Jesus Walks on Water

Matthew 14:22–33

 

After Jesus fed five thousand, the crowd was electrified. They had witnessed supernatural provision and began to conspire to make Jesus an earthly king (John 6:15). Their enthusiasm, however, was misguided. Christ did not come to lead a political revolution but to establish a spiritual kingdom. Recognizing the danger of misplaced expectations, Jesus immediately dismissed the multitude and sent His disciples across the Sea of Galilee. He would not allow either the crowd or the disciples to be swept into a movement that misunderstood His mission.

Christ Is on the Mountain

While the disciples went to sea, Jesus went to prayer. This contrast is striking and instructive. Though surrounded by great needs and endless ministry opportunities, Christ deliberately withdrew to be alone with the Father. He chose solitude not from weakness, but from spiritual wisdom. Prayer was His renewal, His communion, His strength.

He was alone.
He was alone praying.
He was long at prayer.

The Gospel tells us He began praying in the evening and remained until the fourth watch of the night—between three and six in the morning. Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated the necessity of secret prayer (Matthew 6:6). If He required communion with the Father, how much more do we?

When the disciples went to sea, Jesus went to prayer. Their journey would soon prove why that mattered.

The Disciples at Sea

The disciples obeyed Christ’s command and launched their boat under fair skies. Obedience did not guarantee calm waters. Midway across the sea, a violent storm arose. Darkness surrounded them, and the winds battered their vessel. The same men who had experienced Christ’s power before now found themselves in distress without His physical presence.

The last time they faced a storm, Jesus was asleep in the boat. He only needed to be awakened. This time, He was not visibly with them at all.

Yet they did not turn back. They continued rowing toward the other side because obedience does not expire when circumstances change. Troubles and difficulties may disturb us in our duty, but they must not drive us from it. Faith presses forward even when the sky grows black and the winds howl.

Jesus Walks on the Water

At the darkest hour—just before dawn—Jesus came to them, walking upon the water. What they feared most became the very path upon which Christ approached them. Yet instead of relief, terror filled their hearts. They cried out, thinking they had seen a ghost.

Then came the voice that calms every storm of the soul:

“Be of good cheer.”
“It is I.”
“Be not afraid.”

The phrase “It is I” can also be understood as “I AM,” echoing the divine name. The One walking upon the waves was not merely a teacher or prophet—He was God in the flesh.

Peter’s Boldness and Struggle

Peter responded with characteristic courage: “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.” Christ answered with a single word: “Come.”

Peter stepped out of the boat. For a moment, faith triumphed over fear. As long as his eyes were fixed on Jesus, he walked above the storm. But when he shifted his attention to the wind and waves, fear invaded his heart. The cause of his fear was the boisterous wind. The effect of his fear was that he began to sink.

Yet Peter did the right thing in the wrong moment—he prayed. His prayer was short but powerful: “Lord, save me!”

Christ’s Grace

Immediately, Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him. Grace was swift. Mercy was near. Deliverance was certain. Christ saved Peter, then gently rebuked him: “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” The rebuke was not rejection; it was correction. The same hand that rescues also refines.

Conclusion

When Jesus and Peter entered the boat, the storm ceased. Christ could have walked directly to shore, but He chose instead to return with His disciples. His presence brought peace. Their fear turned to worship, and their confession rang clear: “Truly Thou art the Son of God.”

This passage asks searching questions of every believer:

Are we fair-weather Christians—faithful only when skies are clear?
Do we abandon obedience when storms arise?
Do we focus on waves instead of the Savior?

While we struggle on the tempestuous sea of life, Christ is on the mountain interceding for us. And in His perfect timing, He comes—sometimes walking upon the very troubles that threaten to overwhelm us. The call remains the same: Come. The question is whether we will trust Him enough to step out in faith.

 

Transfiguration: The Glory of Christ Revealed

Matthew 17:1–9

The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most majestic and revealing moments in the earthly ministry of Christ. For a brief moment, the veil of His humanity was drawn back, and His divine glory shone openly before chosen witnesses. This event was not merely spectacular—it was deeply theological, affirming who Jesus is and why His words must be heard above all others.

The Circumstances of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1)

The Time

Matthew records that the Transfiguration occurred six days after Jesus revealed to His disciples that He would soon suffer and die (Matthew 16:21). Luke’s Gospel mentions about eight days. The two accounts harmonize easily:

• The day Jesus revealed His death
• Six full days between
• The day of the Transfiguration

1 + 6 + 1 = 8 days

Rather than contradicting each other, the Gospel writers are measuring from slightly different reference points, much like we sometimes do today.

The Place — A Mountain

Scripture simply says “a high mountain,” though many identify it with Mount Miron. The exact location is less important than its symbolism:

• A solitary place — away from the crowds and distractions
• A sublime place — lifted above the world below

Mountains in Scripture often serve as meeting places between God and man. Elevation here reflects revelation.

