Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:20-34
The Message (MSG)
Matthew 14
20They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. 21About five thousand were fed.
Walking on the Water
22As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. 23With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
24Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. 25At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. 26They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.
27But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid."
28Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."
29He said, "Come ahead."
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. 30But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"
31Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"
32The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. 33The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, "This is it! You are God's Son for sure!"
34On return, they beached the boat at Gennesaret.
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