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Narrator
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, lord, save me. Matthew 14:30 Dear Lord, as we meditate on the story of Peter walking on the water, we're reminded of our own vulnerabilities and the moments we feel engulfed by the storms of life. In Peter's desperate plea, we see our own hearts reflected, eager to step out in faith, yet sometimes faltering under the weight of doubt and fear. Lord, in your infinite compassion you reached out your hand to Peter, and today we ask that you extend that same hand of rescue to us in the midst of our trials and uncertainties. Remind us that you are always near, ready to catch us, to calm our fears and to lead us back to safety. Instill in us a faith that is bold and unwavering, a trust that looks beyond the wind and the waves fixed firmly on you.
Give us the courage to step out
of our comfort zones knowing that you are with us, empowering us to do the impossible. May our lives bear witness to your faithfulness and power, inspiring others to call out to you in their need. With passionate hearts we declare our dependence on you, Lord, for every step we take. In Jesus name, Amen. Thank you for praying with me today.
You're listening to the Jesus Podcast.
Dramatic stories of hope and redemption.
Remain here for the story of Jesus
walking on water, stepping over the very
trials that consume us.
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Disciple Peter
he actually is who he says
Narrator
he is Peter bit into the savory
flesh of a smoked fish and another
bite into warm yeast filled bread.
Disciple Peter
Look at all these leftovers. This will feed us for days. We won't even have to fish tomorrow if we don't want to. If we didn't have him, we couldn't eat this way if we tried.
Narrator
The disciples all looked at each other in awe. They watched Jesus laughing with some children. He tagged one of them and ran
up a small hill. Then he turned to them, pretending to
be a monster, chasing them as they laughed and shrieked excitedly. Somehow, Jesus could heal people of leprosy, feed thousands of people and play a game of pretend all within a few minutes. He was the ultimate provider, the very one who once sent manna down from heaven years ago to the people of Israel. He was the bread of life, more
satisfying than any earthly meal. However, the moment of bliss turned in an instant.
The people, seeing that Jesus had just made food appear from air, stood and cheered.
Their cheering was delightful at first, but
quickly turned to tribal chanting. They had seen Jesus heal the lame and give sight to the blind.
Disciple John
He shall be made king,
Disciple Peter
dawn with Caesar.
Disciple John
Let Jesus arise and give us bread.
Narrator
The crowd Chanted, growing more unruly by the second.
They stormed up the hill to grab
hold of Jesus to make him king. Jesus knew that if he stayed one minute longer, the crowd would overtake him by force. Jesus grabbed his disciples to the water. Quickly, they descended the hill to the sand. Andrew untied the boat, while James and John hoisted the others aboard.
Jesus
Get to the other side. I'm going to be alone with my Father. What?
Disciple John
Jesus, no. Come with us.
Disciple Peter
That crowd will bind you and march you straight to Rome. Look at them.
Jesus
Don't worry about me. You go. I must stay to pray. There are many things I must discuss with my father. I will see you soon, Master.
Disciple Peter
I can't have you alone like this. The crowd will.
Jesus
Peter, you are afraid of so many things. Have I not told you? Be at peace.
Narrator
Hearing his birth name, Peter relented.
Disciple Peter
How will we find you again?
Jesus
I will find you.
Narrator
With those words, Jesus pushed the boat out. The disciples began paddling away, watching Jesus march up the shore, narrowly escaping the mob of people.
