John 6:16-21
When it was evening, his disciples went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.
Grace Prayed For
Faith in the midst of fear: To trust in Jesus’ presence and power even when we feel afraid or uncertain.
Fear Not: A Reflection on Jesus’ Presence in the Storm
In this passage from John’s Gospel, Jesus addresses a crowd who is questioning his authority and In In this passage from John’s Gospel, we witness a miraculous event: Jesus feeding the five thousand. However in this passage, we find the disciples facing a tumultuous storm on the Sea of Galilee. Their boat is tossed by the waves, and fear grips their hearts. In the darkness, they see a figure walking on the water towards them, and their fear intensifies. But then, they hear a familiar voice, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
The Storm Within
The storm on the sea can be seen as a metaphor for the storms we face in life – challenges, uncertainties, and anxieties. Like the disciples, we may feel overwhelmed and afraid when faced with adversity. We may question God’s presence and wonder if He has forgotten us.
Jesus’ Presence in the Storm
However, Jesus’ appearance walking on the water reminds us that He is not absent during our storms. He is present, even when we cannot see Him. His words, “It is I. Do not be afraid,” bring comfort and assurance. He is the one who calms the raging seas and brings peace to our troubled souls.
The Invitation to Trust
Jesus invites the disciples to take Him into the boat, but they don’t need to. The moment they recognize Him, the boat immediately reaches the shore. This signifies that our trust in Jesus can lead us through the storms of life and bring us to our desired destination. When we surrender our fears and doubts to Him, He can guide us to safety.
Lessons for Today
- Jesus is with us in the storms: No matter how dark and turbulent our circumstances may seem, Jesus is always with us. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
- Do not be afraid: Fear is a natural human response, but we are called to trust in Jesus and not be afraid. He has overcome the world, and His peace can guard our hearts and minds.
- Surrender to Jesus: When we surrender our fears and worries to Jesus, He can lead us through the storms and bring us to a place of peace and safety.
- Trust in His Timing: Sometimes, Jesus may not calm the storm immediately, but He will always bring us to our destination in His perfect timing. We need to trust His plan and timing for our lives.
Let us pray for the grace to trust in Jesus’ presence and power, especially during the storms of life. May we never forget His words, “It is I. Do not be afraid,” and find comfort and peace in His unfailing love and care.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Recognizing His Voice: Jesus identifies Himself with the words “It is I.” This reminds us that He is always present, even when we cannot see Him. By seeking to hear His voice through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate a greater awareness of His presence and deepen our relationship with Him.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post