In Matthew 14:33, after Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, the disciples fall at His feet and declare, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Their response wasn’t just words—it was proskuneó (προσκυνέω), the act of bowing down in awe, surrender, and adoration.
Here’s the Story from Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”
What does it mean to worship?
Strong’s Concordance - Definition of Proskuneó
Literal Meaning: To kiss the ground, like a dog licking its master’s hand—utter submission.
Biblical Action: Falling prostrate, lowering oneself physically and spiritually before God.
Spiritual Posture: Not just ritual, but a heart overwhelmed by His majesty (Psalm 95:6).
What can we learn about worship.
Worship Demands Unwavering Faith
Peter’s moment on the water reveals a critical truth: worship is inseparable from faith. When he stepped out of the boat, his eyes were locked on Christ, and the impossible became possible. But the second he shifted his focus to the storm, he sank. True worship isn’t just singing or kneeling, it’s a life anchored in trust, refusing to let circumstances drown our devotion. Like Peter, we’re called to fix our gaze on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), because worship falters when faith wavers.
Worship Requires Humbling Surrender
The disciples’ reaction after the miracle wasn’t applause, it was prostration. They fell at Jesus’ feet in proskuneó, a physical act of submission. Peter’s failure (and rescue) stripped him of self-reliance, forcing him to acknowledge Christ’s supremacy. Worship isn’t performative; it’s bending the knee of the heart, admitting, “I am not God - You are.” Every act of worship—prayer, giving, obedience—must flow from this posture: a creature bowing before the Creator (Romans 12:1).
Worship Confesses Christ’s Identity
The climax of the story isn’t the walking on water—it’s the declaration: “Truly You are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). Peter’s ordeal led him to a revelation no storm could shake. Worship, at its core, is naming who God is, regardless of our circumstances. Whether in chaos or calm, our lips and lives must proclaim His lordship. Like the disciples, we worship not because God fixes our storms, but because He rules over them (Psalm 93:4).
Reflection Questions
· When have you, like Peter, started worshiping but then let fear distract you?
· What does it look like for you to “proskuneó”—to physically or emotionally bow before God daily?
· How can you shift your worship from being self-focused to Christ-centered?
· What storms are you facing that require you to fix your eyes on Jesus instead of your circumstances?
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, teach me to worship You in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Let my life be a continual act of proskuneó, bowing in surrender, awe, and love. Amen.”
“Worship is the submission of all our nature to God.” — C.S. Lewis
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