Matthew 14:28 - Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
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What does "Matthew 14:28" mean?
This verse from Matthew 14:28 is a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus walking on water. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: Jesus has just miraculously calmed a storm after his disciples were struggling in a boat. They see him walking on the water, and they are terrified.
"Peter answered him and said, 'Lord, if it is you...'":
Peter is speaking, and the fact that he is answering implies that there was some kind of discussion or unspoken question happening. Possibly between the disciples amongst themselves.
Peter's words "if it is you" show a mix of faith and doubt. He isn't 100% sure it's Jesus, which is understandable given the bizarre and frightening circumstances. He needs confirmation.
"...command me to come to you on the waters.'":
This is the key part. Peter is asking for a test, a demonstration of Jesus' power.
He's not just asking if it's Jesus, but also if he can share in Jesus' miraculous ability. Peter is boldly (and perhaps a little recklessly) asking to participate in the supernatural.
The request is audacious. Walking on water is impossible for a human, and Peter knows this. He is acknowledging Jesus' divine power and asking for a command that will allow him to defy natural law.
It's crucial that he asks for a command. He understands that he can't do it on his own. He needs Jesus' explicit authority and power to enable him to perform this miracle.
In essence, the verse means:
Peter, still unsure if it's really Jesus, is essentially saying, "Lord, if it's truly you, prove it by commanding me to come to you walking on the water. If you give the command, I believe you'll empower me to do the impossible."
Significance:
Faith and Doubt: The verse highlights the tension between faith and doubt, a common theme in the Gospels. Peter believes enough to ask, but he still needs confirmation.
Jesus' Authority: It emphasizes Jesus' power and authority over nature. He can not only walk on water himself, but also enable others to do so.
Risk and Obedience: Peter's request demonstrates a willingness to take a risk and obey Jesus' command, even if it seems impossible. It's a call to step out of the boat of comfort and safety and trust in Jesus.
Potential for Shared Power: It suggests that Jesus can empower his followers to participate in his miraculous work, as long as they rely on his authority and power, and not their own.
This verse is not just about walking on water, but about taking risks in faith, trusting in Jesus' power, and obeying his commands. The subsequent verses, where Peter actually does walk on water and then begins to sink, further illustrate the complexities of faith, doubt, and reliance on Jesus.
Matthew 14:28 - Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
What does "Matthew 14:28" mean?
This verse from Matthew 14:28 is a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus walking on water. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: Jesus has just miraculously calmed a storm after his disciples were struggling in a boat. They see him walking on the water, and they are terrified.
"Peter answered him and said, 'Lord, if it is you...'":
Peter is speaking, and the fact that he is answering implies that there was some kind of discussion or unspoken question happening. Possibly between the disciples amongst themselves.
Peter's words "if it is you" show a mix of faith and doubt. He isn't 100% sure it's Jesus, which is understandable given the bizarre and frightening circumstances. He needs confirmation.
"...command me to come to you on the waters.'":
This is the key part. Peter is asking for a test, a demonstration of Jesus' power.
He's not just asking if it's Jesus, but also if he can share in Jesus' miraculous ability. Peter is boldly (and perhaps a little recklessly) asking to participate in the supernatural.
The request is audacious. Walking on water is impossible for a human, and Peter knows this. He is acknowledging Jesus' divine power and asking for a command that will allow him to defy natural law.
It's crucial that he asks for a command. He understands that he can't do it on his own. He needs Jesus' explicit authority and power to enable him to perform this miracle.
In essence, the verse means:
Peter, still unsure if it's really Jesus, is essentially saying, "Lord, if it's truly you, prove it by commanding me to come to you walking on the water. If you give the command, I believe you'll empower me to do the impossible."
Significance:
Faith and Doubt: The verse highlights the tension between faith and doubt, a common theme in the Gospels. Peter believes enough to ask, but he still needs confirmation.
Jesus' Authority: It emphasizes Jesus' power and authority over nature. He can not only walk on water himself, but also enable others to do so.
Risk and Obedience: Peter's request demonstrates a willingness to take a risk and obey Jesus' command, even if it seems impossible. It's a call to step out of the boat of comfort and safety and trust in Jesus.
Potential for Shared Power: It suggests that Jesus can empower his followers to participate in his miraculous work, as long as they rely on his authority and power, and not their own.
This verse is not just about walking on water, but about taking risks in faith, trusting in Jesus' power, and obeying his commands. The subsequent verses, where Peter actually does walk on water and then begins to sink, further illustrate the complexities of faith, doubt, and reliance on Jesus.