Jesus had completed an amazing feat. He fed thousands of people with 1 kid’s meal…The crowd was so amazed that they decided that it was time to make Jesus King. So, Jesus went off by himself to pray. We know the story, the disciples were caught in a storm and Jesus comes walking up on the water.
Three of the Gospels highlight the story of Jesus walking on water, each has a little different perspective of what mattered. Matthew told of Peter’s venture out of the boat and Jesus saving and bringing him back in. Mark’s view leaves out Peter’s leaving the boat, but actually portrays the event as Jesus literally walking by the boat and having to be flagged down by the guys. Interestingly, Mark focuses on the disciples being confused and perplexed by Jesus not yet convinced of His deity.
John talks of the sovereign nature of Jesus. He enters the boat, calms the storm and immediately moves them to the other side. It is also interesting that Jesus knew these people’s hearts. They were going to grab Him up and make Him king with or without permission. Jesus knew they failed to understand the mission. John makes clear that He was in charge and ready to execute the Father’s mission on His time schedule.
Jesus was already growing tired of people watching for parlor tricks and handouts. He wanted them to know God and God’s love for them. So, Jesus moved forward and moved on. Still healing and meeting needs but dodging the limelight as much as was possible.
Jesus is still telling us; it is not about the parlor tricks and handouts. We need to seek the Lord and be in a relationship with Him without looking for a handout. He still commands the wind and waves, but more importantly, Jesus provides salvation from drowning spiritually! We need to chase the Kingdom of God not the treasures and acclaim of men. Then He can transform us into God’s image, and we can walk daily as one with Jesus, whether in terrible storm or on a calm sea.
God Bless You
14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Jesus Walks on the Water
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,[b] 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.
Walking With God 