Which Disciple Had Anxiety?

It may surprise us to realize that even the greatest of all followers of Christ faced similar mental conditions to the common man of modern times. However, it is a truth we cannot deny.

Anxiety is a natural part of being human, and it is meant to be a trial for us to overcome during our time in this world. The way we perceive and manage it is where the true reward lies.

Let’s learn about Jesus Christ’s greatest disciple’s fear and doubt and how he ultimately overcame them, leaving a lasting lesson for all mankind.

Did Peter Struggle With Fear During the Storm?

Even after seeing His miracles with his own eyes, the human instinct of fear and doubt often shrouded Peter’s beliefs.

Perhaps the incident that resonates most with this innate struggle is in Matthew 14:27-29 (NIV). After feeding the five thousand, Jesus retreated to the mountains to pray alone and sent his disciples away by boat. When night fell, a heavy storm wrecked the lake. Jesus returned to his disciples, walking on water toward the boat.

Seeing this miracle, they were overcome with fear, thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter responded boldly: “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come on water.”

Jesus beckoned him, and Peter stepped onto the water. But when he noticed the strong wind and waves, he realized he was actually walking on water. Fear overtook his faith, and he began to sink. Catching his hand, Jesus rebuked him, calling him of little faith. After getting aboard, Peter declared, along with other disciples: “Truly, you are the Son of God,” expressing his humility and shame.

How Did Peter React In Gethsemane?

Peter’s impulsiveness is an ever-present phenomenon, but it became quite profound in the Garden of Gethsemane. On the Mount of Olives, Jesus prayed in deep anguish, asking the apostles to watch and pray with him. However, they kept falling asleep, a reminder that even the closest followers were human and prone to err.

When Judas raided the temple with his guards, Peter was the first to react, drawing his sword on Roman soldiers. But Jesus stopped the violence and allowed Himself to be arrested. While the apostles scattered to and fro, Peter followed Jesus and the guards from a distance. His faith had become mingled with fear.

Denying Jesus

In the court, Peter was recognized as one of Christ’s followers; however, he denied it three times. He was must of been anxious that he could be caught as a follower of Christ.Jesus was being tried, and knowing him meant a cruel fate and likely an imminent death. Peter was overcome with fear for his life. As the rooster crowed, he ruefully remembered Jesus’s prophecy in which he told him that he would deny knowing him, thrice. He was filled with immediate shame and remorse at his actions.

Regret and Redemption

Peter wept and stayed with the rest of the apostles at the crucifixion. When the women reported the empty tomb, he rushed there and was among the first to witness the resurrection. Paralleling Peter’s three denials of Jesus before the crucifixion, Jesus asked Peter to confirm his love three times while near the Sea of Galilee. With each response, and with Christ’s charge to “Feed my sheep,” Peter’s redemption was confirmed. Although he had allowed anxiety and fear to take over and regretted his actions bitterly, he did learn and grow.

Peter and Jesus by the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by other disciples

An Empowered Peter

After working through his past deeds, Peter was emboldened to not only proclaimed his love and faith for Jesus, but also spread His message. In Acts 2, Peter led three thousand people to conversion, empowered by the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and touching the hearts of anyone who heard him. Not merely by words but also through action, Peter showed that can acknowledge that we are human and work toward change.

What Lessons Can We Take Away From Peter?

Peter is a prime example of how even the best of us can fail in times of hardship. Despite his numerous mistakes and blunders, Jesus remained merciful towards him and loved him. When Jesus beckoned him to walk on the stormy sea, he became fearful even though Jesus was right there with him. He denied Christ his loyalty when he needed it the most, all at the hands of anxiety and innate fear of life. But he moved past his fear and proudly proclaimed his faith in Jesus and made spreading Jesus’ message the ministry of his life. Peter’s story reminds us that when we are anxious, we can still take action to find peace and restoration.

About the Author

Chad Thompson, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing Christian Counseling in Tampa, Florida, and telehealth services across Florida, Utah, Idaho, and South Carolina. With a unique background in cinema studies and over a decade in hospitality, Chad brings a distinctive storytelling approach to therapy that helps clients see their struggles and growth through new perspectives. He specializes in faith-based counseling that integrates clinical expertise with Christian values, offering services including anxiety therapy, depression treatment, and support for military families. Chad’s warm, authentic style creates a safe space where faith and mental health can work together toward healing. Learn more about Chad’s approach to Christian Counseling and cinema therapy at Calming Transformations Counseling.

Sessions can be held through online therapy in the states of Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, or Utah. Sessions are also conducted in-office in Riverview, Florida or via walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida.