Storm on the Sea, Christian Wall Art

What is painted

Heavy swells heave across the whole picture in slate and pewter tones, their crests torn into spray. A small wooden boat tips on one of them, and the men inside cling to the sides, some pointing, some shrinking back. Coming toward them across the troubled surface is Jesus, upright and unhurried.

Clouds press down from above in bruised blues and charcoal. There is no lettering on this print; the tension between the frightened crew and the calm walker carries the whole painting.

It is I; be not afraid

This is the night crossing told in Matthew 14, Mark 6 and John 6. The disciples have been sent ahead across the Sea of Galilee while Jesus prays alone. Matthew describes the boat as tossed with waves, “for the wind was contrary.” Sometime before dawn they see someone walking toward them on the water and cry out in fear, thinking it is a spirit.

The first thing Jesus says is not an explanation but a reassurance: “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” In Matthew's telling, Peter then asks to come to him, walks a few steps, notices the strong wind, and begins to sink. Jesus stretches out his hand and catches him with a question: “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

The painting stops before any of that is resolved. The waves are still high, the men still afraid. It shows the moment faith is asked for, not the moment it is rewarded.

Who it speaks to

This is a strong Christian poster for a man's office, a den, or the wall of someone going through a stormy stretch of life. Fathers, fishermen and sailors often feel at home with it, and it makes an honest gift for anyone who needs to hear that they are not alone in the boat. It can also mark a baptism, since the story is about stepping into the water.

Printed on demand in the US on heavy archival matte paper, it ships free across the United States. It arrives unframed, with blank paper around the image, in sizes from 5x7 to 24x36 inches, metric and A formats. A digital file is also available.

Among the Christian wall art in the Words of Christ collection, this is the darkest and most dramatic painting, and it looks striking in a large size over a sofa or a desk. It also pairs well with a calmer scene of the same story, so the two together show the storm and the peace that follows.