While in Galilee, Jesus performed two miracles that left the people in disbelief of his great and mighty power. After feeding 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, he also performed another miracle within the vicinity of his disciples. (Mathew 14:17). The highlight of these two miracles was the one he walked on water. It made Jesus’ disciples grow their faith deeper in Christ and believe that Jesus was the chosen Son of the Almighty God. So, where did Jesus walk on water?
Jesus walked on water in the Sea of Galilee. This Sea is known for its extreme and sudden violent water storms. The disciples were perplexed about how possible the Son of man would command nature, calm the violent storms and walk miraculously over the water. Jesus carried out this miracle to teach His disciples the importance of having deep and unwavering faith in God.
Jesus’ miracles of walking on water and calming the storm help us to understand the importance of trusting in God and having full faith in the Almighty. So, why did Jesus walk on water? Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus walked on water? How far did Jesus walk on water? What was the significance of Jesus walking on water? How many times did Jesus walk on water? What did the disciples say when they saw Jesus walking on water? Keep reading through this article to learn more.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus walked on water?
The miraculous story of Jesus’ walking on water in the Sea of Galilee is widely recorded by three of His disciples in the gospels of Mathew 14:22-36, Mark 6:45-56 and John 6:16-21. As witnesses to this miracle, the disciples give a direct account of the encounter with their master.
John recorded, “When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off for Capernaum. By now, it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing, and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid. “Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” (John 6:16-21)
Mark, on the other hand, records that when the disciples saw their master walking on water, they thought that He was a ghost. They then loudly cried out as they had seen Him and were terrified. However, Jesus calms the down and reveals himself. (Mark 6:48-50). In the gospel of Mathew 14:24-25, he accounts that even though they were to travel for a short distance, the storms were so violent, and despite their efforts to stabilize the boat, the storms had directed them further at approximately four miles into the lake.
Why did Jesus walk on water?
Jesus walks on water to declare His true identity and His power over nature. In Matthew 14:26-27 “When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost'” they said and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. don’t be afraid.” By this miracle, God restored their hope as they had gotten worried about getting drowned from the violent storms.
The power to walk over the large water volume in the lake and to calm the violent storms depicts the greatness of Jesus. He has the strength and might from God that makes Him powerful over nature. It indicates that He was the Son of God through His revelation of himself to the disciples as ‘I.’
We are challenged as Christians to grow our faith in God. He is all-powerful, and he has power over nature. With Jesus, there is nothing impossible. Living by faith will help us overcome all the storms in life.
How far did Jesus walk water?
John 6:19 “So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they saw Jesus’ walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.” (King James Version). Jesus sent back the disciples to the other side of the Sea. The verse tells us that the disciples were about twenty-five to thirty-five furlongs. They had left Jesus back after feeding the five thousand people as he had gone to pray. The stated furlongs translate to five to seven kilometers of the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Some versions put it at an average of four to six miles.
What was the significance of Jesus walking on water?
The first significance is that Jesus shows he has power over nature. The disciples were rowing a storm raved as the wind was against them. As soon as Jesus entered the boat, he seized the storm, and calm surrounded them. It showed he was the Son of God since control of natural elements was only attributed to God (Matthew 14:32-33).
Another significance is to show that Christ will avail himself to us in times of trouble (a storm) (Isaiah 43:2). The scripture tells us that Jesus cares for us, and he remains faithful even when we become unfaithful. Therefore, we must seek him during our woes and struggles, and he will avail himself to us and give us peace that surpasses human understanding.
Additionally, it shows that we need to have faith in Jesus always. It is during this incident that peter asks Jesus if he can come to him while walking on water. Peter is successful initially but loses faith as he sees the wind. Peters starts sinking and is rebuked by Jesus (Matthew 14:30-31). Hebrew 12:2, “Let us look to Jesus, the one who began our faith and makes it perfect.” Therefore, Just as Hebrew says, we cannot please God without faith. Faith is all that we need to possess to be able to overcome all the storms in life.
References
Where in the Bible did Jesus walk in water?
Where did Jesus walk on water?
What was the significance of Jesus walking on water?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
