What can we learn from the disciples' fear and Jesus' response in John 6:16? Setting the Scene: Evening on the Sea of Galilee - “When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea” (John 6:16). - The Twelve have just helped distribute bread to five thousand men plus women and children. Hearts are full, but bodies are tired. - Jesus remains on the mountain to pray (cf. Mark 6:46); the men obey His prior instruction to head for Capernaum. - Night settles. Distance from shore grows. Wind turns violent, waves rise, and Jesus has not yet joined them (John 6:17-18). The Disciples’ Fear - Rowing three or four miles in a headwind (John 6:19) drains strength and heightens anxiety. - Darkness hides landmarks; the Sea of Galilee is notorious for sudden squalls. - Seeing a figure “walking on the sea” (John 6:19) pushes them from concern to terror: sailors’ lore spoke of spirits on the water. - Fear grows when Jesus’ presence is not yet recognized. Physical distance can feel like spiritual distance. Jesus’ Response: Three Life-Changing Words - “But Jesus spoke up: ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’” (John 6:20) • “It is I”—literally, “I AM,” echoing God’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14. His divinity stands over the storm. • “Do not be afraid”—a gracious imperative, repeated throughout Scripture (e.g., Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:32). - As soon as they “were willing to take Him into the boat… at once the boat reached the shore” (John 6:21). His presence not only calms hearts; it settles circumstances. Lessons for Every Disciple - Obedience can lead straight into storms. Being in God’s will does not guarantee calm seas (John 16:33). - Darkness and delay test faith. Jesus let the night deepen before revealing Himself, refining trust (1 Peter 1:6-7). - Fear is met, not with scolding, but with revelation: the Person of Christ. He answers anxiety with Himself. - The safest place is the boat that welcomes Jesus. Once He is aboard, both heart and journey find rest. - Miraculous timing reminds us He commands nature. Sovereignty over waves proves He can handle any turmoil (Psalm 93:3-4). Scriptures That Echo the Theme - Psalm 107:28-30: “Then they cried out to the LORD in their distress… He stilled the storm to a whisper.” - Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” - Matthew 14:27: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” - Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.” - 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” Take-Home Truths - Jesus sees, knows, and walks atop what threatens to sink us. - His identity—“I AM”—is the antidote to fear. - Invite Him into every situation; the shore is closer than it looks when He is on board. |
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