Host Zach
Have you ever wrestled with faith and doubt? In Mark 9, a father comes to Jesus to heal his son possessed by a demon. And he says, but if you could do anything, take pity on us and help us. To which Jesus replied, if you can. Everything is possible for one who believes. It's then that the Father cries out, I do believe, but help my unbelief. This sentiment is one shared by many followers of Jesus. We believe, but we have moments where we need Jesus to help us in our unbelief. Luckily for us, we have a God who is patient with us and willing to help in our greatest battles of doubt. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love through storytelling and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. I'm Zach, your host from pray.com. welcome back to another story of Christ's miracles. Follow the podcast as we dive deep into the story of faith, doubt, and God's rescue. We've noticed that about 50% of the people who listen to this podcast are actually following it. If you press follow, not only do you get notifications of when new podcasts come out, but you also help us get discovered by more people. Those small steps actually really matter to us, so thanks for helping out. Following the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus sends his disciples off to cross over the Sea of Galilee to protect them from crowds that sought to make Jesus their conquering king over Rome. This was always the tension Jesus would face in his ministry, though some would doubt his claim to be the Messiah. And others would receive him as the Son of God. There were still others who believed in Jesus as the Anointed One. But in their minds, they pictured the promised Savior as more of a gallant knight who would stride in on a horse and conquer Rome, overthrow Caesar and re establish the kingdom of God as a warrior, kind of like David. But as we know, Jesus throne was not made of jewels and gold. It was a cross, rugged and bloody. Jesus determines to go and pray alone in solitude. And he leaves his disciples to take a trip over the Sea of Galilee. It wasn't long before the disciples were caught up in a storm common in the Sea of Galilee, as cold winds from the steep hills collided with the warm waters that rose from the surface. Though several of the men on the boat were seasoned fishermen who were quite familiar with the waves of the sea, it's evident that this storm had caused fear to grip even the hardened seafaring hearts. But through it all, we see Jesus faithfulness to never depart from them.
Narrator
Night fell and the silvery moon rose low over the waters, casting white reflections on the sand. The mob of people trying to take Jesus dispersed and took the grassy trails back to their towns for the night.
Atop the hill, Jesus sat in the tall grass. The disciples boat was a small wooden
toy from here, drifting deeper and further away. Jesus needed them gone so he could
escape the mob and retreat to be with his father.
The air shifted and the moon's beams disappeared as storm clouds rolled in from the coast. Mist smeared into the heavens, telling of a coming storm.
Crickets snapped beside his sandals and the
tall waxy grass rustled along his arms.
Jesus breathed in deeply, soaking in the presence of his father.
They spoke for hours, connecting through the spirit.
The incoming wind cut the summer warmth. Jesus slung his arms over his knees,
watching the distant clouds burst with lightning. Thunder came seconds later.
Jesus closed his eyes, resting his head
on his arm and thanking God for
what he had done that day.
He marveled at the beauty of the
Father, the goodness of the Father, the
gracious wonders of the Father. He prayed for the men in their tiny boat. He gave thanks for them and interceded on their behalf.
He asked that they would be strengthened
by the storms ahead.
Jesus sat there, resting in the wonder of God for so long.
The time wound forward.
The clouds raced across the moon and the stars pivoted along their path. Great winds picked up, blowing mist onto the waters. And the faint light of the hidden moon had already descended into the fourth watch of the night.
The disciples were out of view.
Now it was time to go meet them. The men struggled in their boat, wrestling
with the ropes and trying to steer
through the storm to stay on course. A strong wind blew from the east, repeatedly setting waves slapping against the side of the small vessel. A few of them bailed water out constantly, while others wrestled with the sails to no avail. They hardly gained an inch against the
the wind and waves.
Peter managed the tiller while James, John, and Andrew manned the ropes. The rest rowed, baled water and prayed for the storm to cease. Each row seemed useless. John glared into the mist. Back the way they came, the shore was nowhere in sight. Peter followed his eyesight and frowned through his salty beer.
Disciple John
You can't look back, John. It's too late to change course.
Disciple Andrew
I'm worried about Jesus. Is he going to sail alone in the storm? How will he catch up with us?
Disciple John
I'll circle back and get him at a sunrise. Focus on the task ahead.
Disciple Andrew
I'd feel a lot better if he was here. All this just so we could sit and pray. Couldn't he pray? On the other side?
Narrator
A large wave heaved and splattered into the boat's hull, tossing foamy water aboard.
Matthew rushed to bail it out.
This constant seafaring had taken its toll
on the poor tax collector.
The nauseating waves, the unending struggle just to get to shore. He suddenly pined for his comfortable lounge furniture and cushy tax booth.
Disciple Andrew
This storm could be bad, Peter. We aren't even halfway to the other side.
Narrator
John was right. The tempest grew louder and more violent by the minute. The water was like a beast, growling and threatening roars. The disciples were outmatched. Peter knew it. Even a skilled sailor such as himself couldn't help but worry.
Disciple Peter
Why isn't he here with us?
Narrator
Peter thought to himself. The whole situation seemed unnecessary. Why did Jesus have to retreat at such an inconvenient time? With Jesus away, Peter felt responsible for everyone on board. He didn't quite feel up to the task. Against the backdrop of thunder, wind, and rain, he wasn't Jesus. He could never be Jesus or do what Jesus could do.
Jesus
Could do.
Narrator
Peter's insecurity began to bubble in his stomach. He felt uneasy and unsure of himself. Peter's anxious thoughts were interrupted by a strike of lightning. It struck right beside the boat, lighting the disciples terrified eyes. Thunder bellowed like a beast of old, challenging their resolve.
Disciple John
Keep rowing.
Narrator
Peter shouted, pretending to be sure of himself. The men rolled against the waves and struggled against the wind. Peter shouted again.
Disciple John
Don't stop.
Narrator
He commanded.
Disciple Peter
They need me to Be strong, Peter thought to himself. They need a strong leader. Someone who knows what they're doing.
Narrator
Someone more. Lightning struck, causing Peter to flinch. When Peter opened his eyes, he saw Jon's terrified face, flushed with shock.
Disciple Peter
John, what's wrong?
Narrator
John's shaking hand pointed forward.
Disciple Andrew
What was that?
Narrator
The others looked back. They squinted. Between the rain and frothing waves, a figure was standing above the water, slowly approaching. Andrew stood up and peered into the distance. Is it a creature? A trick of the light? Peter couldn't have the men losing their will to row. The sea would take them under.
Disciple John
It's just a mirage of the sea. We've been out here too long. Keep rowing.
Narrator
None of the men moved. Lightning struck again, this time revealing the silhouette of a man hovering over the water like a specter. Panic spread throughout the men.
Disciple Peter
It's a ghost.
Disciple Andrew
The foul spirit of the sea come to swallow our souls.
Narrator
Peter looked back and leaned against the edge, jaw quivering with fear. Was John right? Was it a spirit coming to drag them down to Sheol? The lightning flashed again. This time the thunder shook Peter's entire body. His hands began to shake. He was losing control of himself.
Disciple Peter
Don't show fear. You're stronger than this.
Narrator
Then, speaking past the wind and rain, they heard a familiar voice.
Jesus
Take heart.
Narrator
The words resonated in their chests like thunder.
Jesus
Don't be afraid. I am here.
Narrator
Peter finally saw him. The healer, the Master, the Messiah. He was standing above the chaos. The dark abyss had no pull on him, no power. Death was under his feet. Jesus walked over the darkness with confidence. Peter watched Jesus approach, heart pounding in his chest. His words fell into the sea, weighed down by the rain. He stood on the boat, legs shaking, as the vessel rocked to and fro with the waves.
Disciple John
Master.
Narrator
He shouted through the rain.
Disciple John
If it's really you, command me to come out to you. Command me and it will be so.
Narrator
Peter, are you crazy? Peter shot Andrew a harsh glare.
Disciple Peter
If he is who he says he
Disciple John
is, then why would he be crazy?
Narrator
Peter was testing Jesus. Jesus showed that he was greater than the storm. He had the authority to walk over the sea. But could he make Peter do the same? Could Peter be great, too?
Disciple John
Jesus, I have seen you perform miracles and command demons to flee. I know I will if you command me to walk to you.
Narrator
Jesus stood upright. A great wave approached from behind him, but rolled downward the second it came to Jesus. Nature was bending to his will. Jesus extended a hand to Peter and said, come, Peter.
Jesus
Come to me.
