Peter understood that Jesus doesn't only have the authority to calm the waves, he has the authority to command us to come to him. Peter realised that Jesus had such authority when Jesus first called him to follow him. 'And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.' (Mt 4:19–20) Now, at the height of the storm, Peter asks Jesus to command him to leave the boat, to leave his last refuge of safety.