Introduction:
The event of Jesus walking on water is one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in the New Testament. This event is documented in three of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and John. It serves as a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine authority over nature and His ability to instill faith in His disciples.

Biblical Accounts:

1. Matthew 14:22-33 :
In the Gospel of Matthew, the event occurs shortly after the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus instructs His disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He dismisses the crowd. Afterward, He goes up on a mountainside to pray. During the night, the disciples' boat is buffeted by the waves because the wind is against it. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus approaches them, walking on the sea. The disciples are terrified, thinking He is a ghost. Jesus immediately reassures them, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." Peter, seeking confirmation, asks to come to Jesus on the water. Jesus invites him, and Peter steps out of the boat. However, when Peter sees the wind, he becomes afraid and begins to sink, crying out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they climb into the boat, the wind ceases, and those in the boat worship Jesus, declaring, "Truly You are the Son of God."

2. Mark 6:45-52 :
Mark's account parallels Matthew's but omits Peter's venture onto the water. After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sends His disciples ahead to Bethsaida while He dismisses the crowd and retreats to pray. The disciples struggle against the wind during the night. Jesus comes to them, walking on the sea, intending to pass by them. The disciples are terrified, thinking He is a ghost. Jesus speaks to them, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." He climbs into the boat with them, and the wind dies down. Mark notes that the disciples are utterly astounded, for they had not understood about the loaves, and their hearts were hardened.

3. John 6:16-21 :
In John's Gospel, the narrative is more concise. After the miraculous feeding, the disciples set off across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness falls, and Jesus has not yet joined them. A strong wind arises, and the sea grows rough. When they have rowed about three or four miles, they see Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water, and they are frightened. Jesus reassures them, "It is I; do not be afraid." They are willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat reaches the shore where they are heading.

Theological Significance:

· Divine Authority: The miracle of walking on water underscores Jesus' divine authority over the natural world. By defying the laws of physics, Jesus reveals His identity as the Creator, who has dominion over creation.

· Faith and Doubt: The event highlights the interplay between faith and doubt. Peter's initial faith enables him to walk on water, but his subsequent doubt causes him to sink. This serves as a metaphor for the Christian journey, where faith must be maintained even amidst life's storms.

· Reassurance and Presence: Jesus' words, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid," offer reassurance of His presence and power. This assurance is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that believers need not fear when Christ is with them.

· Worship and Recognition: The disciples' response of worship and their declaration of Jesus as the Son of God reflect a growing recognition of His divine nature. This acknowledgment is a pivotal moment in the disciples' understanding of who Jesus is.

Cultural and Historical Context:

· Sea of Galilee: The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret or the Sea of Tiberias, is a freshwater lake in Israel. It is known for its sudden storms due to its geographical setting, which can make navigation challenging.

· Fourth Watch of the Night: The Roman division of the night into four watches places this event between 3:00 and 6:00 AM, a time when the disciples would have been exhausted and vulnerable.

Conclusion:
The event of walking on water is a testament to Jesus' divine nature and His ability to transcend natural laws. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and the assurance of Christ's presence in the lives of believers.