Jesus Walks on Water

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 6:15-21

 

John 6:19-20

So when they had rowed about ^[a]three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. ²⁰ But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

(NKJV)

 

The sea in scripture indicates chaos. In these chaotic times, we can feel like the disciples, experiencing fear and then needing to row harder, trying to reach our destination in life. The good news for us as believers is that Jesus is never far from those who believe and trust in Him. In fact, in another version of this event, Peter leaves the boat and walks on the water to Jesus but begins to sink when his eyes go off Jesus and instead focus on the storm (Matthew 14:22-33). We must learn to focus on Jesus and His word and not the storms and chaos of life.

 

After the multitude was fed, Jesus departed again for the mountain to be alone, perceiving that the multitude would come, take Him by force, and make him king (John 6:15). When evening came, the disciples went down to the sea and got in the boat heading for Capernaum in the dark, but Jesus was not with them (John 6:16-17). A great wind arose, causing the sea to rise (John 6:18). The disciples rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the water and coming near the boat, bringing much fear (John 6:19). Jesus told them it was Him and not to fear at which they received Him into the boat with the boat immediately arriving at their destination (John 6:20-21).

 

There is no record in this account of the disciples crying out to Jesus, yet Jesus shows up to deliver them. Jesus is never far from His people when they are in trouble. This is the promise of Psalm 23 which reminds us that even when facing death, the Lord is with us with His rod of correction and staff of love comforting us. For the disciples, Jesus showed up and immediately brought them to their destination unharmed. As believers, we need to remember that Jesus is never far from us to provide deliverance and protection. We must all learn to practice dependence on God and not our own understanding or abilities (Proverbs 3:5).

 

Our first reaction when trouble comes should be to cry out to God for deliverance but sadly, we may do as the disciples did, row harder to push our way through our difficulties. However, the Love of Christ for His children mean he can show up to help even when His children do not call out to him. Sadly, as believers we sometimes suffer from Gospel amnesia, forgetting that God, the creator of the universe, is with us always when trouble comes (Matthew 28:20).

 

These are troubling times with much anxiety. There is anxiety over the situation in Israel, the election in the United States, and the evil agenda of wokeness. I want to challenge everyone reading this to focus less on the situation in this fallen world and focus more on Jesus and the truth contained in His Word. It has never been more important for believers to be people of the Word, people of prayer, and for the Church family to gather together in a community of faith. Yes, the world is getting more and more evil as the return of Christ nears but this means our hope of eternity with the Lord for eternity is drawing near (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.