"Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."--_Matt. 14:27._
THE people whom JESUS had fed wanted to make Him a king, but He would
not be an earthly king; so He told the apostles to row away across the
lake, while He went up alone into the hills to pray to His Father,
where the people could not find Him.
[Illustration: JESUS SUPPORTS THE SINKING PETER.--Matt. 14:30, 31.]
It was a rough night. The wind came down from the hills, and tossed the
lake up in great waves; and the apostles rowed with all their might,
but they made little way. But when the night was far on, they saw a
Figure coming to them, walking on the waves. They were frightened, and
cried out. Then the Figure said, "It is I; be not afraid!" and they
knew it was their Master, and were glad.
And Peter said, "Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the
water." So he came out of the boat, and as long as he trusted in His
Master, he could walk; but when he saw the wind boisterous, he was
afraid, and cried out, and then he began to sink.
He called out, and Jesus put forth His hand and held him up, saying, "O
thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Then they were both
taken into the boat, and the wind ceased, and the lake was calm and
still.