But Jesus spoke up at once:This phrase highlights the immediacy of Jesus' response to the disciples' fear. In the context of
Matthew 14, Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000 and sent the disciples ahead by boat while He went to pray. The Sea of Galilee, where this event occurs, is known for sudden storms, which would have been terrifying for the disciples. Jesus' prompt response demonstrates His awareness and concern for their distress, emphasizing His role as a protector and guide.
Take courage!
This command is a call to bravery and confidence, often used by Jesus to reassure His followers. In the biblical context, courage is not merely an absence of fear but a trust in God's presence and power. This phrase echoes God's encouragement to Joshua inJoshua 1:9, where God commands him to be strong and courageous. It reflects the biblical theme that true courage comes from faith in God's promises and presence.
It is I.
The phrase "It is I" is significant because it can be understood as an echo of God's self-identification inExodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM." In the Greek, "ego eimi" is used, which is the same phrase Jesus uses in other parts of the Gospels to assert His divinity (e.g.,John 8:58). This declaration reassures the disciples of Jesus' divine authority and presence, affirming His identity as the Son of God.
Do not be afraid.
This command is a frequent reassurance found throughout Scripture, often given by God or His messengers to His people. Fear is a natural human response, but the biblical narrative consistently encourages trust in God over fear. InIsaiah 41:10, God tells His people not to fear because He is with them. Jesus' command here is a reminder of His sovereignty over nature and circumstances, encouraging the disciples to trust in His power and presence even in the midst of chaos.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is walking on water towards His disciples. His words are meant to reassure and comfort them in a moment of fear.
2.
DisciplesThe followers of Jesus who are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. They are initially terrified, thinking they are seeing a ghost.
3.
Sea of GalileeThe body of water where this event takes place. Known for its sudden storms, it serves as a backdrop for this miraculous event.
4.
StormThe natural event causing fear among the disciples, highlighting their vulnerability and need for Jesus' reassurance.
5.
Walking on WaterThe miraculous act performed by Jesus, demonstrating His divine authority over nature.
Teaching Points
Divine Presence in Fearful TimesJesus' presence is a source of courage and peace. In moments of fear and uncertainty, believers can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is with them.
Recognizing Jesus in the StormJust as the disciples initially failed to recognize Jesus, believers today must train their spiritual eyes to see Jesus in the midst of life's storms.
Faith Over FearJesus' command to "not be afraid" is a call to trust in His power and presence. Faith in Jesus should overcome our fears.
Immediate Response to FearJesus immediately addressed the disciples' fear. Believers should also be quick to turn to Jesus in prayer and seek His peace when fear arises.
The Authority of JesusBy walking on water, Jesus demonstrates His authority over creation. Believers can trust in His power to calm the storms in their lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 14:27?
2.How does Matthew 14:27 encourage us to trust Jesus during life's storms?
3.What does "Take courage! It is I" reveal about Jesus' divine identity?
4.How can we apply "Do not be afraid" in our daily challenges?
5.Connect Matthew 14:27 with Psalm 23:4 on overcoming fear with faith.
6.How can Jesus' reassurance in Matthew 14:27 strengthen our prayer life?
7.How does Matthew 14:27 demonstrate Jesus' authority over fear and doubt?
8.What historical context supports the events described in Matthew 14:27?
9.How does Matthew 14:27 relate to the theme of faith in the Gospels?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 14?
11.Why did Jesus perform the miracle of walking on water?
12.If Jesus walked on water, why does physics say this is impossible without external forces?
13.Why did Peter walk on water?
14.What does the Bible say about not being afraid?What Does Matthew 14:27 Mean
But Jesus spoke up at onceThe wind was howling, the waves were pounding, and the disciples were convinced they were seeing a ghost. In that tense moment Jesus did not wait for them to pull themselves together—He spoke immediately.Mark 6:50 mirrors Matthew’s report, emphasizing the swiftness of His response, whilePsalm 46:1 reminds that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”
- Immediate words from the Lord reveal His watchful care; He never leaves His people floundering alone.
