Bible story · Matthew 14:22–33

Jesus Walks on Water

Jesus walks across the waves, and Peter steps out of the boat to meet him. A 2-minute animated story, told simply for children and families, with each verse from the King James Version.

Start the story For parents

1 of 8

After feeding the huge crowd, Jesus sent his disciples ahead across the lake in a boat. Then he went up a mountain by himself to pray.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23 KJV

2 of 8

Out on the lake, the boat was tossed by the waves, because the wind was blowing against them.

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
Matthew 14:24 KJV

3 of 8

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus came to them, walking on the water!

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
Matthew 14:25 KJV

4 of 8

The disciples were terrified. But Jesus called out, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
Matthew 14:27 KJV

5 of 8

Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you.” Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter climbed out of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Matthew 14:29 KJV

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But when Peter saw the strong wind, he was afraid and began to sink. “Lord, save me!” he cried.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Matthew 14:30 KJV

7 of 8

At once Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Matthew 14:31 KJV

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When they climbed into the boat, the wind stopped. The disciples worshipped Jesus and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Matthew 14:33 KJV

The end

Next story: The Good Samaritan

What does this story teach?

Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on what scares you.
Jesus is always ready to catch us when we start to sink.
Faith means taking a step towards Jesus, even when it is hard.
Jesus is the Son of God, with power over wind and waves.

Questions to talk about

Use these with your children after the story, at bedtime, at the table or in a class.

Why do you think Peter wanted to walk on the water?
What made Peter start to sink?
What did Jesus do when Peter cried for help?
What helps you trust Jesus when you are afraid?

Read the story in the Bible

This retelling uses simple words for young readers. Read the full account in Matthew 14:22–33, one verse per screen:

Frequently asked questions

Where is the story of Jesus walking on water in the Bible?

It is told in Matthew 14:22–33, Mark 6:45–52 and John 6:16–21. Only Matthew includes Peter stepping out of the boat. It happened on the night after Jesus fed the 5,000.

What time did Jesus walk on water?

Matthew 14:25 says it was “the fourth watch of the night,” which is between about 3 and 6 in the morning, while it was still dark.

Why did Peter sink?

Matthew 14:30 says that when Peter “saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid.” He looked at the storm instead of at Jesus, and he began to sink until Jesus caught him.

What is the lesson of Jesus walking on water?

Jesus is the Son of God, and he cares for his followers in frightening moments. When our faith wobbles, he reaches out his hand, just as he did for Peter.

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