Peter's Idea

(90 seconds) Yikes, Peter. Isn’t that exactly how the devil tempts Jesus in the wilderness?

Emily Ross
June 25, 2025

Matthew 14:24-91, 31-32 (RV A.D. 1881)

24 … But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; 25 for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night [Jesus] came unto them, walking upon the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is an apparition; 27 and they cried out in fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters. And [Jesus] said, Come. […] 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, and saith unto him, O thou of little faith, 32 wherefore didst thou doubt?

Imagine this… a new, popular song you’ve been singing alone every day plays publicly. You and your friend start hip-swinging along to the melody. Suddenly, you get to the chorus and you’re both singing different words. Wait, what?! Now you’re both in stitches, wondering who is right. There’s clear embarrassment from the one who got it wrong, probably a light debate of which version you like better, and maybe even a realization that the song means something much different now.

This is how I felt last week when our speaker at family camp began discussing Peter’s walking on water (a part of the story only mentioned in Matthew BTW).

I know this one, I thought. And then WHAM! The lyrics changed. Wait, what did she just say?

Go back up and read this bible passage again–whose idea is it to walk on the water?

Peter. Yes, Peter! Peter says to Jesus, “Well if you’re really God then make me walk on water!”

Yikes, Peter. Isn’t that exactly how the devil tempts Jesus in the wilderness?

I even pulled out my 1881-printed bible to compare and make sure there wasn’t a revision change in the last 140 years. There isn’t. And yet… I felt like I was reading the story for the first time. This passage—an example of how doubting Jesus makes you sink and He rescues you anyway—has been turned into a story about “stepping out in faith” or “being bold for Jesus” via music, art, books, and sermons.

This angle highlights the human initiative, especially in our modern world where courage, risk-taking, and self-initiative have influenced our collective version of success and wealth.

The real trouble is, this idea puts a heavy weight on our shoulders to “do something big for Jesus.” When maybe the big amazing thing we do for Jesus is to love our children, pass some baby wipes and an extra diaper to the mom at the park who forgot it, and be kind without recognition.

The charge (that I’m still praying about myself): Have you mistaken boldness for faith, and you’re missing the quiet, daily ways Jesus is calling you to love?

Emily

Have more time? Read the updated version of Matthew 14:22-33 with a little pre- and post-sinking details here.

P.S. and FYI! I’m playing around with some names for this publication that are easier to remember (like, Weekly Pause or Mom’s Something). Then, “Pour the Nard” would be the annual topic and the devotional name would be broader… lmk if you have any fun ideas!