And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Explanation:
Here we see what can happen when we let our minds (Peter, who represents true ideas that spring from the desire for good), inspired by the ultimate love and goodness (Jesus), leave the safety of our acepted doctrine (the ship) and successfully negotiate the turbulent waters of natural facts and ideas (the water). The fact that Peter did it “to go to Jesus” means that this was successful when it was fully fixed on the divine desire for good that Jesus represents.
What does this mean in real terms? It means that it’s relatively easy for us to feel confident in our ideas when we’re within our own groups, with people who believe the same things we do. But the Lord is bigger than that – he loves everyone, and the concepts that arise from that love are universally true and apply to everyone, whether they’re in the “right” doctrinal system or not. If we can keep that ultimate idea in mind – if we can be inspired by the perfection of the Lord’s love – our ideas can be similarly universal, beyond the confines of our safe groups of like believers.
Verse 22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
Verse 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Verse 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
Verse 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
Verse 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
Verse 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
Verse 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
Verse 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Verse 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Verse 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Verse 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
Verse 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Discussion