Stepping Out

Often times I wish the biblical narrative would give just a bit more. It's hard to imagine that after Jesus did some of the things that he did, that the disciples just dropped it. They must have talked about it for hours and days afterwards, either behind Jesus' back, or at times peppering him with further questions. It would be great to know what was said and how it was said.

My guess is that once Peter gets back into the boat after "failing" to walk on the water to Jesus (just for the record, he doesn't fail...he actually does walk on the water, but starts to sink down into the waves once he takes his eyes off of Christ), that there were some serious conversations taking place. A few choice words were probably spoken under the breath..."who does he think he is?"..."Peter's always showing off"..."what a fool".

And knowing Jesus, I can't imagine he let them off the hook that easily. At some point, while they mock and chastise Peter publicly or privately, Jesus must have said to them all, "Yes, but at least he got out of the boat."

That same Peter, when he later sees the resurrected Jesus on the shores of the sea, is so filled with joy, that he again leaps out of the boat (this time naked) regardless of what happens or what it looks like, so that he can be with his savior. They might have laughed or even mocked Peter for sinking once, or swimming naked, but he got out of the boat to follow Christ. He got out of the boat.

We all have our metaphorical boats that protect us from following Christ. Sometimes we even have people in there with us, whose comments and criticisms help us to stay safe inside. But the reality is that Jesus' call to each one of us is simple: "Follow me". And that often means getting out of the boat, even if we get wet in the process.