While placed by Matthew in the context of Jesus’ ministry, this text bears all the marks of a post-resurrection appearance; a body not bound by ordinary physics, speculation about a ghost, fear and then faith on the part of the disciples. In particular, this story parallels the post-resurrection story of Thomas, with Peter being the doubter who demands evidence. In this case, the evidence is his own (Peter’s) ability to join Jesus on the water. This story makes another important connection as well. It connects Jesus to the very moment of creation. Just as God’s spirit hovered over the waters and brought order to chaos, so does Jesus stand on the waters, calming the wind, and bringing order to creation.
The church like a tiny boat on a large sea; small, vulnerable, and seldom faithful, hardly seems fit for its task. Left to its own devices it would surely fail. There is no cause for triumphalism on the barque of Peter, no place for pride. There is only the need for faith and, in the end, worship.
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