Pilgrimage Reflections: On the Sea of Galilee

Tanya Marshall     

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  (Matthew 14:28-30)

During our pilgrimage in Israel, I tried to picture Jesus in the locations we visited.  Early in the trip we went on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the water took place.  We heard the Scripture, and were then asked, “If you had been there, what would you have done, or which character would you have been like in the story?  Would you have quickly stepped out of the boat, like Peter, but then start sinking when you took your eyes off of Jesus?  Or would you have sat back in the boat, like the other disciples, and just watched to see what might happen?  Or would you have done something different than these options?”

As I imagined Jesus and Peter in this scene, I realized that I’d have probably sat and watched from the relative safety of the boat.  I wish I were a bold disciple, but I know I often wait to see what others (seemingly “stronger” Christians) will do.  I depend on the faith of others.  I wish I wouldn’t doubt so much.  I wish I could be the one taking that step into the water, trusting Jesus without waiting for a sure result. 

Prayer:  O Lord Jesus, thank you for asking us to trust you.  Thank you for accepting us where we are, with our particular personality.  But continue to challenge us to a stronger, bolder faith.  Amen.