John 6:16-21, Jesus Walks on Water

16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. 

The Sea of Galilee is about seven miles across, which is a long way to row, especially in a strong wind. All this is made even the more difficult in the darkness when it is hard to discern the progress one is making. Yet it was light enough to see Jesus walking on the water, producing fear in his disciples. He comes to them and says, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Jesus not only commands their fears cease, but he identifies himself speaking the name of God. When Moses asked God his name at the burning bush, God said “I am who I am.” In this context, Jesus’ answer is identical. 

Jesus’ walking path across the water must have reminded the disciples of the parting of the Red Sea during the exodus, when God miraculous saved his people from the immediate danger of the Egyptian army. Referring to the great day of triumph, Psalm 77:16 and 19 read, “When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. . . . Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.” John continues to build the case of the divinity of Jesus for his readers. 

Yet one more miracle is in store when Jesus steps into the boat: immediately they were at their destination. Jesus merely steps into the boat and it arrives at shore. 

One cannot help but see the boat of disciples like the church herself—a small group of people in danger in the ocean of the world and the sea of culture. Away from her Master on a distant shore, she turns to fear when her eyes are off of him. Yet he never takes his eyes off of her, interceding when deliverance is needed. The disciples, like the church, need always to believe that Jesus is the true Master, the Head of his Church, who possesses all power, might, and authority. We all must follow him and not have it the other way ‘round, for in him we find protection, hope, and our future. 

Confess your sins today about taking your eyes off of Jesus and not following him and ask him to help you put even more trust in him today as your true Master. And pray for the Church, that she will do likewise.