Peter on the Water
Peter walks on the water while looking at Jesus. When he grows afraid he starts to sink, but Jesus catches his hand right away.
Peter the Fisherman and the Storm
Peter was one of Jesus' closest friends. He was a fisherman by trade, which means he knew the water, the boats, and the lake very well. He had been catching fish on this lake for years; he knew how the wind blew and when the waves grew as well as he knew the palm of his own hand. He had learned very well how to stand in his boat on the water and how to cast his nets. Peter was brave and eager; when he believed in something, he acted at once. Sometimes he was a little hasty, and sometimes he was afraid; but he loved Jesus very much and trusted him. And so, on that stormy night, when he saw something far away, his heart began to beat with both excitement and wonder. One night Peter and his friends were in a small boat out on the middle of the lake. The weather suddenly turned bad, the wind grew strong, and the waves began to rock the boat up and down.
Someone on the Water
Just then they saw something far away. Someone was walking toward them on top of the water! At first his friends were surprised, and a little afraid too. But the person coming closer called out in a familiar, gentle voice: “Do not be afraid, it is I, Jesus.”
Peter Walks on the Water
Peter was very excited. “Lord, if it is really You, let me come to You on the water too,” he said. Jesus smiled and said, “Come.” Peter carefully stretched his foot out over the edge of the boat. And something amazing happened: his foot stood on top of the water! With his eyes fixed on Jesus, Peter began to walk on the water, step by step.
The Hand That Holds Me
But then Peter looked around. He saw the huge waves and the howling wind, and suddenly fear came over him. When he took his eyes off Jesus, his feet began to sink into the water. “Help!” he cried. Without waiting a moment, Jesus reached out His hand and held Peter tightly. He gently lifted him up, and together they got into the boat. Jesus said in a kind voice, “Keep your eyes on me, do not be afraid.” In that moment the wind died down and the lake grew calm again.
Peter's story teaches us something beautiful. In life, sometimes everything around us can frighten us like the waves. It is very normal to wobble when we are afraid. But just like Peter, we can remember that when we ask for help, Jesus' hand is right there. We are not alone; there is always a hand that holds us.
Talk about the story
When Peter was afraid, Jesus helped right away. Who do you ask for help when you feel afraid?