Matthew 14:32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Just as a chick that leaves the nest prematurely may be at risk of falling, the mother hen gently collects it upon her wings and lifts it back to safety. In a similar manner, Christ embraced humanity.

When reflecting on the apostle Peter, whose faith and fervent spirit have been previously discussed, we recall how he boldly requested the Lord, saying, ‘Lord, if it be Thou, command me to come to Thee by water.’ Yet, in response, it was said, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ This occurred because, for a brief moment, he succumbed to fear. What then should be said of us, who possess even less of that modest faith?

They did not enter the boat right away; instead, as the wind was fiercely blowing, they made a considerable journey to reassure Peter and correct his doubt. John notes that the disciples intended to bring Jesus into the boat, and at that moment, the vessel arrived at the destination they were heading toward. Therefore, it is evident that they boarded the boat only when it was near the shoreline.

Upon His boarding of the vessel, the tempest subsided and the waters became serene. Following the return of eternal splendor, tranquility and repose are found within the Church. As His arrival becomes evident, all will cry out in awe, ‘Truly, You are the Son of God.’ In that moment, humanity will undeniably and openly testify that the Son of God has granted peace to the Church, not through the humiliation of His physical form, but by the magnificence of His divine nature.

Thus, the Lord along with all the departed Saints, whom Peter has symbolically represented, will accompany us during the Second Advent of Christ. He will ultimately prevent the spiritual opposing forces, allowing us to navigate the turbulent waters of existence and reach the realm of the gentle, where all illness, grief, and lamentation will be removed.

When Jesus and Peter boarded the boat, the wind instantly calmed, as recorded by Matthew. However, John, while omitting some of the details mentioned by Matthew, offers a concise account of the events that took place between the two narratives. The disciples, upon hearing the voice of Jesus saying, "I am He, do not be afraid," wished to bring Him aboard the vessel, and when they did, the boat was immediately on the land toward which they were heading (John 6:20-21). Their desire to welcome Him into the boat occurred before Peter stepped into the sea, and the phrase "and immediately the boat was on the land" refers to after Jesus and Peter had entered. Indeed, the moment they entered, the boat sailed to the destination the apostles were eagerly seeking.

As they got into the boat, the wind stopped blowing, the storm instantly calmed down, and the waters became serene. Those who observed this miracle were filled with awe and wonder. Earlier, when the Lord had silenced the storm with a single command, they exclaimed, "Who is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" (Matthew 8:27).

During this time, the disciples found themselves at sea in the darkness of night when a fierce storm arose. However, the Lord did not abandon them; He set aside His prayers to come to their rescue. He approached the waters, walking on the waves without sinking. When the disciples caught sight of Him, they mistaken Him for a specter, but His comforting words, “It is I, do not be afraid,” calmed their fears. Unlike their previous fearful response, this time they showed more courage. With the Lord's permission, Peter stepped onto the water to meet Him, yet he could not withstand the challenge he had chosen. Overcome by doubt, he began to sink, but the Saviour extended His hand in assistance.

When he noticed the fierce wind, he became afraid and started to go under, crying out: Lord, rescue me! At that moment of faltering faith, as the blessed Theophylact notes, Peter's immersion served as a lesson against pride and provided reassurance to the other disciples, who might have felt envy towards him. It also highlighted the distinction between the disciple and the Master, who had authority over the elements. Jesus Christ reached out His hand to save the sinking man, gently reproaching him: Of little faith, why did you doubt? As soon as they got into the boat, the wind ceased, and there was peace.