This is a frightening story, but not merely because it reveals that Jesus walked on water. I have a profound respect for the Christ, tempered by years of Sunday school and Bible study. He is the Lord, the Son of God, the one through whom all things are made. As such, he could sidestep his own laws of physics. You might doubt this, but I do not.

No, it is not the mysterious power and presence of Jesus that scares me. It is his invitation to get out of the boat and step onto the sea. He said to Peter, “Come.” On behalf of all who would follow Jesus, Peter stepped out of the boat and onto the surface of the water.

Peter meant well. He wanted to affirm it was the Lord and not a specter in the dark, so he suggested a bargain with Jesus. “If it truly is you,” he hollered into the wind, “tell …