Why Did Jesus Walk on the Water?
The account of Jesus walking on the water is one of the most striking miracles recorded in the Gospels, found in Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21. This event has captivated readers for centuries, raising questions about its meaning, significance, and historicity. Was this a literal event or a metaphor? What theological truths does it reveal about Jesus and his mission? Why did Jesus appear to intend to pass by the disciples’ boat? This article will explore these questions, drawing on both Old and New Testament scriptures, and will seek to illuminate the profound message embedded in this miracle.
The Historical Context and the Gospel Accounts
The miracle occurs immediately after the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee while he withdraws to pray alone. During the night, a storm arises, and the disciples struggle against the wind and waves. In the “fourth watch of the night” (between 3 and 6 a.m.), Jesus comes to them, walking on the water (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48; John 6:19).
The Gospel writers present this as a real, historical event. The narrative is detailed, including the time, the disciples’ fear, Peter’s attempt to walk on the water, and the calming of the storm when Jesus enters the boat. The text offers no indication that this is a parable or metaphor; rather, it is presented as a miracle, a “sign” (Greek: semeion) that reveals Jesus’ identity and authority.
The Literal Nature of the Miracle
Some modern interpreters have suggested that the story is metaphorical, perhaps symbolizing Jesus’ power over chaos or the storms of life. However, the Gospel writers intend for us to understand this as a literal event. Matthew, Mark, and John all record the disciples’ astonishment and fear, their initial belief that Jesus was a ghost, and their worship of him after the event (Matthew 14:33). The narrative’s vividness and the disciples’ reactions only make sense if something truly extraordinary occurred.
Moreover, the miracle is consistent with the other “nature miracles” of Jesus, such as calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41) and turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). These acts demonstrate Jesus’ authority over creation, affirming his divine identity. As John writes, “these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).
Old Testament Background: God’s Sovereignty Over the Waters
To fully grasp the significance of Jesus walking on water, it is essential to consider the Old Testament background. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the sea often symbolized chaos and evil. In the Hebrew Scriptures, only God possesses authority over the waters. For example, Psalm 77:19 declares, “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.” Similarly, Job 9:8 says of God, “who alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea.”
These passages use the imagery of walking or treading upon the sea as a mark of divine power. By walking on the water, Jesus enacts what only God can do, thus making a profound claim about his identity. The disciples, steeped in the Scriptures, would have recognized this allusion. Their eventual worship of Jesus–“Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33)–reflects their dawning realization of his divine nature.
The Meaning and Significance of Walking on Water
Jesus’ act of walking on water is not merely a demonstration of supernatural power; it is a revelation of his identity as the incarnate Son of God, the one who shares in the authority of the Creator. The miracle also serves as a sign of his lordship over the forces of chaos and evil. In the ancient world, the sea represented danger and unpredictability. By walking calmly upon the waves, Jesus shows that he is not subject to these forces but reigns over them.
Furthermore, the miracle is a lesson in faith for the disciples. When Peter steps out of the boat at Jesus’ invitation, he is able to walk on the water as long as he keeps his eyes on Jesus. When he becomes afraid and begins to sink, Jesus immediately reaches out to save him, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). The narrative thus becomes a parable in action, illustrating the necessity of faith in Christ amid life’s storms.
Why Did Jesus Intend to Walk Past the Boat?
Mark’s account includes a curious detail: “He meant to pass by them” (Mark 6:48). This phrase has puzzled many readers. It does not suggest that Jesus intended to ignore the disciples in their distress. Rather, the language echoes Old Testament theophanies–moments when God “passes by” to reveal his glory. For example, in Exodus 33:19-22, God says to Moses, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’” Similarly, in 1 Kings 19:11, God tells Elijah, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD. And behold, the LORD passed by.”
By “passing by” the disciples, Jesus is revealing his divine glory to them, just as God did to Moses and Elijah. This is not an act of abandonment but a self-disclosure. The disciples, seeing Jesus walking on the water, are confronted with the reality that the one before them is none other than the Lord of creation. Their fear is transformed into awe and worship.
Theological Implications: Jesus as the Divine Son
The miracle of walking on water is a Christological sign. It points to Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father and his participation in the divine identity. The New Testament affirms that Jesus is the Word who was “with God” and “was God” (John 1:1), the one through whom all things were made (John 1:3). By exercising authority over the sea, Jesus demonstrates that he is not merely a prophet or teacher but the incarnate Lord.
This truth is reinforced by the disciples’ response. After Jesus enters the boat and the wind ceases, “those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:33). In Jewish monotheism, worship is reserved for God alone (Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:13). The disciples’ worship of Jesus is thus a recognition of his divinity.
Faith, Fear, and the Presence of Christ
The narrative also addresses the themes of faith and fear. The disciples are terrified when they see Jesus, thinking he is a ghost. Jesus reassures them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). The phrase “it is I” (Greek: ego eimi) echoes the divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM”). Jesus’ presence dispels fear and brings peace.
Peter’s experience further illustrates the call to trust in Jesus. As long as Peter focuses on Jesus, he is able to do what is humanly impossible. When he looks at the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Jesus’ saving grasp and gentle rebuke underscore the importance of faith in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
Conclusion - Jesus Walked on Water
Jesus’ walking on the water is a literal, historical miracle that reveals his divine identity and authority over creation. It is rooted in Old Testament imagery of God’s sovereignty over the sea and serves as a theophany–a revelation of God’s presence and glory. The miracle calls the disciples, and all readers, to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and to place their faith in him, even amid the storms of life.
The event is not a mere metaphor but a real demonstration of who Jesus is: the Lord of creation, the one who comes to his people in their distress, and the one who alone is worthy of worship. As the psalmist declares, “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen” (Psalm 77:19). In Jesus, the unseen God is made visible, and his presence brings peace to all who trust in him.