Calming Storms / Walking on Water 

Basic Info

Matthew 8:23–27, 14:22–33; Mark 4:35–41, 6:45–52; Luke 8:22–25; John 6:16–21

Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell of one storm that arose while Jesus was sleeping (in the stern, according to Mark). The disciples wake him in fear. He rebukes the winds and sea, and they calm. Then he rebukes the disciples for having so little faith.

The second storm story is found in Matthew, Mark, and John. This time Jesus is not in the boat when the storm arises. He comes toward the boat, walking across the water. The disciples think he is a ghost, and they freak out, but he calls to them and they calm down. In Mark and John, he simply gets into the boat and the wind calms. Matthew adds an element to the story. Once Jesus identifies himself, Peter says something to the effect of: “Oh, yeah? If so, command me to walk on the water to you!” Jesus does so and Peter starts to walk on the water too. But partway to Jesus, he doubts and starts to sink but cries out to Jesus to save him. Jesus does.

The stories are basically about the lines between faith and doubt. Human beings get caught up in storms as indicated by the disciples’ freaking out in these stories. Having faith makes it possible to rise above the storminess and find a calm place from which to refocus on the things of God.

What to Look For

• The mood of the artwork
• The characteristics of the storm
• Jesus’ waking up in the boat
• Jesus’ walking on water
• Peter’s walking on water
• The disciples’ expressions of faith or doubt
• Peter’s expression / gestures of faith or doubt

Questions to Focus a General Interpretation

Does the artwork call attention to the storm or to the faith that calms the storm?

Does the artwork explore the edge between faith and doubt, or does it lean strongly toward one or the other?

Questions to Guide a Personal Interpretation

Does the storm in the artwork reflect storms in your life? Can you stand above the churning waters and see God’s perspective on your tempest?

Questions to Suggest a Historical Interpretation



What might have been going on in the artist’s time and place that raised doubts about God’s power or presence? Could this have influenced what the artist chose to emphasize?