The Gospel of Matthew | Great Faith! Little Faith! | Sermon #271
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"Peter walks just a little way on the water and then, as is often noted, Peter takes his eyes off Christ Jesus. Matthews tells us that Peter saw the effects of the wind upon the waves. Peter was a fisherman, so he knew what the wind could do to water. The wind actually pushes the water, and the more severe the wind, the greater the water movement.
Remember, Peter is participating in a miracle. He is experiencing the laws of nature suspended related to his ability to walk on the water. What was happening was not supposed to happen. Yet, Christ had called Peter to come and so, by faith, Peter obeyed the call of Christ. Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk on the water.
Of course, we know the rest of the story. Peter sees the effects of the wind and becomes frightened. I think we have to say, as we read this, that this was a moment of great faith and a moment of great failure. I know the Lord will ask Peter in verse 31, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
I would note that the doubt came after walking on the water. There was great faith when Peter took that first step out of the boat and walked towards Christ. But, as we might say, the cares of this world began to become large in Peter's vision. The vastness of the lake, and the strength of the wind, and the size of the waves began to attract the attention of Peter, and so he took his eyes off the prize."
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