The Gospel accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are among the most widely read and studied texts in the world. Each of the four canonical Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – offers a unique perspective on the events surrounding Jesus' ministry. One particular episode, where the disciple Peter walks on water, is recorded only in the Gospel of Matthew. This raises an intriguing question: Why is this extraordinary event exclusive to Matthew's account? In this article, we will explore the potential reasons behind this singular narrative, delving into the literary, theological, and historical contexts that may shed light on this enigmatic occurrence.
The Literary Context of Matthew's Gospel
To understand why the account of Peter walking on water is found only in Matthew's Gospel, we must first examine the literary context in which this Gospel was written. Matthew's Gospel is widely regarded as being directed towards a Jewish audience, with a particular emphasis on presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited Messiah.
One of the literary techniques employed by Matthew is the inclusion of narratives that parallel or allude to significant events and figures in the Old Testament. The episode of Peter walking on water may be a deliberate parallel to the account of Moses parting the Red Sea, as recorded in the book of Exodus. Just as Moses demonstrated his authority and God's power over the waters, Jesus' ability to walk on water, and His invitation to Peter to do the same, may be intended to solidify His identity as the prophesied Messiah and the embodiment of divine power.
The Symbolic Significance of Water in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, water is often used as a symbolic representation of chaos, danger, and the forces that threaten human existence. In the creation narrative of Genesis, the Spirit of God hovers over the waters, bringing order to the formless void. The great flood in the time of Noah is a testament to the destructive power of water. The Israelites' journey through the Red Sea, with Moses parting the waters, symbolizes their deliverance from the oppression of Egypt.
In the context of Matthew's Gospel, the episode of Peter walking on water may be a symbolic representation of Jesus' authority over the chaotic and dangerous forces of the natural world. By inviting Peter to join Him on the water, Jesus not only demonstrates His divine power but also extends an invitation to His disciples to trust in Him and overcome their fears and doubts, symbolized by the turbulent waters.
Peter's Role in Matthew's Gospel
The Gospel of Matthew places a strong emphasis on the character and role of the disciple Peter. It is in this Gospel that Jesus declares Peter to be the "rock" upon which He will build His church (Matthew 16:18). Peter's actions, both his strengths and his weaknesses, are prominently featured throughout the narrative.
The account of Peter walking on water is a pivotal moment that showcases both his faith and his doubts. Initially, Peter displays remarkable trust by stepping out onto the water at Jesus' invitation. However, his faith falters when he becomes distracted by the winds and waves, causing him to begin sinking. This episode serves as a powerful illustration of the human struggle between faith and doubt, and the importance of keeping one's focus on Christ.
By including this unique narrative, Matthew may be emphasizing the central role that Peter played in the early church and underscoring the need for unwavering faith, even in the face of turbulent circumstances.
The Pedagogical Value of the Narrative
One potential reason for the inclusion of the Peter walking on water narrative in Matthew's Gospel is its pedagogical value. This extraordinary event serves as a powerful teaching tool, conveying profound spiritual truths and lessons for both the original audience and subsequent generations of believers.
The narrative illustrates the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, even in the midst of seemingly impossible circumstances. It encourages believers to step out in obedience, despite their fears and doubts, trusting in the power and authority of Christ.
Additionally, the narrative highlights the consequences of allowing fear and doubt to overshadow one's faith. Peter's momentary lapse of faith resulted in his sinking, serving as a cautionary tale for those who waver in their trust in God's promises.
By including this unique account, Matthew provides a vivid and memorable illustration of these essential spiritual principles, making them more accessible and impactful for his audience.
The Historical Context of the Gospels
While the Gospels are primarily concerned with conveying the message of salvation and the life of Jesus Christ, they were also written within specific historical contexts that may have influenced their content and emphasis.
At the time of the writing of the Gospels, the early Christian movement was gaining traction, and there may have been a need to affirm the divine nature and authority of Jesus in the face of opposition or skepticism. The inclusion of extraordinary events, such as Peter walking on water, could have served as powerful evidence of Jesus' divinity and His ability to transcend the natural order.
Additionally, the early church may have faced internal tensions or differing perspectives regarding the roles and authority of the disciples, particularly Peter. The inclusion of this unique narrative in Matthew's Gospel could have been a means of reinforcing Peter's significance and his position as a leader within the nascent Christian community.
The Theological Implications of Peter Walking on Water
The account of Peter walking on water carries significant theological implications that may have influenced its inclusion in Matthew's Gospel. One notable implication is the affirmation of Jesus' divinity and His status as the Son of God.
By demonstrating His ability to defy the laws of nature and walk on water, Jesus affirms His divine authority and power over the physical realm. This supernatural feat serves as a powerful testament to His identity as the Messiah and the embodiment of God's presence on earth.
Furthermore, the narrative reinforces the concept of faith and its role in the believer's relationship with God. Peter's initial willingness to step out onto the water symbolizes the kind of unwavering faith that is required of those who follow Christ. His subsequent sinking due to doubt serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of maintaining steadfast trust in God's power and promises.
The Synoptic Problem and Textual Variations
The discrepancies among the four Gospels, particularly the absence of certain narratives in some accounts, have long been a subject of scholarly inquiry and debate. This phenomenon, known as the "Synoptic Problem," refers to the literary relationships and variations among the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, collectively termed the "Synoptic Gospels."
One potential explanation for the exclusive inclusion of the Peter walking on water narrative in Matthew's Gospel may lie in the sources and traditions upon which the Gospel writers drew. It is possible that Matthew had access to a unique source or oral tradition that included this particular event, while the other Gospel writers did not.
Alternatively, the variations among the Gospels may be attributed to the individual writers' selective emphasis and the specific purposes they had in mind for their respective audiences. Matthew may have chosen to include this narrative to reinforce specific theological or pedagogical points that were particularly important for his intended readership.
Conclusion
The unique inclusion of the account of Peter walking on water in Matthew's Gospel remains a fascinating and intriguing aspect of the biblical narrative. While the precise reasons for its exclusivity may never be known with certainty, the potential literary, symbolic, theological, and historical contexts offer valuable insights. Ultimately, this extraordinary event serves as a powerful testament to the divine nature of Jesus, the importance of unwavering faith, and the profound spiritual lessons that continue to resonate with believers across generations and cultures.
