Walking On Water
John 6:15-25
After a long day of ministry, the disciples hopped into the same boat they had so many times before. Jesus just finished feeding and exhorting 5,000 hungry people. After a miraculous moment in His ministry, Jesus withdrew to the mountain by Himself while his disciples made their way across the sea of Galilee. These waters were not unfamiliar to a handful of the disciples who came from a background as fishermen.
Perhaps amid this storm, they asked themselves, “Where is Jesus?” Surely, He would know what to do in this situation. After all, they had just witnessed Him perform an incredible miracle earlier that day. Or maybe, like we do occasionally, they focused inwardly, forgetting Jesus and his power.
Let’s not forget where Jesus was in this moment. Remember that verse 15 tells us Jesus withdrew to the mountain by Himself. As the disciples wrestled against the harsh waters from the mountain, Jesus must have seen the storm from the mountain and known their straining. He knew they were struggling and, in an act of love and compassion, descended from the mountain to the disciples' lowness.
As Jesus approached these men whom He loved, the water made way for its creator. Soon, the disciples recognized their teacher. “It is I, do not be afraid.”
Jesus brought Himself to the disciples. He could have calmed the storm without getting into the boat. He could have guided the disciple’s vessel to the shore without walking across the water. Instead, He came down from the mountain. He stepped on the water, sought and delivered them from their storm.
This story displays the heart of Jesus towards mankind. Just as He descended from the mountain, Jesus also descended from heaven to pursue His people and free them from trials of various kinds. He did not stay far away from His beloved sheep but humbled himself as a servant and was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
How great is the love of a King who reigns in power above all nature and all things, and yet stepped into our world for the sake of displaying His love for us. Have you remembered this today? It is a simple truth that our hearts often forget.
Perhaps you are in the midst of a trial. Maybe you have seen God work in wonderful ways in the past, but in this moment He feels far off. Find comfort in knowing that Jesus sees your struggles. More than that, He steps into our boat and escorts His comfort with Him.
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.”
Psalms 18:16
Oh Lord, though I have witnessed it, I often forget of your greatness. Help me to remember the things you’ve done that I often forget. In the midst of my stormy heart, would you bring comfort, peace, and refinement? Amen.
