What did Jesus walking on water symbolize?
The account of Jesus walking on water is a powerful narrative found in the Gospels, and serves as a rich source of theological symbolism and teaching. This event is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21. Each account provides a slightly different perspective, but they all emphasize Jesus' divine mastery over the natural world. Thus this miracle is often interpreted to symbolize Jesus' divine authority and power over nature, reflecting and reaffirming His identity as the Son of God, as outlined below.
Jesus' Divine Authority and Power over Nature: Jesus walking on water demonstrates His lordship over the natural world. In the Old Testament, God is often described as having control over the sea and the waters, which are frequently depicted as chaotic and dangerous. For example, Psalm 89:9 says,
Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
By walking on water, Jesus is revealing His divine nature and His authority over creation, aligning himself with the God of the Old Testament who has power over the waters.
Jesus as the Source of Faith and Comfort in Troubles: The context of this miracle shows the disciples in a boat, struggling against the waves and wind. Jesus walking on water to them, particularly at the moment when they are most afraid, symbolizes His presence as a source of peace and stability in times of turmoil. When Peter walks towards Jesus on the water and begins to sink because of his doubt, Jesus' response,
O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:31) emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus.
The Revelation of Jesus' Identity: This event is also significant in revealing Jesus' identity to His disciples. In the Gospel of Matthew, after Jesus enters the boat and the wind ceases, the disciples worship him, saying,
Of a truth thou art the Son of God. (Matthew 14:33)
This declaration highlights the recognition of Jesus' divine identity as a result of witnessing the miracle.
A Foreshadowing of Jesus' Victory over Death: Walking on water, an element that is often uncontrollable and associated with danger, can also be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' ultimate victory over death through His resurrection. Just as he has command over the chaotic waters, he has authority over death, offering hope and the promise of eternal life to His followers. The symbolism of Jesus walking on water is multifaceted, reflecting His divine authority, His role as the source of faith and comfort in difficult times, the revelation of His divine identity, and His victory over the ultimate chaos of death. These interpretations are supported by the broader biblical narrative and the specific scriptures that recount this miraculous event.
Supporting Scripture
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Matthew 14:22-33
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
Mark 6:45-52
And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
John 6:16-21