Matthew 14:29 meaning
In a remarkable display of faith and willingness to step out into the unknown, Peter boldly asked Jesus to command him to walk on water. This moment is not merely about a miraculous act; it symbolizes the profound relationship between obedience to Christ and belief in His power. Peter's desire to join Jesus, even amidst the stormy sea, illustrates that true faith often journeys into the realms of the impossible, using Christ’s words as a lifeline. The invitation to come illustrates a key aspect of Christian discipleship: stepping into challenges with reliance on Jesus.
In Matthew 14:29, Christ's response to Peter's dare is both gracious and instructive. Instead of rebuking Peter for his audacity, Jesus encourages him to come. This act of kindness reinforces the notion that God welcomes our attempts to express faith, even when those attempts are rooted in uncertainty. Peter’s initial success in walking on water eventually gives way to fear when he notices the wind and waves, teaching us that while faith empowers, distractions and doubts can lead to sinking into despair. The essence of this passage is clear: true courage comes from focusing on Jesus rather than the tumult around us.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 14:22-33 meaning. As night falls Jesus sends His disciples in a boat to the other side of the lake (Galilee) while He remains behind to pray. A fierce storm arises and strands the boat out on the sea for hours. As the disciples struggle to navigate their boat to shore Jesus appears walking on the water. The disciples are terrified, mistaking Him for a ghost until He identifies Himself. Peter then calls out to Jesus, and Jesus bids him to walk to Him on the water. Peter does until he doubts. Jesus saves Peter and calms the storm.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 27:11-14 meaning. Pilate’s First Interview with Jesus and his First Declaration of Innocence: Not permitted to execute Jesus themselves, the Sanhedrin brings Jesus to Pilate early in the morning for His Roman (or Civil) Trial. Pilate investigates whether or not Jesus is guilty of insurrection. When Pilate askes Him, if He is the King of the Jews, Jesus answers "It is as you say." The Jews continue to press charges, which Jesus does not respond to. Jesus’s silence amazes Pilate. This event is part of the first phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. It is known as Jesus’s Arraignment before Pilate.
- Matthew 26:69-75 meaning. Peter’s Three Denials of Jesus: Peter is recognized by various people as a follower of Jesus while the Lord’s religious trials carry on inside the homes of high priests. Despite his earlier promises, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, each with increasing vigor. When the rooster crows, Peter remembers his now-broken promise and Jesus’s now-fulfilled prophecy and he runs away weeping bitterly.
- Luke 23:3-7 meaning. Pilate’s First Interview with Jesus and his First Declaration of Innocence: Pilate follows up on the charge of insurrection and interviews Jesus, asking Him if He is the King of the Jews. Jesus replies, "It is as you say." Pilate finds nothing in Jesus’s answer to convict Him, so declares His innocence. The chief priests are adamant that Jesus must die. As they protest, Pilate hears that Jesus is from Galilee, and decides to send Jesus to Herod, the ruler of that district, and let him deal with the trial. This event is part of the first phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. It is known as Jesus’s Arraignment before Pilate.