Gospel in Art: When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified

Christ Walking on the Water, drawing by Rembrandt, 1638 © British Museum, London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 5 August 2025
Matthew 14:22-36

After the crowd had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'

And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognised him, they sent word around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Reflection on the Old Master Drawing

In this morning's Gospel, we can notice three moments of prayer, each offering something for our own lives. First, there is Jesus' prayer to his Father. After he sends the crowds away, he goes up into the hills by himself to pray. This is quiet prayer-a time of deep closeness with his Father. We might think of it as still, silent prayer, a time simply to be with God.

Then comes Peter's cry, a second moment of prayer: "Lord, save me!" It's a prayer that comes straight from the heart, born out of fear and distress. Many of us will have prayed like this. When life feels uncertain, and something terrible has happened, when we're sinking under the weight of something we cannot manage. The Gospel assures us that Jesus reaches out in precisely those moments, as he did to Peter. God never ignores our cries for help.

Finally, after the storm calms, there is a third prayer, the prayer of the disciples: "Truly, you are the Son of God." This is a prayer of worship and recognition. It flows from wonder and gratitude. It is one of the most beautiful prayers we can say, a simple 'thank you' to Jesus.

These three moments-silent prayer, prayer in need, and prayer of praise-can guide us in our own relationship with the Lord. Sometimes we simply rest in his presence. Sometimes we cry out for help. And sometimes we just want to say, "Thank you." All of it is prayer. All of it draws us closer to God.

Our delicate drawing, Christ Walking on the Water, by Rembrandt, captures one of the most mysterious and comforting moments in the Gospels with striking simplicity. Held in the British Museum, the sketch shows Christ approaching the boat across the waves, his small, calm figure set against the turmoil of sea and storm. With just a few confident lines, Rembrandt conveys both the fear of the disciples and the quiet authority of Jesus. Peter is the most elaborately drawn, with his reaching out hands being very prominent. The drawing invites us to reflect on faith in the midst of chaos, and the gentle presence of Christ who comes to meet us even in the darkest of waters.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-14-22-36-2025/