The answer is: A ghost

Matthew 14:26 - The disciples' initial fear in recognizing Jesus highlights their struggle to understand His divine nature. This moment connects with Job 9:8, where God's unique power over the sea is emphasized. It reaffirms that faith often requires overcoming our fears and misconceptions about the extraordinary work of God.

The scene where the disciples see Jesus walking on water is not just a simple miracle; it's a moment crammed with deep lessons that echo throughout the Scriptures. Their initial reaction—believing Him to be a ghost—demonstrates a common human reaction to the extraordinary. Just like how fishermen react to storms with dread, the disciples are first too caught up in fear to recognize Jesus’s divinity.

It's fascinating to think about the setting. The disciples were already on edge, tossed about by turbulent waves—figurative giants in their lives. Jesus doesn’t just come to rescue them in a typical manner; He defies natural laws by walking on the very waters that threaten them, an act that directly challenges the ordinary and indulges in the supernatural.

Linking this event to Job allows us to unravel another layer: God's sovereignty over chaotic forces. Just as back in the ancient text, Jesus rising above the waves reflects a profound truth—there's ultimate assurance in that divine control.

And here's an interesting fact: the Sea of Galilee, with its turbulent waters, was notorious for sudden storms, making this miracle resonate loud and clear! Thus, recognition of Jesus comes only as they confront their fears head-on, advancing not just in understanding but in faith. Like the waves testing sailors, fear can flood our own lives, but just as with the disciples, there's plenty to learn when we move the mountain of misconception from before our eyes.