When the winds rise and fear threatens to take hold, remember the One who walks on the waves and speaks peace into our hearts.
Key Verse:
“But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’” —John 6:20 (NASB)
Background Context:
This passage follows immediately after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. The crowd, amazed by Yeshua’s power, wanted to make Him king by force. But Yeshua knew their hearts were set on worldly solutions, not spiritual truth. So He withdrew alone to the mountain. Meanwhile, the disciples headed across the Sea of Galilee without Him and found themselves in a storm. Then, in the dark of night, Jesus came to them—walking on the water.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Jesus Walks on the Water
15So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.
16Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. 20But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
22The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone. 23There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus. 25When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
Reflection on John 6:15–25:
The crowd’s desire to crown Jesus as king reveals a common human error—we want God to fulfill our vision of salvation, not His. They saw Him as a solution to their earthly problems but missed the deeper spiritual rescue He came to provide. Instead of seizing the moment for fame, Yeshua withdrew to be alone with the Father. He was never swayed by popular opinion.
As for the disciples, they were doing what Yeshua told them to do—crossing to the other side—but found themselves in difficulty. It’s a powerful reminder that obedience doesn’t guarantee ease. In fact, it often brings us directly into situations where we must depend on Him more deeply.
When Jesus appeared walking on the sea, it frightened them. It’s ironic how the presence of the One who brings peace can initially scare us when we don’t recognize Him in the storm. But His words calm them: “It is I; do not be afraid.” These same words still speak today. Whatever you’re facing, He is present, and He has authority over every storm.
Notice also how the disciples willingly received Him into the boat—and then, immediately, they reached their destination. The presence of Yeshua not only brings peace but also progress. When He is in control, we are not adrift.
The crowd, confused by His sudden disappearance, pursues Him to the other side. Their pursuit shows spiritual hunger, but it will soon be tested—will they seek Him for who He is or for what He can give?
Application:
We must follow Yeshua for who He truly is, not for what we want Him to do for us. When life’s storms rise, don’t assume you are abandoned. He often comes in ways we do not expect, but He always comes with peace and power. Be willing to receive Him, even when His presence challenges your assumptions or disrupts your plans. And let His nearness be your comfort in every trial.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Yeshua, help me to recognize You even when life feels chaotic. Teach me to trust You in the storm and not to fear when things don’t go according to my plans. Thank You for Your constant presence and Your calming voice. I receive You into every part of my life, knowing You will lead me safely to where You want me to be. In Your holy name I pray, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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