“It’s Only Me!”
Opening Prayer
Pray now to be alert and open to the unexpectedness of God.
Read John 6:16-24
[16] When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, [17] where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. [18] A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. [19] When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. [20] But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” [21] Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. [22] The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. [23] Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. [24] Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What do you suppose was the purpose of this miracle?Many of the disciples were back in familiar circumstances, crossing the lake to go back to Capernaum. The gathering wind might have raised their levels of anxiety, however (18). John’s Gospel tells us that God’s Word came to live among us (John 1:14), sharing our lives, our fears and challenges, and transforming them gloriously. Yet when Jesus comes to the disciples, walking on the water, their first reaction is fear as they realize something unparalleled is happening (19). Meanwhile, back on shore, onlookers are puzzled, as it is impossible for them to figure out how Jesus had arrived in Capernaum (22-24). For so many, the life of Jesus is just that: a mystery. Once again, for those with eyes to see, this sign has a great deal more to tell us about Jesus. Not only does it follow on from John’s account of the feeding, to which he makes a specific link (23), but the link with Moses and the wilderness continues, and a kind of exodus motif is clear. Jesus, however, does not simply part the water, he strides across it, as you might expect of the Lord of all creation. One greater even than Moses is here!
Apply
Watch for the unexpected actions of God in your everyday life. Ask God to help you understand them.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, how glad I am that You are always with me and I need never be afraid of You!
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