Focus on Christ (Peter) - March 7

Read Matthew 14:25-31

And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Reflect

Has taking your eyes off of Jesus ever caused you to sink in fear? What were the circumstances?

Ah, Peter. He was impulsive, passionate, and outspoken. As we get to know him in the Gospel accounts, he often appears to speak or act first, and think second. And yet, his desire to wholeheartedly follow Christ, no matter what, is admirable. Today’s passage is a prime example of classic Peter but there is so much that we can learn from him about developing courage in the midst of fear.

Prior to today’s passage, Jesus had just fed 5,000 people and then spent the evening on the mountain by himself, praying. He had sent the twelve disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. In the fourth watch, somewhere between 3AM to 6AM, Jesus walked on top of the water towards their boat that was being beaten around by the wind. Naturally, it frightened the disciples to see a human being walking toward them on top of the waves. So, Jesus reassured them that it was just Him. They had no reason to be afraid.

This is when Peter sprung into action. Apparently, without giving much thought to the wind or the waves or the dark depths of the sea, Peter asked Jesus if he could walk with Him on the water. In that moment, we see Peter’s absolute faith and trust in Jesus. He knew that Jesus had the power to make him walk on the water, too. He seemed to have no doubts. When Jesus told him to come, Peter didn't hesitate. He jumped out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus.

But that absolute faith faltered as soon as Peter looked around and saw the wind. When he had his eyes fixed on Jesus, he knew nothing could make him drown. He probably felt invincible. But when he took his eyes off of Jesus and was reminded of the dangers that surrounded him, he began to sink.

This wasn’t the only time Peter’s faith floundered when he suddenly noticed the potential danger that he was in. Before Jesus’ arrest, He told the disciples that all of them would scatter in fear and desert Him. But Peter ardently declared, “Though all fall away because of you, I will never fall away…Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” (Matthew 28:33,35). Sadly, Peter did deny being associated with Jesus, not once, not twice, but three times (Matthew 26:69-75)! You see, Peter’s desire to be faithfully devoted to Christ moved from the theoretical realm to reality. And in that crucial moment his fear won.

I don’t know about you but I’ve been like Peter. I have thought that there was no way I’d ever doubt or compromise. But when faced with reality, when my ardent devotion no matter the cost was no longer merely theoretical, I found myself sinking in fear.

But we can learn an important lesson from Peter’s fear and his failures. When Peter had his eyes on Jesus, his faith didn’t waver. It was only when he focused on his fears that he floundered. And, here’s the best news—even though Peter failed the Lord in his fear, the Lord wasn’t finished with him yet. God used those experiences in Peter’s life to grow him and mature him. Peter would go on to be the devoted disciple and ardent apostle that he always desired to be. Tradition holds that Peter died a martyr's death. He was able to be faithful to Christ, even unto death, because he had learned to keep His eyes on Jesus.

Respond

Lord, when I am afraid, I lift my eyes to You because You are where my help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). Help me to keep my gaze fixed on You rather than looking around at the dangers all around me. I don’t want to sink in fear but always trust in You. Amen.

Reveal

When you are with a friend or loved one who is struggling with fear, remind them to lift their eyes and focus on Christ.