"Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea" (John 6:18–19).
The account of Jesus walking on the water can be divided into three categories: a) the disciples without Jesus, b) the disciples and the unknown Jesus, and c) the disciples with the Lord they know.
First, Jesus had commanded the disciples to go across the sea ahead of Him. As they crossed, a frightful storm arose, driving them off course. The disciples frantically struggled to keep control of the boat. Meanwhile, Jesus had secluded Himself on the hill. There He prayed quietly. This picture is striking. On the one hand, we have the disciples fighting for their lives, and on the other, Jesus quietly engaged in prayer. It might seem at first glance that Jesus was disinterested, that the disciples were on their own. But they were never on their own. Jesus had sent them on their mission, and He would faithfully care for them. As they struggled, He interceded on their behalf. He knew their plight and would deliver them in His own time. This is often the situation we find ourselves in. We often face difficulties in life, and we think that Jesus in not concerned; but all the while, He is interceding for us, watching over us, and preparing to deliver us. At those times when He seems most distant, remember that He is an ever-present help, and that He is always at the right hand of God interceding for you.
Second, when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they did not recognize Him. They thought He was a ghost, and they were terribly afraid. We learn this from Mark 6:48–49. Although John does not record this reaction, we do infer from Jesus’ words, “It is I,” that the disciples did not immediately recognize Him. Whenever we do not recognize God, when we do not know Him and thus find confidence in that knowledge, we are afraid. The better we are able to recognize God’s power and hand in our situation, the less we will be frightened by the unknown.
Lastly, once the disciples recognized Jesus, they welcomed Him aboard. He immediately spoke peace to them, strengthened their faith, and delivered them. In the same manner, as we welcome Christ into our lives, confessing our dependence upon His power and grace, we are blessed. Our lives become more manageable, more peaceful, and we find delight in His presence.
John’s account of this event was written assuming his readers were familiar with the other gospels. Read Matt. 14:22–33 and Mark 6:45–52. These other two accounts of the same event fill in some details left out by John. What other lessons about the joy of knowing God can you glean from these accounts?
