Bible Passage: “You of little faith…why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33; John 21:15-25
Have you ever doubted Jesus’ timing on something?
In today’s verses, we read about the disciples in a boat, struggling with the waves, and they see Jesus walking on the water towards them.
When Peter calls out to Him, Jesus tells him to come onto the waves with Him.
So, Peter steps out and does the impossible.
But when panic sets in, he sinks. And this is where it gets interesting.
As he sinks, he cries out for Jesus to save him. Jesus grabs him, but then asks Peter a really direct question.
“You of little faith…why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).
It seems like bad timing, doesn’t it?
After all, he at least tried and was truly afraid for his life in that moment.
And yet, Jesus knows it’s the best time to ask this question.
Why?
Because it will stick with Peter for the rest of his life.
Jesus knew that Peter would one day have to walk a harder road than the water.
In John 21, Jesus reinstates Peter and tells him that he will one day stretch out his hands and be led by someone else to a place he would not want to go. He said this “to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God” (John 21:19).
“Then (Jesus) said to him, “Follow me,” (John 21:19).
Church history records that Peter became a pillar of the early Church and followed Jesus to his own death on a cross.
When I look back at him walking on the water and Jesus asking Peter why he doubted, I can see why Jesus chose that moment for that question.
It was like he looked at Peter and said, “Trust Me. Focus on Me. See the evidence of what I call you to.”
Jesus sometimes lets men sink in our doubts.
Why?
Because He wants to show us His evidence in a way we will remember, so that later in life we will hear Him, trust Him, and follow Him without any doubts.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You see beyond my doubts and know the path You will call me to. Help me to trust You when I feel like I’m sinking. Amen.
Reflection: What is one doubt that has been “sinking” you lately? Ask Jesus what He wants to teach you through it.
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