Narrator
His voice was calm but resolute. The command pierced through the Wind finding its way to Peter's heart. Peter scrambled over the deck, past Matthew's iron grip on the side. He dangled his legs over the edge. Andrew was about to grab and pull him back aboard, but something stopped him. His mouth hung open as he watched his brother fall forward. Peter's bare feet hit the sea and the chill of cold water brushed his toes. But he went no further than the surface. He placed all his weight on the balls of his feet. The sea didn't consume him. He didn't sink. Peter took a single step, then another. His gaze was fixed on Jesus. Don't be afraid, Peter whispered to a himself. He kept looking up, refusing to take his eyes off Jesus. Dread fell over the disciples, causing them to question their eyes. Peter, the brash and uneducated fisherman from the slums of Galilee, was walking on water. The storm didn't relent. The wind was sharp, piercing the sides Peter's face. The waves thrashed all around him, but his feet continued to move forward. Step by step he was moving toward his master. Little by little he was proving to others and himself that following Jesus meant more than a change in title or behavior. Peter thought about his life before meeting Jesus. He was aimless and ineffectual. He thought about all the mistakes he had made, all the debts he owed, all the people he'd hurt. Who was Peter to be in this situation? Who was he to follow the Messiah? Who was he to walk on water? The lightning cracked the skies again, striking a few feet away from Peter. He flinched and stabbed, stopped covering his eyes from the flash. That's when Peter saw it. The dark abyss below him. He saw his terrified reflection in the black sea. Then a massive wave came crashing beside him. Unsteadying his footing, he looked at the waves, then at the swirling skies above him. He looked back at the others, seeing the terror on their faces. All the while, Peter had taken his eyes off Jesus. His foot gave way into the water. He was sinking. Both feet sank deeper and faster. His legs submerged in the cold churning water. Up to his chest, the waves were more titanic than ever. Peter fell below the breakers, then emerged from underneath only to be buried by another wave. The impact left a ringing in his ears. His body swirled underneath. He swung his arms, unsure which way was up, then emerged again and gasped for air. He was almost sure he would die. In his hysteria he could spare a few breaths to shout in complete despair. He spoke one of the most powerful prayers ever uttered. A prayer that would echo into eternity. His cry for help was like a bolt of lightning shooting upward from the dark abyss straight to the heart of God. The prayer was brief but powerful, changing his life forever. Surrounded by waves and gasping for air, he looked up and shouted, lord, save me. Then he sank below the surface, pulled down by the darkness. All was silent under the water. Peter descended slowly into the deep. He peered up at a sliver of light flashing from lightning above.
He wondered if this would be the
end of his journey. Would the greatest moment of his life be followed by his death? The light from the surface began to dim as the sides of Peter's eyes grew dark. Then, breaking through the water was the hand of Jesus. It was as if his arm was stretching from heaven itself. It grabbed Peter's hand and lifted him out of the darkness. Peter was pulled through the surface and raised to the arms of Jesus. Peter felt like a child in his arms, afraid but safe amid the raging wind and waves, Peter heard the sound rebuke of Jesus.
Jesus
Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?
Narrator
The words stung momentarily, but Peter realized something profound. Jesus would always be there to pick him up again. The Lord carried him to the boat and placed him gently inside.
Andrew wrapped a blanket around him and
the rest watched the wind die and the waves ceased thrashing. Jesus was with them. The Prince of Peace was near.
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Disciple Andrew
Amazing.
