Walking on water

Matthew 14:22-32 - where Jesus walks on the water - is a very well known passage. But it struck me today in preparing to preach on this passage that I've very rarely heard Peter being commended for the faith he initially exercises. Isn't it amazing that Peter demonstrates that he remembers what Jesus did in Matthew 8 - where he calmed the storm - and as a result says to Jesus 'Lord if its you, tell me to come to you on the water.' Peter recognises that if indeed this was Jesus, his seemingly impossible request would become possible.

And what happens, Jesus says, 'Come' and Peter steps out onto the water and walks towards Jesus. Here we see simple faith, simple trust & simple obedience. Nothing complicated - Jesus says come and Peter obeys. Of course, we all know what happens next and the important lessons that come in verses 30 onwards, but next time you read through this passage; may I humbly invite you to pause when you get to the end of verse 29 & just note the wonderful simplicity of Peter's obedience; the kind of obedience that Jesus wants to see in our lives.