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Jesus Walking On The Water Analysis

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Matthew’s narrative of Jesus walking on the water serves to illustrate the saving power of faith, Christ’s always present help, and the issue of testing God and doubt. Peter, the leading disciple in the story, introduces the issue of a divided mind conflicting between faith and doubt as he attempts to walk out to Jesus who is coming to the ship. Jesus’ purpose for walking out on the water is to save the disciples in the ship “tossed with waves” (Matt 14:24 KJV). The waves, representing chaos, serve as a barrier between the disciples and Jesus, representing God’s divine power. Upon walking on the water, saving Peter, and calming the waves with entering the ship, Jesus proves the power of God to overcome all fear and chaos found in matter.
This text offers me comfort in knowing what to do in times of critical need, which is to cry out for Jesus in prayer, a response that could be easily overlooked. Jesus’ action to reach his hand out and catch Peter from sinking shows the prayer will not go unanswered. This gesture is common in other healings, and the idea of Christ being there in times of trouble to respond to our cry by reaching out is a comforting assurance. An additional part of the narrative that provides a sense of comfort is in the sea being stilled upon Jesus entering the boat. The sea, representing chaos, is immediately calmed as soon as Jesus enters. The power of the sea diminishing is a comfort knowing the chaos in our lives too will diminish upon Jesus

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