. . . 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.” ²¹ Then they were glad to take him into the boat (John 6:19b-21a ESV)
We continue our studies in the Gospel According to John and find another familiar miracle – Jesus walking on the water. Familiarity can often lead to apathy. The more we hear a story, the less intriguing, the less impacting. We ought to pray against this attitude. The scriptures are inspired by God and have power to change our hearts!
And so, even though the miracle of Jesus’ walking on water is not new to us, we should desire that the Lord give us fresh insight and greater understanding of its truths.
The synoptic gospels Matthew and Mark also tell this story. John’s telling does not include Peter’s venture on the waters or that the storm calmed. John quite succinctly tells his readers what happened, and is sure to let us know that the disciples made it to “the land to which they were going.” (v21)
Don’t lose sight of this seemingly unremarkable detail. They made it. Across the sea, with a 1st-century boat, in the midst of a storm, in the darkness, while scared for their lives – they made it!
And why did they make it to the other side? Because Jesus was with them.
Throughout scripture, the imagery of the seas is used for chaos and evil. History is filled with what seems like oceans worth of calamity, injustice, poverty, wars, and sins of all kinds. Our own lives are filled with tempestuous events that are out of our control. Oftentimes we feel like those disciples, storm tossed in the midst of the sea, not knowing if we’ll make it to our destination.
But this story is meant to encourage us, to help us, and to build perseverance in us. If you knew that Christ was praying for you, if you knew that he was with you, if you built your life upon his promises, would that not lead to greater endurance while you sail across the violent waters?
Let us pray that we all would look to Jesus and not grow weary in our mission in this world, no matter how rough the waves are, for we have his promise, and he will bring us to our destination.