This Sunday I'm preaching on Matthew 14:22-23, which is the oft-told story of Jesus walking on water, and Peter's attempt at doing the same.  This is yet another familiar story that cause me much consternation when planning a sermon around it.  I guess it's something of a paradox, but when you have a passage that is so familiar and seemingly so well understood, you want to provide a message to reach the congregation and teach them.

I am first struck by the fact that the disciples didn't recognize Jesus when they saw him.  They saw what appeared to be an apparition going across the water, and they were terrified, thinking it was a ghost (Matthew 14:26).  Only Peter realized Christ's presence, although he must have had some doubt since he said "Lord, if it's you tell me to come to you on the water" (Matthew 14:27).

I find it interesting that Peter was waiting for an invitation from Jesus before walking on the water.  This is the part that perplexes me the most.  I'm not sure how to take this.  Are we as modern day Christian disciples sitting on the boat waiting on an invitation from Christ before we do anything? 

But I can't simply leave that verse alone, because it's not exactly an unsolicited invitation from Jesus.  Peter asked Jesus for an invitation.  It means something a little different.  If I come up out of the clear blue and invite you to my house for dinner, that's seems like a normal invitation to dinner.  But if you come up to me and say "Ray, I'd really like to come over Saturday night for a visit," the rusty little gears in my mind will be spinning wondering what your motivation is.

I'm not thinking you have ill intentions, but it makes me think you have something on your mind.  Instead of you inviting me to your location where you are comfortable, you are leaving your comfort zone and your home field advantage to come to where I am. 

So many times we say we want to invite Christ into our lives.  But we really should be getting out of our boat and go to Christ.  We must leave our safe, dry boats and head off in an unsure direction.

Peter experienced a very human frailty when he was afraid.  His faith lapsed and he began to sink.  But I credit Peter with knowing to call on the Lord as he did in verse 30 when he said "Lord save me!"

I also think of those who stayed in the boat.  Jesus gave Peter a bit of a reprimand in verse 31 "You of little faith.  Why did you doubt?"  The witnesses in the boat were probably marveling at Peter's faith -- just to have enough faith to step out of the boat and onto the water to begin with.  So although Peter proved his human imperfection, he also provided a witness to his comrades.

Peter aimed to reach Christ.  Christians today aim for that same Christian perfection.  Even though we know that we'll sink from time to time because of our lack of faith, our faith strengthens us as prods us out of the boat and into the world.  We must be willing to ignore our comfort and make following Christ of paramount importance.

Peace,

Ray