From Fear to Faith

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Living God, it is another day of many voices. I seek to close my ears, my mind, to anyone or anything but You.

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.

Meditate

Christ has promised to be with us always. His presence is guaranteed, even when we lose sight of him in the pressures of life. There is no need for fear.

Think Further

Jesus’ hide-and-seek with the crowds continued as they went back and forth across the lake, but this time the focus is on the disciples. As they set out without Jesus, John gives us a view from the boat before Jesus joins them. They are more than half way across, it is dark, the wind is strong and the waters rough. The storm was scary enough, but then they see a figure walking on the water that they fail to recognize, and are “frightened” (19).

There is no hint that they had been disobedient to go off on their own. Their departure had provided some cover for Jesus to slip away from the crowd that wanted him as king (15,22). He had probably indicated that he would join them later (17). Their fear subsided as soon as they recognized him. The problem was resolved immediately and they completed their journey. There will have been little time for the disciples to review this incident because the crowd was close behind, but it must have remained strong in their memories for the rest of their lives. They would always remember his words, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (20).

The one thing that changed everything was the presence of Jesus. Despite their remaining fears (he was walking on water!), and after an initial hesitation, they were willing to take him into the boat. The text emphasizes their willingness (21); it never actually says whether he came aboard or not. The key to resolving their distress was not his presence alone. His presence required a response of faith. Then, as today, the foundation of our discipleship is the certainty of Jesus’ presence, however scary or distressing our circumstances. Like the disciples, we have a choice: battle alone or invite him in.

Apply

Apparently the disciple’s fears subsided when they recognized Jesus. What comfort can you find in this passage?

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, I claim Your promise when You said You would never leave me. I need this assurance as I ride out the storms in my life.

Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.

Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.

Yesterday’s reading

View all readings

Tomorrow’s reading