CHAPTER XXVI.
WALKS ON THE SEA—MOUNTAIN CLOSET—PETER SINKING.
THEN those men when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, and when he had sent the multitudes away, he departed again into a mountain himself alone, to pray. And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, and entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary: and he alone on the land.
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. And he saw them toiling in rowing: for the wind was contrary unto them. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, and about the fourth watch of the night, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and would have passed by them. And when
the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear: for they all saw him, and were troubled. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying,
Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said,
Come.
And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him,
O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Then they willingly received him into the ship. And when they were come into the ship the wind ceased: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. And they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, and when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country; and ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. The day following when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone: (howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias, nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks;) when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.