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Host Zach
The story of Jesus walking on water can be found in Matthew 14, Mark 6 and John 6. It's a captivating recollection of fear, faith, doubt and love. The lessons we can learn from it are many. Perhaps as you read through the story, you relate to someone different. Maybe it's the disciples at the beginning of the story, sailing on the Sea of Galilee through a raging torrent of rain and pounding thunder. Maybe you feel gripped with fear as the waves of your own personal trials seem daunting and an impossible obstacle to overcome. When our trials feel like this, we can often feel afraid that this is the trial that we won't be able to overcome, wondering where God is in the craziness and if the madness will ever end. If we turn to our story, we see that though we might feel alone, Jesus never truly leaves us. Although he sent his disciples off on the boat on their own, he never truly left them. He never stopped watching. He never stopped caring. Jesus allowed them to face this trial, to grow their faith and to prove to them that there would be nothing in the world that they would face that Jesus couldn't overcome. Jesus wants us to know the same sense of comfort in our trials while our minds race with fear, panic or anxiety. Find peace in the knowledge that Christ never departs from us. He's always with us through his spirit. He's always watching us, always listening for our cries for help, and he is always going to be there to rescue us. Though their struggles seemed to be never ending, it wasn't long before Jesus appeared to the disciples. At first they think that they're seeing a ghost floating across the enraged waters. But it wasn't long before Jesus gave them the most powerful words that he could speak. Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid. This was more than a platitude or an empty encouragement in the original language. The words that Jesus used, it is I are actually only two words in the original Greek and more accurately translated as I am. When Jesus called out to the disciples, it was more than a greeting of letting them know that he was there. It was a statement defining who he was. He was telling them that he was the great. I am the one who spoke through the burning bush to Moses, the creator of the stars and the one who holds the cosmos in the span of his hand. You see, Jesus is declaring, I am God. I am the creator of this universe. I am the creator of the raging seas that you see before you. And although they might consume you, they will not consume me. And for those who follow me, who step out in faith to come after me, the sea will not consume them as well. And your fears allow Jesus to speak those same words to your heart. I am here. God is here. God is present, and God is powerful and able to overcome anything in your life. He was and is and always will be the God of the universe who is here for you. Once the disciples are aware that it's Jesus, Peter excitedly calls out to the Lord. It's a bold act of faith. The fisherman asked Jesus to call him out into the waters. Maybe you identify with Peter in his faith, requesting Jesus to allow you to do the unthinkable. This type of faith is powerful. It stems from an understanding that faith isn't about knowing facts about God. It's putting our complete trust in him to the point where we're willing to take action, even something as absurd as trying to step on water. And it was faith that allowed Peter to overlook his fear, set his eyes like a flint on Jesus, and asked to be by his side. The same faith that radiated in Peter on the sea is available to you and I. If we trust completely in Jesus through our trials, he will empower us to do the unthinkable and will give us triumph over our most formidable fears. Now, this doesn't mean we'll always be perfect. It definitely wasn't the case for Peter. After he takes his first few steps, he's quickly reminded of the crashing walls of water that are surrounding him. And unfortunately, he takes his eyes off Jesus and doubt begins to fill his heart. It was this doubt. It was this doubt that caused the disciples to be pulled down once again by his trial. Doubt is the enemy of faith. So how can we combat it? Well, looking at Peter's example, we know it stems from taking our focus off of Jesus. We can make our faith about many things. Moral living, church attendance, singing the right songs, dressing in the right way, saying the right words. We can make it about political parties. We can make it about certain social stances. We can make it about a certain ideology. We can make this whole thing about anything but Jesus. When we stop emphasizing Jesus, his power, his character, his death and resurrection, we begin to think once again about our own limits as human beings or the darkness that's surrounding us. We can get consumed by the issues that plague our society or by the vices that pull our own hearts down. And sometimes our trials or the world seems bigger than what we can manage. But we shouldn't let our humanity overshadow the limits and power of our God. Sure, our trials may in fact be bigger than us, but they'll never be bigger than our God. You've often heard it said, God's never going to give you a trial bigger than what you can handle. I'm sorry to burst your bubble, friends, but that's not true. God will give you trials and circumstances that you can't handle. He'll give you plenty of situations in your life that you, in your own strength, are absolutely unable to bear alone. God will give you trials that he can handle, and if you're dependent on him, you will be able to press through. This is exactly what Peter does. While just moments before, he spoke out to the Lord with boldness to bring him out into the waters. His cries turn into desperation as he holds on to life. His passion turns to prayer. A short but beautiful Lord, save me. When we feel ourselves drowning in life, this is all we need to cry out. We don't need to beg. Use big words. Be super eloquent, pontificating on the different reasons why God is able to help us. We just need to simply shout it out. Lord, save me. Help me. It could be a simple cry of three words or just an anxious groan of your heart. Either way, God hears you. So while it's best not to take your eyes off Jesus during your trials, know that if you do, Jesus is waiting to rekindle your faith the second you turn to Him. Again, thanks for listening to the Jesus Podcast. We're going to keep pressing forward with different stories showcasing the miracles of the Messiah. Make sure to follow the podcast, subscribe, leave a review and share it with a friend. Thanks for being a part of this community.
