Jesse Duplantis
Sep 23, 2024
Only Peter walked on water.
Jesus’ disciples were an unlikely lot- fishermen, rough and rowdy, who weren’t intimidated by anyone or anything. They argued, doubted, and slept when they should have been praying. They bolted when things turned nasty. They denied Jesus and scattered like bad seed.
That wasn’t all they did.
They prayed and the earth quaked. They preached and won thousands in a day. They laid callused hands on the sick and the sick recovered. Their shadows fell on the lame and the lame leapt for joy. They started churches all over the known world. Their letters were so inspired that they became books of the Bible.
Most of them died a martyr’s death.
But only one walked on water.
Have you ever thought about that? Jesus had twelve disciples, but eleven stayed in the boat. One man climbed out of the manmade vessel and walked on the water.
“So what, Brother Jesse?” you might ask. “There’s nothing wrong with a boat.”
You’re right, of course. If you’re out in the middle of a lake during a storm, a boat is a real nice thing to have.
Still, there’s one thing you might consider.
Those in the boat visited with the other disciples.
The one who stepped out of the boat encountered Jesus.
Which would you rather have? The safety of the boat with the other disciples? Or the wind and waves with Jesus? I’ve already decided: I choose Jesus.
If you look at the experience in the Scripture, you’ll notice it was preceded by a great miracle. Jesus fed the multitude with one kid’s lunch, then sent twelve baskets home to his mama. I like the way Creflo Dollar tells what happened. He says that boy went home and announced, “Mama, I gave Jesus a two-piece fish dinner, and we just bought McDonald’s. You won’t be booking for a while.”
Now, most preachers would want to take a vacation after preforming a miracle like that. But that’s not what Jesus did. He sent the multitudes away, and then told the disciples to take a trip in the boat. He said, “I just have to get closer to Dad.” Then He went up on a mountain to pray.
And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone.
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightaway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.
And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped Him, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God.
Matthew 14:23-33 (KJV)
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