What does "It is I; do not be afraid" reveal about Jesus' identity? Setting the Scene Matthew 14:27: “But Jesus spoke up at once: ‘Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid.’” (See also Mark 6:50; John 6:20.) Unpacking the Words • “It is I” translates the Greek ἐγώ εἰμι (egō eimi). • Literally, “I am.” • Not a casual self-identification; it carries weight all through Scripture. Echoes of the Divine Name • Exodus 3:14—God discloses His covenant name: “I AM WHO I AM.” • Isaiah 43:10–11—“So that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He.” • By choosing the same wording, Jesus signals continuity with Yahweh’s self-revelation. Master of Creation • Job 9:8 speaks of the LORD “treading on the waves of the sea.” • Jesus literally walks on the water, demonstrating authority that belongs to God alone. • Colossians 1:16–17—All things “were created through Him and for Him…and in Him all things hold together.” Personal, Present, Peace-Giving • The first words the storm-tossed disciples hear are not a rebuke but an assurance of His presence. • Isaiah 41:10—“Do not fear, for I am with you.” • Philippians 4:7—His peace “surpasses all understanding” and guards hearts when circumstances roar. Links to Prophecy and Promise • Psalm 107:29—The LORD “stilled the storm to a whisper.” Jesus enacts this psalm in real time. • Zechariah 10:4—Messiah called “the cornerstone, the tent peg.” Stability in chaos flows from Him. Implications for Disciples Today • Jesus is not merely a wonder-worker; He is the great “I AM,” God in the flesh. • Because He is God, His command “do not be afraid” carries power to banish fear. • Trust in His sovereign presence turns panic into worship, as the disciples respond in Matthew 14:33, “Truly You are the Son of God!” |
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