Meanwhile, the boat that the disciples used was far from land and the wind was getting strong and the boat rocked hard. Then, they saw Jesus walking on the water, terrified they yelled that it was a ghost they see. Jesus tried to calm the disciples and Peter replied challenging Jesus, that if it was truly Him, then command Peter to walk. So He did, and Peter too walked on the water. But then wind struck and he began to fear and sink, he begged Jesus to save him, and Jesus chastised him for his little faith. Eventually the wind dropped and the disciples bowed proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God when He got on the boat.
The whole message of this passage is simple, that is the power and significance of having faith. Faith here does not equate blind belief by indoctrination, but a strong commitment and dedication to what is true, objectively and rationally. Scientifically, what Jesus did and Peter did was possible, but it required a very strong faith and dedication towards the truth. Or an unwavering commitment towards the truth. If we truly believe that we are able to walk on water, that we would walk on water, but if we have any ounce of doubt, we would sink into the sea of despair and death. As such, we too must have strong faith and not doubt, especially when it is true. Of course, Jesus does not want us to be not skeptical and believe everything, but it is to have a backbone. If have truly found and deduced that what we believe is true, why must we doubt? If it is even agreed with by other people, why should we be uncertain? Today's passage is more about our integrity, will we stand against the strongest of storms, or will we fall by even the softest of winds? That is all I have to say, have a nice day and see you tomorrow.
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