Getting your feet wet...

Matthew 14:22-33 is the interesting account of Peter getting his feet wet. In reading the story there are some things that particularly intrigue me. Here they are....

Is the story about Peter's faith in getting out of the boat? If so, then why does Jesus make a point of his doubt? Was he trying to make the point that Peter could have walked futher if only he had clung to the faith in Jesus that made him leave the boat in the first place? Or is Jesus challenging Peter? Remember Peter challenged Jesus to call him out of the boat to prove that he (Jesus) was not a ghost, so in a way it was similar to Gideon putting out the fleece and asking God to prove his faithfulness. Maybe Peter's doubt was simply something that put him in a position in which he could only fail...like walking on water...impossible for a human, but not for God. The real faith is shown by those disciples who stay in the boat believing in the words of Jesus who proclaims that he is who he is.

But on the other hand, Jesus is ready to rescue Peter in verse 31. His hand is out for Peter to take hold. Possibly Peter would have been able to stand with Jesus on the water looking back at the boat load of disciples if only he had trusted in the words of Jesus which invited him out unto the water.

So what do you think...in the boat or out on the water?? I guess either way it is all about trust in Jesus and his words.