Miracles of Jesus

Lesson #8 : Walking on the Water (Matthew 14:22-36 ; Mark 6:45-52)

 For this miracle we will use the account in Matthew as well as the one in Mark. There are some details from each of these passages that we will look need to see. In this miracle we will see a type of the second coming of Jesus Christ and also make some spiritual application for us concerning our service for the Lord.

The Miracle:

 This miracle took place right after the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus put the disciples into a boat and then sent the multitudes away. Jesus then went up into the mountain to pray. While the disciples were traveling to the other side a dangerous storm appeared and they were toiling and rowing in the dark. About the fourth what of the night Jesus came unto them walking on the water. They were all afraid, but he said, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid”. When Peter heard this ask Jesus to bid him come onto the water. Jesus said come. Peter was walking on the water to go to Jesus but when he took his eyes off Jesus he began to sink. He cried unto Jesus and Jesus reached out and saved him. Then they were in the boat and the storm ceased.

Type of the Second Coming of Jesus:

 As with many things in the Gospels we see some prophetic types of the second Advent. Note that Jesus removed himself from the disciples and went up to a mountain to pray. This is a picture of Jesus in Heaven now where he will be during the Tribulation.

Notice in Mark that Jesus could see them toiling and rowing from the Land. This pictures Israel suffering in during the Tribulation and yet Jesus is still watching them.

Jesus comes unto them in the 4th watch of the night. The fourth watch of the night was between 3-6 am. So, Jesus’ coming is l connected with the rising of the sun. Jesus is called the “Sun” of righteousness at his second coming (Malachi 4:1-4) and he comes out of the east (Matthew 24:27).

Spiritual applications for us from this miracle:

 1)  When we are toiling and rowing in the dark Jesus is watching (Mark 6:47-48)

• Jesus sees every trial that you endure, and he has not forsaken us even when it seems hopeless (Hebrews 13:5-6)

2)  Peter failed when he took his eyes of Jesus (Matthew 14:30)

• If we are going to attempt something for Jesus, we must keep our eyes on him (Hebrews 12:1-3)

3)  Peter was the only one to get out of the boat (Matthew 14:28-29)

• Peter is noted for failing in this endeavor but at least he made the attempt (Psalm 37:23-24 ; Proverbs 24:16). So many people never try for fear of failure.

Miracles of Jesus

Lesson #8 : Walking on the Water (Matthew 14:22-36 ; Mark 6:45-52)

Handout

1)  There are many different miracles that we see in this passage. List as many as you can.

2)  What are some of the types of the second advent found in this miracle?

3)  What can we learn from this miracle?