Chapter 2: The Water

Months passed. Simon traveled with Jesus through towns and villages, watching Him heal the sick, cast out demons, and teach with an authority unlike anything he had ever heard. Then one evening Jesus sent the disciples ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee while He went up a mountain alone to pray. By the time they reached the middle of the lake, the wind was against them and the waves were crashing over the sides. Then in the middle of the night they saw a figure walking toward them on the water. They cried out in fear, convinced it was a ghost.

JESUS“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”— Matthew 14:27

Every disciple in that boat heard those words. Only one of them climbed over the side.

SIMON“Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.”— Matthew 14:28

Jesus said come. And Simon walked on water toward Him. Then he felt the wind, looked down at the waves, and began to sink.

SIMON“Lord, save me!”— Matthew 14:30

Jesus reached out and caught him immediately.

JESUS“You of little faith. Why did you doubt?”— Matthew 14:31

Simon had done what no other disciple attempted. He got out of the boat. But the moment his attention moved from Jesus to the storm around him, everything gave way beneath his feet. Bold enough to step out. Fragile enough to sink. That was Simon in a single scene, and it would not be the last time that pattern played out.