The Other Eleven

[Jimmy]

Immediately after this, Jesus made his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake while he sent the people home. Afterward, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell when He was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen and they were fighting heavy waves. About three O’clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus spoke to them at once.
“It’s all right,”he said. “don’t be afraid. “
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Instantly, Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. “Oh ye of little faith. Why did you doubt me?”
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
Then the disciples worshiped him, saying “Surely you must be the son of God.”
Matthew 14, 22-33

We’ve all heard this parable before and we all kind of know what it means. We see how Peter was walking on water (i.e., his faith in Jesus) and how he sunk when he lost his faith (i.e., let the world get to him). We overlook one fact of great importance, however; Every other disciple was back inside the boat. Only Peter had the faith to “jump ship” and walk toward his true master. The others felt more comfortable inside the boat, and decided to count on it, not Jesus, to weather the storm.

As Christians, we’ve already leaped out of the boat. We keep on walking towards Jesus and the Father and there are times that we sink. They pick us up, however, and remind us of what faith really is. The folks that we’re all trying to reach are the eleven back in the boat. They’re still comfortable in the world, even though it will bring destruction. Rather than walk on their faith, they’ll do what’s comfortable and (what they assume) poses no risk.

Let us always strive to walk toward the father. Let’s sink those old ships, whatever they might be. Addiction, medications, dependencies and material things. Let’s start walking on water before the world takes us down with it.

(special thanks to Rev. Rickenbacker of Popes Creek Baptist for putting this message in my heart, and God for getting the message to the Reverend in the first place. Let’s always remember where the really great messages come from!)

[Beaver]

Be sure you know this Scripture is a true story, something that actually happened, and a parable is something Jesus used to get us to come up with the answers ourselves. It is the answers that we search and find that we will believe in the most. The answers that no one can talk us out of. This method of finding answers to parables will have us questioning every answer we come up with, until the answers are the truth. The truth that will set us free.

[Gail]

I think one (of the many) wonders in the Bible – be they actual event or parable – is that they are so complex in their simplicity. I often read something I’ve seen to say one thing for a while and, then suddenly there’s another layer and more TRUTH to be learned . Sometimes my prayer is “Take my blinders off and let me see the Truth You’ve already given to me”.

[Gail]

I think one (of the many) wonders in the Bible – be they actual event or parable – is that they are so complex in their simplicity. I often read something I’ve seen to say one thing for a while and, then suddenly there’s another layer and more TRUTH to be learned . Sometimes my prayer is “Take my blinders off and let me see the Truth You’ve already given to me”.

[Jimmy]

Sorry folks…I got a wire crossed. I put “Parable” when I meant “testimony” or “account”. Jesus’ walking on the water is found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but only Matthew goes into distinct detail regarding Peter going to Jesus. That three of the gospels tell about this particular event certifies that it was real, and that it, in fact, was not a parable. Sorry about any confusion due to my little linguistic mix-up.

[Author]

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