Matthew 14:22–27 (ESV)
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the
mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the
fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But
immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
The term “Do not be afraid” is used 12 times in the Gospel
(Mat., Mark, Luke, & John). Sometimes used by angels and sometimes used by Jesus. We often get afraid when we have lost hope or do not understand something. It is comforting words to hear from Jesus… “Do not be afraid.”
After all, walking on water is something we do not understand.
I pray: O Lord, help us to always trust your words “Do not be afraid.”
Amen.