Matthew 14:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What actions does Peter, who was always passionate and quick to caution the other disciples, take? He says, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the waters.” Notice he did not request that God assist him through prayer; rather, he asked for a command. This reveals his fervor and unwavering faith, although Peter sometimes risked asking too much. Indeed, in this instance, he did ask quite a lot, but it stemmed from pure love, not arrogance. He did not say, “Command me to walk on the waves,” but instead expressed, “Command me to come to You.” No one had a greater love for Jesus than he did. Peter demonstrated this again after Christ's resurrection; he did not hesitate to join the others but raced ahead. His actions revealed not only his love but also his faith. Peter was confident that Jesus could not only traverse the sea but also guide others, and he desired to be with Him as quickly as possible.

Peter, filled with deep love for Christ, desires to approach Him directly and ahead of others. He understands that Jesus not only walks on water but also has the power to enable him to do so. He requests not to be commanded to walk but rather to come to Him. This request reflects his humility and love for Christ, rather than any sense of arrogance.

LORD, if it is You, bid me to come. What does it signify that Peter took the bold step to approach Him across the water? Peter holds an essential role in the Church. What, then, can we infer from his plea, “Lord, if it be Thou, command me to come to Thee on the water,” except that You, Lord, who are steadfast and entirely truthful, do not elevate Your Church in this life, as has been foretold about You? Let her traverse the waters, so she may draw near to You, to whom these words are directed: “And the richest of the people shall plead Thy face” (Psalm 44:13).

Realizing that the statement "it is I" referred to His physical form, Simon responded, saying, "If this is true, then look, I too am wrapped in flesh. If I can also walk upon the waters as You do, then I will understand that You travel upon them in the very body that I am aware You possess."

In various instances, Peter exhibits profound faith. When questioned about the opinions concerning Jesus’ identity, he boldly declares Him to be the Son of God. Although he struggles to grasp the meaning of Christ’s willingness to endure suffering, his heart remains true; he cannot bear the thought of losing the very One he has just acknowledged as the Son of God. Among the disciples, Peter was among the first to ascend the mountain with the Savior, and he alone pursued Him during His trials. When he fell into the grave sin of denial out of sudden fear, he quickly repented with heartfelt tears.

He requests to approach Him by the waters, under the guise of confirming whether He is the Messiah; yet, in truth, upon hearing His voice, he rejoiced immensely and, filled with zeal, desired to come to Him ahead of others.

When Peter hears the voice of the Lord Jesus, he experiences both doubt and belief, demonstrating a greater devotion than his fellow disciples. "Lord, if it is You," he expresses, implying uncertainty. He questions whether Jesus Christ is indeed the One he has witnessed and listened to. “Bid me come to You,” he requests, revealing his faith. He trusts that through Jesus’ command, he can traverse the waters. This also reflects his love: “Command me so that I may come to You.” He longs to hasten towards, embrace, and worship Him prior to Jesus boarding the boat. Such is the nature of love; it anticipates, cautions, and moves toward the beloved. For the Almighty has called out, "Come," and so Peter steps off the vessel, walking on the sea as he makes his way to Jesus Christ.

They were preparing to welcome Him into the boat, yet Peter, known for his passionate spirit and his role as a reminder to the disciples, suddenly declared: “LORD! IF IT IS YOU (I have no doubt it is You—who else but You can tread the waves as if on solid ground?), COMMAND ME TO COME TO YOU ON THE WATER.” He did not request, “Pray to God for assistance,” but instead issued a command. Observe the fervor he exhibited, even though Peter frequently risks overstepping, as he did here by making a bold request; however, his intent stemmed solely from love, not from arrogance. He did not ask to walk upon the waters, but rather to approach Christ. Peter was confident that Jesus not only had the power to walk upon the sea but also to empower others to do the same.

The fear experienced by the apostles; Peter’s approach to Jesus

As recounted by the Evangelist Mark, the disciples perceived what they thought was a ghost walking toward them, as if it intended to pass by (Mark 6:48). However, Jesus quickly addressed them, saying, “Be encouraged; it is I, do not be afraid.” The impetuous Peter, who had just cried out in alarm alongside the other apostles, upon hearing his Master’s voice, hurried to Him and implored, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Some gospel interpreters, such as Trench, suggest that Peter’s plea to “command me” reflects his desire to distinguish himself from the other apostles, similar to his earlier declaration, “Even though all fall away, I will not” (Mark 14:29).

This voice alleviated their anxieties, prompting them to desire His presence in the boat; however, Peter, driven by his fervent affection, - the very one who had once lamented his unworthiness with the words 'Depart from me' - could not restrain himself as Jesus drew near, and fervently declared: 'Lord, if it is You, bid me come to You upon the waters.'

In order to reassure himself and the other apostles that the figure walking upon the waters was indeed the Lord Jesus rather than a specter, Peter requests the Lord to command him to walk on the waves. Consider the intensity of his fervor and faith. Although Peter frequently encounters peril due to his ambitious requests, even in this instance, he asks for a great deal. Yet it springs solely from his love, not from a desire for glory. Peter was confident that Jesus had the power not just to traverse the sea but also to empower others to do the same, and he desired to be near to Him.