Seven Signs: Walking On Water

(Reflections on the sign of Jesus walking on the water in the storm found in John 6:16-21. This is part of the Seven Signs series, click here to catch up on other parts in the series.)

This is the shortest account of the seven signs in John’s account of the gospel of Jesus. You’d expect there not to be much to say on it. This remains, however, such a fascinating sign to explore.

Jesus has taken Himself away by Himself primarily so that the people who are keen to force Him to be their king get their way. He has been away for a while and the disciples decide to make a move back across the shore towards Capernaum. It’s fascinating that they wait for Him and it’s intriguing that they decide to nip across without Him. Nothing is implied to suggest that their action was out of order. Nothing to say that their actions were impatient. They choose to move on. That’s all good. Jesus has given no indication if or when He will be with them. They are experienced at the crossing, but the situation turns stormy without any sense of safety in view. The bit that tickles me the most, though, is expressed here:

They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified,

John 6:19 (NLT)

It’s a rough ride and in it those disciples expect the ship to be tossed to and fro. They expect the water to be making its way into their ship. They expect turbulence and perhaps feel a little unsettled. What they do not expect is to see in all of that chaos to see a figure walking on top of the roaring sea. Seeing that leaves them in a state that is more than understandable. There are other incidents of stormy situations with Jesus and the disciples in other gospel accounts. This one, however, is unique. Jesus is not there for the storm to calm it. Jesus is not there to invite others to have a stroll on the choppy waters. What’s the big deal, then?

He called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!”

John 6:20 (NLT)

The big deal is the lengths Jesus takes to ensure His presence is with His disciples. The big deal is establishing how the state of nature in all its upset does not stop Him from reaching where He needs to be for those who need Him the most. Stop and think what that says about Jesus. What does that say about His place when stormy situations hit those He cares for?

It is so admirable to read the response of the disciples once they know who it is that is right by their side. Once that’s clear and He’s on board, there is no problem in making their destination. They didn’t cry out to Him, He went out for them. There was something assuring to have His presence with them in the storm however brief that presence was on the ship. It’s just such a wonderful thing to note what He will do to get through to you. It is so reassuring to know His command over the elements to assert Himself to never be submerged and blown off course by the seas and winds.

It’s a sign for us to consider carefully today. Sure, there are situations where we can bring about calm in the storm. Just as much, however, there is reassurance to know however much in the storm we’re in, there is one who does not fear the storm who will do what it takes for us to take assurance by being with us and ensuring passage to the destination He’s called for us.

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Questions based on Jesus walking on the water in the storm

• What does this episode tell you about Jesus?
• What do you learn from the initial reaction to seeing Jesus?
• How does this episode help you when it comes to storms you’re going through?
• Jesus was still away by Himself when the disciples saw that it was night time. Did He choose the right thing in that circumstance – why or why not?
• The disciples are eager to take Jesus on board when they recognise Him -what lessons are there to learn from that?
• How can you support someone going through a stormy situation based on this episode?
• How is Jesus revealed as the Son of God worth believing in?

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden