Matthew 14:28-33 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you on the water.… I. ST. PETER'S DESIRE — "Bid me come unto Thee." The truthfulness of the Bible seen in the striking preservation of the individuality of the characters brought into view. Peter uniformly rash. Many a time does the yearning spirit of the believer say, "Bid me come," etc. 1. There is the memory of joys of which earth knows nothing, experienced in His Presence. 2. There is the consciousness of security from every harm. 3. The confidence created by so many trials of His love. No wonder that this desire of Peter should be the longing of Christ's faithful followers. II. ST. PETER'S FAILURE. The first part of the history show us his daring zeal; now his failing faith. At first his faith laid hold on Divine power, and he was able to tread the waves without sinking. There was an element of wrong in the undertaking; self-confidence again. It was regarding the danger more than the Saviour that made him weak. III. AT THE REPROOF MINISTERED TO ST. PETER BY OUR LORD. The rebuke was gentle. After all seen of the power of Christ could he doubt? Christ bids us " come" to Him in the gospel. His power works in those who heed the message. The need and value of true faith in our Lord. There is no happiness without it. (R. H. Baynes, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.WEB: Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." |
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