John 6:16-21 (ESV)

¹⁶ When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷ got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. ¹⁸ The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” ²¹ Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

After feeding the five thousand men, plus women and children, the crowds wanted to forcefully make Jesus king. He knew their motives were wrong, and he left them so that he could be alone. His disciples went ahead of him down to a boat on the Sea of Galilee. They wanted to get to Capernaum. It was dark, so they got into a boat and headed out. Well into their journey, when they were close to halfway across the lake, the wind grew strong, and the sea grew rough. Because the Sea of Galilee is located significantly below sea level (six hundred feet), it is not unusual for cool winds to rush down upon the warm air sitting right above the water, creating sudden and even violent weather. The disciples continued to row, struggling to get across the lake. Then they looked up and were horrified. They saw a person walking across the water right toward them. They were certain it was a ghost! But Jesus literally said to them, “I am,” or “It is I.” Then he exhorted them to be not afraid. They eagerly welcomed him into the boat, and suddenly they reached their destination. Symbolically, in the Old Testament, the sea often represents chaos and destruction. Jesus calmed and brought order to the disciples’ confusion and trouble. The presence of Jesus in the boat brought them to the other side.

When Jesus walked to the disciples, it was dark, and the storm was raging. The disciples, many of whom were professional fisherman, really struggled to get the boat across the lake. Yet as soon as they took Jesus into their boat, the fierce sea was calmed. Clearly, Jesus was no ordinary man! Not only could he defy the law of nature by walking on water as if it were dry land, but he had the authority to calm the storm when he wished. Jesus had this kind of power and authority before his death and resurrection, and he has it now as he sits at the right hand of the Father. Do you feel like your life is entering an hour or season of darkness? Are your current circumstances stormy? If so, call upon Jesus. Just as he was able to control the storm on the Sea of Galilee, he is able to control the difficulties in your life. Jesus will get all who follow him safely to the other side.