The Parable of the Blind Leading the Blind
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
1568
Tempera on canvas, 86 x 154 cm
Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, Naples
The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Come. (Matthew 14:29)
Today we read how Jesus invited Peter to take an extra large step of faith—and how Peter went for it! What do you think was going through Peter’s mind at this point? “What am I doing? Is this really safe? Hey, look! I’m on top of the water! This is amazing!” But then suddenly, the potential consequences of his actions became clear, and Peter began to sink. It’s a good thing Jesus was right there, ready to pick him up!
We can read this little story as a sort of three-step illustration of what it’s like to follow Jesus. First, like Peter, we have all experienced times when we felt Jesus inviting us to take a step of faith. In a rush of adrenaline, we go for it, and it all seems fine for a while. Then, step two kicks in, when we realize that we might be in over our heads and we begin to doubt. Maybe we misheard the Lord. Maybe we stepped left when we should have stepped right. Whatever the situation, our eyes are opened to the roiling sea beneath our feet. Next comes step three, when we call out to the Lord, frantically at times, and he comes to help us. The wind dies down, and all is calm again.
Stepping out might be difficult, but the hardest moment might actually be that breath we take between step two, when we see the wind and waves, and step three, when we decide to call out for help. It takes a certain degree of humility to do that. Many of us would rather try to work it out on our own than admit that we have reached our limits. It’s ironic, but we may even think that it shows a lack of faith to ask for God’s help!
Which phase of discipleship are you in right now? Are you getting ready to step out, or are you feeling overwhelmed on top of the water? Or maybe you’re feeling his hand lifting you up, and you’re ready to embrace the next challenge he has for you. No matter which phase you are in, the key is to take the next step. Wherever you are, know that the One who called you out of the boat will uphold your every step.
“Lord, help me to step out in faith today.”
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23