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Host: Zach (Pray.com)
Date: June 16, 2026
Episode Theme: Exploring Jesus’s Miracle of Walking on Water, Faith, Doubt, and Divine Rescue
This episode immerses listeners in the miraculous story of Jesus walking on water, drawn from Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 6. Through vivid storytelling and reflection, the narrative explores themes of faith amid fear, the consequences of doubt, and the sustaining presence of Jesus during life’s storms. The episode aims to provide hope, theological insight, and an emotional connection to the Gospel story, making it accessible for both devout Christians and curious seekers.
“Remind us that you are always near, ready to catch us, to calm our fears and to lead us back to safety.” ([00:37])
Feeding of the 5,000 and Rising Tensions ([04:46]–[07:33])
Setting the Scene: Night on the Sea of Galilee ([10:24]–[15:03])
“Why isn’t he here with us?... He could never be Jesus or do what Jesus could do.” ([15:01])
The Miracle: Jesus Walks on Water ([16:22]–[25:02])
The disciples spot a figure on the waves and are initially terrified, thinking they see a ghost.
Jesus reassures them with powerful words:
“Take heart. Don’t be afraid. I am here.” (Jesus, [17:49])
“‘It is I’ are actually only two words in the original Greek and more accurately translated as ‘I am.’... Jesus is declaring, I am God.” ([28:36])
Peter, in a bold act of faith, requests to join Jesus on the water. Jesus calls him out:
“‘Come to me.’ His voice was calm but resolute. The command pierced through the wind, finding its way to Peter’s heart.” (Narrator, [19:39])
Peter steps onto the water, walking toward Jesus despite the raging storm, his confidence grounded in faith.
Distracted by the danger and his own fears, Peter begins to sink, crying out:
“Lord, save me.” ([23:41])
Jesus immediately and compassionately rescues Peter, gently rebuking his doubt:
“Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Jesus, [24:57])
The storm calms when Jesus enters the boat, bringing peace through his presence.
Faith, Doubt, and Divine Presence
“When our trials feel like this, we can often feel afraid... wondering where God is in the craziness and if the madness will ever end. If we turn to our story, we see that though we might feel alone, Jesus never truly leaves us.” ([27:53])
“It was faith that allowed Peter to overlook his fear, set his eyes like a flint on Jesus, and asked to be by his side.” ([29:57])
“Doubt is the enemy of faith... it stems from taking our focus off of Jesus.” ([31:14])
“God will give you trials that you can’t handle. He’ll give you plenty of situations in your life that you, in your own strength, are absolutely unable to bear alone. God will give you trials that he can handle, and if you’re dependent on him, you will be able to press through.” ([32:18])
“You’ve often heard it said, God’s never going to give you a trial bigger than what you can handle. I’m sorry to burst your bubble, friends, but that’s not true... God will give you trials that he can handle, and if you’re dependent on him, you will be able to press through.” ([32:18])
“Jesus would always be there to pick him up again.” ([25:02])
Blending dynamic storytelling with gospel insight, this episode of The Jesus Podcast powerfully communicates that faith is not the absence of fear, but the courage to step out toward Jesus amid the storms. Doubt is part of the journey, but God’s presence is unshakeable—He is the “I Am,” always watching and always able to rescue. Like Peter, all it takes is a heartfelt “Lord, save me.” In every trial, faith is rekindled, and new beginnings await.
For listeners seeking inspiration in times of doubt, or those longing for vivid retellings of Christ’s miracles with sincere devotional application, “Walking on Water” offers reassurance that nothing—no wave or darkness—can separate us from the reach of Jesus.