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Jesus Walks on Water

Late at night, Jesus came to his disciples on the sea and showed them who he is.

Matthew 14:22–33; Mark 6:45–52; John 6:16–21About 2 minutes
Let’s begin

Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead across the sea while he sent the crowd away. After that, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came and it grew dark, Jesus was alone, and the disciples were out on the water.

What happened next

The wind was against them, and the sea grew rough. The boat was being battered by the waves, and the disciples were struggling as they rowed. Jesus saw that they were in trouble out on the sea.

What happened next

In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him, they were terrified. They thought he was a ghost and cried out. Right away Jesus spoke to them, telling them not to be afraid, because it was really him.

What happened next

Peter answered and asked Jesus to command him to come on the water. Jesus told him to come. Peter stepped out of the boat and walked towards Jesus. But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out for help, and Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him. Jesus asked why he had doubted.

The end

When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind stopped. The disciples were amazed. Those in the boat worshipped Jesus and said that he truly is the Son of God. They welcomed him into the boat, and they reached the shore where they were going. How might this story help someone who is afraid?

A children’s retelling of Matthew 14:22–33; Mark 6:45–52; John 6:16–21. You can read the Bible passage together too.

Matthew is the lead account and includes Peter walking on the water. Mark adds that the disciples had not understood about the loaves. John notes that they reached the shore immediately after receiving Jesus into the boat. The destination is described generally in Matthew, as Bethsaida in Mark, and as Capernaum in John.

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Source: World English Bible Classic, a public domain translation. This page is a retelling, rather than a word-for-word Bible text.

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