Event New Testament
Jesus walks on the water
Also known as It is I; do not be afraid
The night after the feeding, the disciples were rowing against the wind on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus came to them walking on the water. Matthew records that Peter stepped out toward Him, began to sink, and was caught by Jesus's hand. When Jesus climbed into the boat the wind ceased, and those in the boat worshiped Him as the Son of God.
Why it matters. Only God treads the waves, and the disciples' worship in the boat is the first time the Twelve are recorded calling Jesus the Son of God.
- Primary passages
- Witnesses
Chronology confidence: medium
Matthew, Mark, and John place the event on the night after the feeding of the five thousand; only Matthew records Peter walking toward Jesus and sinking.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-30 by the FaithGraph team
Connections
The feeding of the five thousand precedes Jesus walks on the water
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceMatthew, Mark, and John all place the walking on the water the same night as the feeding.
Evidence:Jesus walks on the water precedes Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi
Explicit in ScriptureMedium confidenceMark's order from the lake crossing to Caesarea Philippi.
Jesus participates in Jesus walks on the water
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJesus comes to the disciples walking on the sea and climbs into the boat.
Evidence:Peter participates in Jesus walks on the water
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceMatthew records Peter walking toward Jesus on the water, sinking, and being caught by His hand.
Evidence:Jesus walks on the water occurs at Sea of Galilee
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe disciples are rowing across the sea when Jesus comes to them on the water.
Evidence:Jesus walks on the water develops the theme Faith
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceJesus names Peter's doubt and asks why he had so little faith.
Evidence: