Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 14:27

"But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." — Matthew 14:27 (ASV)

Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. The accuracy with which these words are recorded by St. John, as well as by St. Matthew and St. Mark, shows the impression the incident made on the minds of the disciples. To hear the familiar tones and the cheering words was enough, even amid the howling of the winds and the dashing of the waves, to give them confidence and hope.

We can scarcely doubt that in later years, that moment came back to their recollection, invested for them, as it has since been for the Church at large, with a symbolic character. Often the sky became dark, the waves of this troublesome world were rough, and the blasts of persecution beat on them. The ark of Christ’s Church was tossed on the waters, and they were weary and exhausted from rowing.

They thought themselves abandoned, and then in the dim twilight they would see or feel once again the tokens of His presence. He was coming to them through the storm. “Be of good cheer” became the watchword of their lives.