A Maritime Mystery – John’s Gospel chapter 6 verses 16 to 21
Prove it! – Jesus “outrageous” claims
- “he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” John 5:18
- “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” John 5:25
- “I am the bread of life.” John 6:35
- “I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:40
- “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live for ever.” John 6:51
A rough night out!
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
John 6:16-18
Jesus commanded them to go. Why did He do this?
It was dark. Literally, but also symbolically, for He was not YET with them. It gets a whole lot worse. For the Jewish people the sea was a symbol of chaos and disorder (as in Psalm 29).
An important revelation
19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[a] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’
John 6:19-20
It is in the middle of darkness, wind and waves that He chooses to appear to them. Sometimes Jesus’ appearance can be frightening rather than comforting. They are terrified now. His voice unlocks their fears. “It is I, don’t be afraid.” Literally “I AM”, the name of God as He revealed Himself to Moses. The God of Exodus 3 has stepped bodily into history. He calmed their fears by identifying Himself.
Responding to Jesus’ voice
21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
John 6:21
He hear Him in the pages of the Bible.
Sometimes He has to take us through the storm for us to hear Him. “It is I, don’t be afraid!”
He has proved it! Trust Him!
