22 And immediately Jesus constrained his disciples to go into the boat, and to go before him to the other side, till he might let away the multitudes; 23 and having let away the multitudes, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray, and evening having come, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went away to them, walking upon the sea, 26 and the disciples having seen him walking upon the sea, were troubled saying—'It is an apparition,' and from the fear they cried out; 27 and immediately Jesus spake to them, saying, 'Be of good courage, I am 'he', be not afraid.' 28 And Peter answering him said, 'Sir, if it is thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters;' 29 and he said, 'Come;' and having gone down from the boat, Peter walked upon the waters to come unto Jesus, 30 but seeing the wind vehement, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out, saying, 'Sir, save me.' 31 And immediately Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, laid hold of him, and saith to him, 'Little faith! for what didst thou waver?'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 14:22-31
Commentary on Matthew 14:22-33
(Read Matthew 14:22-33)
Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace to them and for them. He can take what way he pleases to save his people. But even appearances of deliverance sometimes occasion trouble and perplexity to God's people, from mistakes about Christ. Nothing ought to affright those that have Christ near them, and know he is theirs; not death itself. Peter walked upon the water, not for diversion or to boast of it, but to go to Jesus; and in that he was thus wonderfully borne up. Special supports are promised, and are to be expected, but only in spiritual pursuits; nor can we ever come to Jesus, unless we are upheld by his power. Christ bade Peter come, not only that he might walk upon the water, and so know his Lord's power, but that he might know his own weakness. And the Lord often lets his servants have their choice, to humble and prove them, and to show the greatness of his power and grace. When we look off from Christ, and look at the greatness of opposing difficulties, we shall begin to fall; but when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us. Christ is the great Saviour; those who would be saved, must come to him, and cry to him, for salvation; we are never brought to this, till we find ourselves sinking: the sense of need drives us to him. He rebuked Peter. Could we but believe more, we should suffer less. The weakness of faith, and the prevailing of our doubts, displease our Lord Jesus, for there is no good reason why Christ's disciples should be of a doubtful mind. Even in a stormy day he is to them a very present help. None but the world's Creator could multiply the loaves, none but its Governor could tread upon the waters of the sea: the disciples yield to the evidence, and confess their faith. They were suitably affected, and worshipped Christ. He that comes to God, must believe; and he that believes in God, will come, Hebrews 11:6.