Walking on the Sea; Matthew 14:22-33

1. Review Matthew 14:22-33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

"And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear." The Apostles were frightened when they first saw Christ walking toward them. They didn't know it was him, but thought it was some kind of Spirit.

2. What did Peter's response indicate about him?

Peter's response indicated that he trusted Christ and that he had faith that what Christ said was truth.

3. According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

Peter began to sink because he began to feel the strong winds against him and he lost faith t hat he would still be able to walk across the water. This can also be related to how we sometimes lose faith in our Savior when our own trials come upon us.

4. What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter's request?

When Peter began to sink he said, "Lord, save me." The word immediately describes the Savior's timing when Peter asked for help. I love this verse! Whenever we need help from Christ, he is always right there to grab our hand and save us from whatever is troubling us.

5. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

For Peter to successfully walk on water, he had to have faith that Christ would not let him fall, and that Christ had the ability for this to occur. Peter's eyes were "single to His glory", just like D&C 88:67 says. This verse can apply to my own life in many ways. I have realized that the lowest times in my life, and the times when I am filled with the most despair, is when I am not doing all that I can to stay close to Christ. But when I am close to Him, praying to Him and reading my scriptures, that is when I am able to get through the hard times with more strength and courage. Jesus Christ is my light; He carries me through my trials. Without Him I would be nothing, and I know that He lives!