by D. Keith Shurtleff

Created on: March 17, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

It was early morning as fierce winds drove the ship containing Jesus' disciples back upon the waters. That was not a new experience for some of them, who as fishermen knew the seas well. Yet when their eyes beheld what they had never before witnessed, a being, walking on the wind tossed sea, headed toward their ship, scripture records that they cried out with fear! (Matthew 14:26) In the Lord's response is found the true, deeply significant meaning, of the powerful metaphor for walking on water. Jesus said, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (Matthew 14:27)

Many who speak of walking on water have not realized that this was no casual stroll on a sea of glass. The winds were boisterous, the waves contrary to the ship. In essence, it was a storm. In the disciple's lives, as well as in our own, the storm symbolizes the struggles we must face, the storms of physical, mental, and emotional trials. It is good to remember that on another occasion as a similar storm threatened to capsize the disciples' ship, they woke a sleeping Jesus who came to their rescue and calmed the seas. The lesson, the soul who has Jesus on-board, will not be overcome by the challenges of life. That truth lies at the heart of Paul's sweet promise, "God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape"(I Corinthians 10:13) the way of course is Jesus Christ. That lesson comes full circle as Jesus walks upon the wind swept waters. For the storm, the symbol of all suffering, struggling, and sorrow was trampled under his feet. A powerful symbol of Paul's promise of a future day when He shall "put all enemies under his feet," (I Corinthians 15:25) a fulfillment of David's messianic psalm, which declared that God "has put all things under his feet". (Psalms 8:6) Jesus' walk teaches us that, then, now or in our future, there is no storm that Christ cannot subdue.

Then comes Peter, that impulsive disciple whose zeal oft won him a rebuke. In faith on the Savior's power and in answer to the Saviors simple call "come" Peter leaves the ship and walks on the stormy sea. How sweet that symbol of the blessings that come to those who heed their Saviors call, who with eyes set upon the Master, likewise overcome all the trials, temptations, and sorrows of life. How comforting to know that until we take our eyes off the Lord, and allow our fears to overcome our faith, we too may subdue our enemies and trials under our feet. So it was with Peter, as he looked at the winds boisterous, as human reality set in, he began to sink, to be swallowed up in his troubles, the waters of tribulation began to take their toll and it seemed as if Peter were doomed. Thankfully, the story does not end there. Peter looked up in despair, cried for help, and then felt the Master's touch. Jesus extends his arm of mercy and saves Peter, as he does for all who cry to him in faith. Thus the real metaphor of walking on water is that whether it is by faith with eye on our Savior, or through the power of His healing touch, there is no trial we cannot overcome, no grief that cannot be comforted, no temptation that cannot be vanquished, no storm of life, that cannot be subdued under our feet. To me the real metaphor is that in Christ, with we can do, and subdue, all things. (Philippians 4:13)

Learn more about this author, D. Keith Shurtleff.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.