At one time when Jesus had
entered a ship to cross the Sea of Galilee with His disciples, a
great storm arose and the waves nearly covered the little vessel, so
that they were apparently in great danger.
The disciples were frightened, but Jesus was asleep and the storm
did not disturb Him. As it grew worse and worse and the disciples
became more than ever afraid, they went back to where Jesus lay and
wakened Him, crying out, "Master, dost Thou not care that we
perish?"
When they said this, Jesus arose and spoke to the winds and the sea,
saying, "Peace, be still!" Then at once the wind went down and the
sea became calm, and the hearts of the men were filled with wonder
and still greater faith and awe, while they said to one another,
"What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey
Him?" They had not yet learned that Jesus had power over all things
whenever He chose to exercise it.
At another time when the disciples had crossed the Sea of Galilee,
expecting that Jesus would join them upon the other side, a storm
came up, suddenly as before, and the waters were quickly piled up in
great waves; for the lake was narrow and deep, and the storms
usually burst in full fury with little warning, doing much harm
before there was a chance to escape. At this time the disciples had
hard work to row the boat against the wind, and it was tossed about
here and there by the waves in the middle of the sea until, toward
morning, Jesus went out toward it, walking upon the water.
When the disciples saw Him coming they thought it was a spirit and
were frightened: but He spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it
is I, be not afraid."
Then Peter said: "Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the
water."
Jesus said, "Come," and Peter stepped out upon the water and started
toward the Master; but his faith was not strong enough, and as he
began to sink he cried, "Lord, save me!"
Jesus stretched out His hand and held him up. "O thou of little
faith," He said, "wherefore didst thou doubt?"
When Jesus came into the boat the storm ceased, and soon they
reached the shore. Then the disciples worshiped Him and said, "Of a
truth Thou art the Son of God."