What does Matthew 14:26 mean?

The disciples had been in their boat for hours, rowing across the Sea of Galilee because the wind was against them. They had left Jesus behind in Bethsaida, where He spent time praying alone on a mountain. It's unclear how the disciples expected Jesus to get to the other side of the lake to meet them. All they know is that He specifically instructed them to take the boat across the water (Matthew 14:22). Perhaps they assumed He would walk around the north end of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus chose a more direct route.

We know from John's telling of this event that the disciples were two or three miles out from the shore. Matthew has said that it is between 3 and 6 a.m. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the darkness of the lake walking toward them. Matthew, who was there, says that they were terrified, which seems like a reasonable reaction. One can only imagine what it would have been like to catch a glimpse of a figure out on the water, only to see that it really is a person approaching by walking on the waves.

As one would expect, the men cried out in fear. Someone said the figure approaching them was a ghost. Jewish theology mostly did not allow for ghosts, but many people in the ancient world believed in them. They certainly did not have another explanation for a figure walking toward them on the water—until Jesus spoke to them (Matthew 14:27).