What is the meaning of John 6:20? But Jesus spoke up • The disciples are straining against the storm-tossed sea when Jesus comes to them walking on the water (John 6:18-19). At the very moment fear spikes, “Jesus spoke up.” • Scripture often shows God taking the first step toward His people in crisis: He “hears their cry” (Psalm 107:28-29) and “comes down to deliver” (Exodus 3:7-8). • Mark’s parallel account notes, “He intended to pass by them” (Mark 6:48), yet He pauses to address them. This reminds us that the Lord is never distant; He moves toward us when we need Him. • Just as He called out to Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9), and to Elijah, “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:9), Jesus takes the initiative, proving that rescue does not depend on our ability to reach Him but on His choice to reach us. It is I • His first words are not a rebuke but a revelation: “It is I.” The phrase echoes God’s self-disclosure, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). • In John’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly identifies Himself this way—“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Each claim anchors faith in His divine identity. • By simply stating “It is I,” He assures the disciples that the mysterious figure on the waves is the same faithful Lord who multiplied bread earlier that day (John 6:11-13). • Recognizing Jesus changes everything. Where His presence is acknowledged, fear loses its grip (Psalm 16:8). do not be afraid • Throughout Scripture, God couples a revelation of Himself with the command not to fear: “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10); “Take courage! For I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). • Fear thrives on uncertainty. Jesus cancels uncertainty by revealing who He is and where He stands—right beside His people. • Practical takeaways: – Recall His past faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:18-19). – Focus on His presence rather than the problem (Psalm 23:4). – Obey His command immediately; peace follows trust (Philippians 4:6-7). • The disciples’ response? “They were willing to take Him into the boat” (John 6:21). When we welcome Christ into the center of our turmoil, He brings calm—sometimes to the storm, always to the heart (Matthew 14:32). summary John 6:20 shows Jesus initiating comfort in the midst of chaos, revealing His divine identity with the simple words “It is I,” and commanding His followers to abandon fear. When He speaks, storms shrink, and hearts settle. The passage invites us to listen for His voice, recognize His presence, and rest in the assurance that the One who walks on waves also walks beside us. |
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