The Witnesses — Peter, James, and John

Jesus chose three disciples to witness this moment. Their presence was not random.

• Jewish law established that truth is confirmed “in the mouth of two or three witnesses.”
• These three formed Christ’s inner circle.

They were present at:

• The raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37)
• The Transfiguration
• The agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26)

They saw Christ’s power, glory, and suffering—a full spectrum of His mission.

The Manner of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2)

Matthew writes that “His face did shine as the sun.” Christ did not become something He was not; rather, He revealed what He always was. The servant’s veil was lifted, and the form of God shone through (Philippians 2:6).

Scripture repeatedly associates God with light:

• “God is light” (1 John 1:5)
• He “dwells in the light” (1 Timothy 6:16)
• He “covers Himself with light as with a garment” (Psalm 104:2)

Even His clothing became radiant. Matthew Henry observed that Moses’ reflected glory could be hidden behind a veil, but Christ’s glory emanated from within, illuminating even His garments. Moses reflected glory; Jesus possessed it.

The Companions of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3)

Two figures appeared beside Christ: Moses and Elijah.

Why Moses and Elijah?

They represent the Law and the Prophets, the entire Old Testament witness pointing to Christ. Their lives share remarkable parallels with Jesus:

• Both fasted forty days and nights.
• Both performed miracles.
• Both departed earthly life under mysterious circumstances.

Moses died but his burial place was never found, and Scripture even records a spiritual dispute over his body (Jude). Elijah was taken into heaven in a chariot of fire without tasting death.

Luke tells us they spoke with Jesus about His coming “decease”—literally, His exodus. Just as Moses led Israel out of bondage, Christ would soon lead humanity out of the bondage of sin through His death and resurrection.

Peter’s Confusion (Matthew 17:4)

Peter, overwhelmed, exclaimed, “Lord, it is good for us to be here,” and suggested building three tabernacles—one for each figure. His intention was sincere, but his understanding was flawed. By proposing equal honor, he unintentionally placed Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. The moment required correction, and heaven responded immediately.

The Bright Cloud and the Voice (Matthew 17:5)

A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice declared:

“This is My beloved Son… Hear Him!”

Under the Old Covenant, God often appeared in thick darkness—at Sinai, in the temple, in scenes of awe and trembling. Here, under grace, the cloud is bright. The symbolism is profound:

• The Old Testament emphasized law, fear, and distance.
• The New Testament reveals light, love, and nearness.

The command “Hear Him” shifts authority unmistakably to Christ. The Law and the Prophets prepared the way; the Son is the final Word.

The Fright of the Disciples (Matthew 17:6–8)

The disciples fell on their faces in terror at the voice of God. Yet the same Jesus who shone with divine brilliance now approached them with tender compassion.

• What He did: He touched them.
• What He said: “Arise, and be not afraid.”

When they lifted their eyes, they saw only Jesus. Moses and Elijah left. The message was clear: prophets serve their time, but Christ remains forever. He is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13).

Conclusion

The Transfiguration proclaims several enduring truths:

• Jesus is God in human form. His glory is intrinsic, not borrowed.
• The saints live beyond death.
• Moses and Elijah were recognized by name, reminding us that identity continues in heaven.
• Two paths to glory are pictured:
  • Moses represents believers who enter heaven through death.
  • Elijah represents believers translated at Christ’s return.
• Above all, we must hear Jesus. His voice carries final authority.

The mountain scene fades, the cloud lifts, and the disciples descend—but they descend changed. They have seen the King in His beauty. The Transfiguration is not merely a spectacle of light; it is a revelation of supremacy. Christ is not one voice among many. He is the Beloved Son. And heaven’s command still stands:

“Hear Him!”

The Meaning of the Crucifixion

Introduction

Today we stand at the most solemn courtroom in history—not a courtroom of marble and pillars, but a place of injustice, cruelty, and eternal consequence. The sentence passed against Jesus Christ was not merely a legal verdict; it was the turning point of redemption—marked forever by the crucifixion. Heaven watched. Hell trembled. God offered mercy to humanity through the suffering of the innocent Son of God.

I. The Sentence Passed Against Jesus

A. Barabbas Released — Christ Delivered Up

Barabbas, a known criminal, a rebel, and a murderer, was released. Jesus—the sinless Son of God—was condemned. This was not accidental; it was substitution. Barabbas represents us. Guilty humanity walked free while Christ was delivered up.

Christ was delivered so that we might be delivered. The innocent for the guilty. The righteous for the unrighteous. Justice satisfied, mercy extended.

B. Jesus Is Scourged by Roman Soldiers

The Roman scourging was brutal beyond imagination. Jewish law limited lashes to forty minus one, but Roman soldiers had no such restraint. Flesh was torn, bone sometimes exposed, blood poured freely.

Yet Scripture had spoken centuries earlier:

• Psalm 129:3 – “The plowers plowed upon my back.”

• Isaiah 50:6 – “I gave my back to the smiters.”

• Isaiah 53:5 – “By His stripes we are healed.”

This was not random cruelty. This was prophecy fulfilled. The suffering of Christ was written into the pages of eternity before the world began.

C. Delivered to Be Crucified

The blood of the beating was not sufficient to accomplish redemption. The scourging revealed cruelty; the cross revealed atonement. Only the blood of the cross made peace between God and man.

Colossians 1:20 declares that peace came “through the blood of His cross.”
Not merely blood shed—but blood sacrificed. Not pain alone—but substitutionary death.

II. The Barbarous Treatment of Jesus

Roman law often delayed execution for ten days after sentencing. Jesus was not granted ten minutes. While preparations for His execution were being made, He was beaten, mocked, and humiliated.

A. The Place — The Common Hall

This was the house of justice turned into a chamber of injustice. The Governor’s hall became the theater of cruelty.

B. What the Soldiers Did

1. They Stripped Him
Shame entered the world through sin in Genesis 3:7. When Christ came to bear sin, He bore shame. The One clothed in heavenly glory was stripped naked for us.

2. The Scarlet Robe
Our sins are described as scarlet and crimson. When they draped Him in scarlet, they unknowingly portrayed truth—He was bearing our sins in His own body.

3. The Crown of Thorns

• Thorns came because of sin (Genesis 3:18).

• Christ became a curse for us.

• Like Abraham’s ram caught in a thicket (Genesis 22:13), Jesus was our substitute.

• A crown of thorns declared His kingdom was not of this world.

4. A Reed in His Hand – a mock scepter.
5. Mocked Royalty – “Hail, King of the Jews!”
6. They Spat Upon Him – Instead of kissing the Son, they spat on Him.
7. They Beat Him with the Reed – The mock scepter became an instrument of violence.

This was humanity at its worst—and Christ at His most loving.

III. The Conveyance to Execution

Jesus was led away “as a lamb to the slaughter.” He did not resistor call heavenly angels. He walked willingly.

Roman soldiers compelled Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross—not out of compassion, but to hasten the execution. Even in this, Christ shows us the cost of discipleship: “Take up your cross and follow Me.”

Charles Spurgeon once reflected that when we see Christ shamed, we see what sin deserves—and we also see how deeply Christ loved us.

IV. The Place of Crucifixion — Golgotha

Golgotha, “the place of the skull,” called Calvary in Latin, lay near a busy road to Jerusalem. It was public, humiliating, and intentional. Executions were meant as warnings.

But what Rome intended as intimidation, God used as invitation.

V. The Malicious Treatment of Jesus

A. The Bitter Drink

They offered wine mixed with vinegar and gall—sour and bitter.

• It symbolized the bitterness of sin (Deuteronomy 29:18).

• It symbolized the wrath of God against sin.

• Jesus tasted it—He took the bitterness.

• Yet He refused the opiate—He would not numb the pain. Redemption would not be dulled.

B. Dividing His Garments

Psalm 22:18 foretold it precisely.
Not true of David—true of David’s greater Son.

C. They Watched Him

They guarded Him lest anyone rescue Him. Ironically, they were witnessing the rescue of the world.

D. The Title Over His Head

His “crime”: King of the Jews.
The charge was mockery. The truth was majesty.

E. Crucified Between Two Thieves

Isaiah 53:12 declared He would be numbered with transgressors. Between two thieves, He appeared the worst of criminals—yet He was the Savior of sinners.

F. Mocked and Reviled

They hurled insults, wagged their heads, and ridiculed Him. The One who formed their tongues endured their blasphemies.

VI. The Frowns of Heaven — Darkness

At His birth, extraordinary light filled the sky. At His death, extraordinary darkness covered the land.

A pagan observer once remarked that either the God of nature was suffering or the world itself was collapsing. In truth, the Creator was bearing creation’s sin.

Jesus cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” quoting Psalm 22:1. He experienced the separation sin causes (Isaiah 59:2). As Spurgeon said, Christ was treated as a sinner though He never sinned.

VII. The Death of Jesus

A. A Loud Voice

His death was not a whisper—it was a proclamation. Redemption was announced to heaven and earth.

B. He Yielded Up His Spirit

He was not overpowered; He surrendered. His soul separated from His body. He truly died.

C. The Payment of Our Sin Debt

His death was not symbolic—it was substitutionary. By faith in His sacrifice, our debt is paid, our guilt removed, and our peace secured.

Conclusion

The crucifixion of Jesus became the pardon offered to us. What looked like defeat was divine victory. The cross was not the end—it was the opening of the door to salvation.

When we behold Christ scourged, mocked, and crucified, we see two truths at once:
the horror of sin and the depth of God’s love.

He was condemned so we could be forgiven.
>He was wounded so we could be healed.
>He died so we could live.

The sentence passed against Jesus becomes our pardon. To explore the full message of salvation, read The Gospel: What’s It Mean?