-Matthew 8:26 shows the same pattern: before stilling an earlier storm, Jesus addressed the disciples’ fear first.
- His prompt voice steadies hearts before He stills circumstances.
Take courage!This is a command, not a suggestion. Courage is possible because He supplies it.Joshua 1:9 declares, “Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Jesus is the source:John 16:33—“take courage; I have overcome the world.”
- The Spirit sustains:2 Timothy 1:7—God gives “power, love, and self-control,” not fear.
- Courage flows when believers focus on Christ rather than the storm.
It is IThe assurance hinges on who is speaking. With these words Jesus identifies Himself and echoes God’s self-revelation inExodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM.”
- His presence equals God’s presence; therefore fear must retreat (John 8:58).
-Revelation 1:17-18 links the same declaration with triumph over death, underscoring that the One on the water is sovereign over everything that terrifies humanity.
- Knowing Him personally shifts the whole scene from panic to peace.
Do not be afraidBecause He has spoken, courage is possible; because He is present, fear is unnecessary.Isaiah 41:10 delivers the same progression—“Do not fear, for I am with you.”
-Psalm 23:4 affirms that even “in the valley of the shadow of death…You are with me.”
-Romans 8:15 reminds believers they have received “the Spirit of sonship,” not slavery to fear.
- Fear dissipates when hearts rest on the unchanging reality of who Christ is and what He has promised.
summary- Jesus’ immediate word proves His continual, caring attention.
- His command to “Take courage!” supplies strength rooted in Him, not in circumstances.
- “It is I” unveils His divine identity, the ultimate reason courage is possible.
- “Do not be afraid” seals the promise: when Jesus is present, fear has no rightful place.
Matthew 14:27, therefore, calls every follower to shift eyes from the storm to the Savior, receive His courage, recognize His deity, and walk forward in fearless faith.
(27)
Be of good cheer; it is I; be notafraid.--The accuracy with which the words are given by St. John, as well as by St. Matthew and St. Mark, shows the impression which the incident made on the minds of the disciples. To hear the familiar tones and the cheering words was enough, even amid the howling of the winds and the dashing of the waves, to give them confidence and hope. We can scarcely doubt that in after years that moment came back to their recollection, invested for them, as it has since been for the Church at large, with something of a symbolic character. Often the sky became dark, and the waves of the troublesome world were rough, and the blasts of persecution beat on them, and the ark of Christ's Church was tossed on the waters, and they were wearied and spent with rowing. They thought themselves abandoned, and then in the dim twilight they would see or feel once again the tokens of His presence. He was coming to them through the storm. "Be of good cheer" became the watchword of their lives.
Verse 27. -
But straightway Jesus spake unto them (
ἐλάλησεν, not
ἔκραξεν). He was evidently near them.
Saying, Be of good cheer (
θαρσεῖτε,
Matthew 9:2);
it is I; be not afraid. Encouragement, self-manifestation, recall from present terror. But the absence of
θαρσεῖτε in
John 6:20 suggests that it is, perhaps, a duplicate rendering of the Aramaic for
μὴ φοβεῖσθε. For the LXX. commonly translates "fear ye not" by
θαρσεῖτε (
e.g.Exodus 14:13;
Exodus 20:20). One or two second-rate manuscripts omit
θαρσεῖτε in Mark, but this may be only due to a reminiscence of John. It is also omitted in Tatian's 'Diatessaron' (edit. Hemphill).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.immediatelyΕὐθὺς(Euthys)Adverb
Strong's 2112:Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.spoke up:ἐλάλησεν(elalēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.“Take courage!Θαρσεῖτε(Tharseite)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2293:To be of good courage, good cheer, be bold. From tharsos; to have courage.It isεἰμι(eimi)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.I.ἐγώ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.[Do] notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.be afraid.”φοβεῖσθε(phobeisthe)Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5399:From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them saying (Matt. Mat Mt) 
