Walking on Water

John 6:16-21

(setting)
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.

(miracle 1)
19 When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."

(miracle 2: inserted from matthew's account)
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

(miracle 3)
21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.


Rough Notes of Observations

Setting
Immediately, evening, dark
Jesus made them go vs. disciples went
Capernaum vs. Bethsaida
Wind 3x

Miracle #1
This was after 3am (4th watch: 3-6am)
He was walking on water
Terrified (ghost), not a hallucination b/c all saw him
Jesus don't don't be afraid b/c I AM

Miracle #2
Why not in Mark/John?
Peter walks on water
Peter saw the wind
Peter's faith seemed great in some ways

Miracle #3
In John, it's still the disciples taking the lead
Wind died as soon as Jesus got in the boat
Matthew records worship
Mark reminds us of loaves (previous story connected)

9 devotional thoughts from this passage...
1. Make sure that your view of Jesus is not distorted by the views of the crowd (John 6:15, 66)
2. Make sure that you spend time alone with God (Jesus spent roughly 9pm - 3am)
3. Learn to appreciate that Jesus sometimes sends us into a storm (1 Cor. 10:13)
4. Find peace in the fact that Jesus has been through the storm Himself
5. Recognize that you can’t do anything by your own power, but that you can do awesome things with God’s power (1 John 2:6)
6. Don’t take your eyes off of Jesus during your mountain-top experiences
7. Offer rebuke with a friendly hand and a loving heart
8. Truly believe that the safest place to be is in close relationship with Jesus Christ
9. Allow your experiences with Christ to elevate your evaluation of Christ (Job 9:8, John 8:58, 18:6)