Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. John 6:15b-17
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:16-21 - where Jesus walks on water. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. This same account of Jesus walking on water is found in Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V17 shares that Jesus "had not yet come to the [disciples]" who had left the site of the feeding of the five thousand, gotten in a boat and were headed across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum (see this map location 5 and its proximity to Capernaum). Going back to v15 from yesterday's text, we see Jesus remaining on the mountain by Himself where He had fed the five thousand. Jesus of course is not spending time with Himself for "self-care." Jesus spends much time alone - to be in prayer and in fellowship with the Father - see the accounts of this story in Matthew and Mark, and also this post. When Jesus does connect again with the disciples, He is walking on water and calming both the water and the disciples - who were frightened by the sight of Jesus performing this miracle - the disciples (per Matthew and Mark) thought it was a ghost until Jesus gets closer to them. Jesus tells the disciples to not be afraid and the disciples then gladly take Jesus into the boat.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples reaction to Jesus' walking on water stems from an incomplete understanding of who Jesus is. At this point in the Gospel story, Jesus continues to teach the disciples and reveal Himself to them. While no believer will have a complete understanding of who Jesus is until he/she meets Jesus face to face upon glorification (going to Heaven), we are nonetheless encouraged to get to know Jesus intimately through daily study of His Word and prayer. We are then more able to recognize Jesus when He is at work. See also Romans 12:2 we are told to renew our minds so that we can recognize Him and do His will.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid fear and anxiety. Claim the promise that God will take care of you either in this life or in Heaven - either way He has you sealed and covered. Follow the example of Jesus to spend time alone in the Word and in prayer. Trust Jesus.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - I know I am covered and sealed for eternity. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
