John 6:16-21 (WEL) When evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the sea, 17 Entered the boat and were going across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and stirring up the sea. 19 Then, rowing approximately twenty-five or thirty stadia [between 3 and 4 miles, 4.8 and 6.4 kilometers], they noticed Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, “I AM; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
V16 When evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the sea,
The time of a short rest was completed. Now, it was time to begin ministering again. They left the hillside and approached the Sea of Galilee to travel to the other side.
V17 Entered the boat and were going across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
John adds a personal, eyewitness remark (“It was dark). This verse shows the setting to what follows.
This was a teaching moment for the disciples.
Principle: Just because God doesn’t answer prayer when we expect it is to cause us to pray more, be faithful, and wait for His answer.
V18 A strong wind was blowing and stirring up the sea.
Once on the sea, the winds were picking up and making transversing it more dangerous. Remember, most of the disciples lived near or on the seashore, and many were fishermen. They knew the sea and had great sailing skills and experience.
Being below sea level, storms arise suddenly and violently.
(Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary) “Situated some 98 kilometers (60 miles) north of Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee contains fresh water since it is fed by the Jordan. The lake itself is the deepest part of the northern Jordan Rift and thus the water collects there before it flows on its way. The surface of Galilee is about 230 meters (700 feet) below the Mediterranean Sea. The floor of the lake is another 25 to 50 meters (80 to 160 feet) lower. The lake itself is nearly 21 kilometers (13 miles) long and 13 kilometers (8 miles) wide at Magdala, the point of its greatest width.
“The lake is surrounded, except on the southern side, by steep cliffs and sharply rising mountains. On the east these mountains rise to the fertile Golan Heights as high as 900 meters (2,700 feet). As a result of this formation, cool winds frequently rush down these slopes and unexpectedly stir up violent storms on the warm surface of the lake. Waves such as these were easily calmed at the command of Jesus (Mark 4:35–41).”
V19 Then, rowing approximately twenty-five or thirty stadia [between 3 and 4 miles, 4.8 and 6.4 kilometers], they noticed Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified.
To use a sail at this time would be foolish, so they were rowing. Since the sea is about 9 miles wide, they had considerable distance to travel yet.
The scene before us is that it is dark, very dark because of the storm, and the winds and sea made travel dangerous.
(Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary): “The lake itself is nearly 21 kilometers (13 miles) long and 13 kilometers (8 miles) wide at Magdala, the point of its greatest width.”
In this dark and dangerous situation, John, the writer, and the other disciples suddenly see Jesus walking on the water. They knew what Jesus looked like, so they recognized Him immediately. They are already somewhat fearful, and then see someone walking on the sea.
V20 But he said to them, “I AM; don’t be afraid.”
Jesus states His godhood, “I AM.” Compare Exodus 3:14, John 8:58, and John 8:24.
Principle: When God is with us who can harm us spiritually, and with Him we do not need to be afraid. Compare: Joshua 1:9.
Buck: “I am, or I will be, denotes his self-existence, absolute independence, immutable eternity, and all-sufficiency, to his people, Exodus 3:14. Jehovah, which denotes his self-existence, absolute independence, unsuccessive eternity, and his effectual and marvelous giving of being to his creatures, and fulfilling his promises. Genesis 2:4, &c. In the New Testament, God is called Kurios, or Lord, which denotes his self-existence, and his establishment of and authority over all things; and Theos, which represents him as the maker, pervader, and governing observer of the universe.”
J. C. Ryle:
“Our Lord’s tenderness for His disciples’ feelings appears beautifully here. No sooner does He see fear than He proceeds to calm it. He assures them that the figure they see walking on the deep is no spirit or ghost,—no enemy or object of dread. It is their own beloved Master. His voice, well-known as it must have been, would, of course, help to calm their fears. Yet even that was not enough till Peter had said, “If it be thou, bid me come to thee.”
“The practical remark has often been made, that many of the things which now frighten Christians and fill them with anxiety, would cease to frighten them if they would endeavor to see the Lord Jesus in all, ordering every providence, and overruling everything, so that not a hair falls to the ground without Him.
“They are happy who can hear His voice through the thickest clouds and darkness, and above the loudest winds and storms, saying, “It is I; be not afraid.”
V21 Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
After Jesus makes His identity clear, they willingly and joyfully accept Him. Note, Jesus did not force Himself on them; they willingly accepted Him.
As soon as Jesus’s feet were in the boat, they were safely on the other shore.
Principle: We need God’s assisting grace.
Matthew Henry: “Here is their speedy arrival at the port they were bound for. (1.) They welcomed Christ into the ship; they willingly received Him. Note, Christ’s absenting Himself for a time is but so much the more to endear Himself, at His return, to His disciples, who value His presence above anything; see Song 3:4. (2.) Christ brought them safely to the shore: Immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.”
We learn:
- Jesus is my Messiah for salvation, wisdom, provision, safety, etc.
- The leadership style of God.
Questions:
- How do you depend on God?
- What is your leadership style?