The Gospel of Matthew uniquely includes the episode where Peter asks Jesus to command him to walk on water, and he does so until fear causes him to sink (Matthew 14:28-30). This detail sheds light on Matthew’s particular portrayal of Peter. While other preachers often highlight Peter’s sinking due to doubt, this reflection focuses on why Matthew made this addition.
Yes, this portion of Matthew’s narrative teaches about the significance of faith. But on a bigger perspective it teaches something more.
Among the Gospels, Matthew mentions Peter most frequently. Matthew also records Peter’s profound confession when Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” to which Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16). This confession leads to one of the Gospel’s central declarations:
> “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 16:17-19)
Only in Matthew do we find Jesus explicitly introducing His Church in connection with the Kingdom of heaven. It is no coincidence that Peter became the first to stand and preach at Pentecost, marking the Church’s beginning. (Acts 2:14-41)
The Church is built on the power of Christ’s resurrection. Jesus said in John 2:19, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” which John explains as referring to the temple of His body (John 2:21). The New Testament repeatedly identifies the Church as the body and temple of Christ:
- “Do you not know that you [the church] are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- “Your body [the body of believers] is a temple of the Holy Spirit… glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- “We are the temple of the living God…” (2 Corinthians 6:16)
- “You… are members of the household of God… built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
- “You… like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house.” (1 Peter 2:4-5)
Matthew’s Gospel reveals Peter’s highs and lows. He is praised for his confession but quickly rebuked for trying to hinder Christ’s mission (Matthew 16:21-24). He follows Jesus after His arrest yet denies Him three times (Matthew 26:58-75). Still, upon learning Jesus’ missing body, he runs to the empty tomb (John 20:1-4). Peter’s journey mirrors that of many believers—bold in faith yet imperfect—and yet still used by Christ for His glory.
This pattern continues in the Church today. Christ builds His Church through ordinary, flawed but willing people, both those who proclaim His Word and those who support the work as “fellow workers for the truth” (3 John 1:5-8). As Paul states:
> “We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
The Church is a unified spiritual body with diverse functions (Romans 12:4-8). History bears this out: Martin Luther could not have led the Reformation without the support of Prince Frederick III, which allowed him to translate the Bible into the language of the people.
Ultimately, the Church rests on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). God’s Word must remain central. Jesus uses humble and imperfect believers who obey His Word to advance His work. May we take this biblical pattern to heart, learning to serve faithfully in the building of Christ’s Church.
Learning from Peter
Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me more than these?” The “these” could have referred to the food they had just eaten, or perhaps even Peter’s livelihood as a fisherman, because the context of John 21 shows the disciples returning to fishing, catching fish instead of men. (John 21:1-14) Each time Peter responded, Jesus commissioned him: “Feed My lambs,” “Tend My sheep,” “Feed My sheep” (John 21:14-17).
Peter’s answers shifted slightly. The first two times, he said, “Yes, Lord; You know I love You.” (John 21:15-16) But the third reply revealed a deeper surrender: “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.” (John 21:17)
This exchange reminds us to surrender fully to Jesus Christ. As Scripture says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6) He alone knows our hearts, our fears, and our struggles. Jesus also declared, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63) His Word carries His Spirit and power. Therefore, remain in His Word and let Him be your strength. Keep your focus on Jesus, and we will not sink. Jesus calls on us Christians to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19), not to become Satan, setting our minds not on the things of God but on things of men (Matthew 16:23).
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
