Jesus Walks on Water
In the dark of night, the disciples struggle against a storm when they see Jesus walking toward them on the water. Peter steps out in faith.
Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21
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The Story
Immediately after feeding the five thousand, Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side while He dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray.
Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn, He went out to them, walking on the lake.
When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified. 'It's a ghost!' they cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'
'Lord, if it's you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.'
'Come,' said Jesus.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind and the waves, he was afraid and began to sink. 'Lord, save me!' he cried.
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?'
When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'
Peter's brief walk on water reveals a profound truth: as long as his eyes were on Jesus, he did the impossible. When he looked at the circumstances, he sank. But even in his sinking, Jesus' hand was there to save him. The One who walks on storms can keep us walking too—if we keep our eyes on Him.
Peter Walks on Water
Kids Version
The friends were in their boat at night, rowing across the lake. The wind was blowing hard, and they were tired from rowing.
Then they saw something that made them scream! Someone was WALKING on the water toward them!
'A GHOST!' they yelled.
But it wasn't a ghost. 'Don't be scared!' the person called out. 'It's me, Jesus!'
Peter had an idea. 'Jesus, if that's really you, tell me to come walk on the water too!'
Jesus said, 'Come on!'
Peter climbed out of the boat and put his feet on the water. And guess what? HE WAS WALKING ON WATER! As long as Peter looked at Jesus, he could do it!
But then Peter looked around at the big waves and the strong wind. He got scared. And he started to SINK!
'JESUS, HELP!' Peter shouted.
Right away, Jesus grabbed Peter's hand and pulled him up. 'Why did you stop trusting me?' Jesus asked.
They climbed into the boat together, and the wind stopped. All the friends were amazed. They bowed down to Jesus. 'You really ARE the Son of God!' they said.
This story teaches us something important: when we keep our eyes on Jesus and trust Him, we can do amazing things. Even when things get scary, Jesus is always there to help us!
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Characters in This Story
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Scripture — Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)
22And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23And 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.
24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying , It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. boisterous: or, strong
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Memory Verse
“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.”
— Matthew 14:22 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Jesus Walks on Water” in the Bible?
In the dark of night, the disciples struggle against a storm when they see Jesus walking toward them on the water. Peter steps out in faith. This story is found in Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21.
Where is “Jesus Walks on Water” found in the Bible?
“Jesus Walks on Water” is found in Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21, in the book of Matthew.
What can children learn from “Jesus Walks on Water”?
This story teaches children about Faith, Fear, Jesus' deity, Peter's boldness, Worship. Jesus walked on top of the water to His friends' boat! Peter wanted to try too. As long as he looked at Jesus, he could walk on water. But when he got scared, he started to sink!