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Some differences can be noted in the three accounts as to what happened after the Disciples got into the boat and started back across the sea. Matthew indicates that after Jesus dismissed the crowd, He went up into the hills to pray. John indicates that He perceived that the people wanted to make Him their king, by force if necessary, so He with drew from them and went up into the hills to pray. Together, we probably get the best account.
So we see that by the time Jesus returned to the sea shore, the Disciples had gone many furlongs from shore and evening had come. The distance from Bethsaida to Capernaum was approx. 2« miles by sea. A storm had arose, the wind was against them and they were afraid. Now lets remind ourselves that most of these men were fishermen and well accustomed to the sea, so this must have been something unusual for them to be afraid.
They ride this storm out for about 6 to 9 hours before Jesus finally caught up to them. It says that He got to where they were in the "fourth watch". The Romans had instituted the establishment of time by "watches", the first watch was from 6PM to 9PM and was called the evening watch. The second watch was from 9PM to 12 midnight and was called the midnight watch. The third watch was from 12 midnight to 3AM and was called the cock crowing watch and the fourth watch was from 3AM to 6AM and was called the morning watch.
One very good lesson can be learned here. The Disciples were where Jesus had sent them yet they were experiencing "stormy seas". We can and do experience stormy seas when we go contrary to God's plan but for some reason, we expect "calm" seas when we are doing what He wants us to do. This obviously is not always true.
The first time He subjected them to this test at sea, He was with them. This time, He is not. They failed the first test, they don't seem to be passing this one, but to their credit, even though the wind was against them, they had not turned back, they continued on in the direction that Jesus had commanded them.
Now, how did Jesus get from the shore to the boat where the Disciples were? "He walked on the sea." It is not necessary for us to know how this was done, it is sufficient to know that it proves His divine power. Many skeptics in the church today find it necessary to explain away everything that they cannot understand.
Notice the reaction of the Disciples as they see Him approaching them walking on the water. First, they were terrified and afraid. They thought He was a ghost. They, who had seen Him calm the sea, heal the sick, raise the dead and feed 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, were terrified because He walked on water. Notice how quick He was to calm their fears, "It is I, do not be afraid."
Notice that they recognized His voice even when they could not recognize His form. As with Mary Magdalene, on Easter morning, and acknowledged by Jesus himself, "My sheep know my voice."
Peter, said to Jesus, Lord if that be you, allow me to come to you, and Jesus said "Come". Peter got out of the boat, walked a short distance toward Jesus on the water but then he got afraid and began to sink. Jesus reached out His hand and rescued Peter. What did Peter demonstrate? Courage, faith, knowledge, or none of the above? Lets examine this event and see.
First, lets look, at Peter's courage. Peter was brave, in so far as a man can be brave in his own strength, after all, he did step out of the boat and walk a short distance upon the water. Would you have done this?
Secondly, lets look at his cowardice. Suddenly, Peter started to sink and he was afraid. What caused Peter to start to sink? There are tow possible answers to that question. One, Peter took his eyes off the Lord, became aware of his own inability to walk on water and allowed fear to come into his life. Or, Christ allowed this trouble to come into Peter's life to see how he would respond. Either way, he started to sink and he became afraid.
Thirdly, lets look at his understanding. He understood that if it was the Lord and if it was the Lord's will, he would be able to walk to Him on the water. "If it is you, bid me to come to you on the water." If Peter demonstrated lack of faith by taking his eyes off the Lord, at least, he demonstrated good understanding in crying out unto the Lord. "Lord, save me!" When faith is weak, prayer must be strong. There was no doubt in Peter's mind where he had to go for help and there was no hesitation on the part of Jesus to help. "He reached out His hand and saved Peter."
Well what do you think about Peter? The answer lies in the story. To Jesus, Peters sinking represented lack of faith and He rebuked him. "For as many as He loves and saves, He rebukes and chides." Then Jesus and Peter entered the ship and immediately the storm subsided.
Notice how impressed His Disciples were. They worshipped Him and said, "Surly thou art the Son of God." They confirmed their belief that He was the Christ and gave Him the glory due His name.
In Matthew's account, verses 34 through 36, we read that returning back from across the sea they came ashore somewhere close to Capernaum. As usual the multitudes met them and brought their sick to Him to be healed some simply by the touch of His garment. They believed that He could heal them physically, but what about their spiritual needs. Those that touched Him were made whole.
Going over to John's account, verses 22-24, we read what happened back at Bethsadia the next day. The multitudes whom He had fed the day before, returned the next morning hoping to find Jesus as they had seen the night before that the Disciples had left to go back to Capernaum with out Jesus. Not finding Him, they assumed that He had gone by another boat and they went to Capernaum by boat hoping to find Him there.
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