, Readers who pay close attention may see that the words It is I (eg eimi) in John 6:20 literally translate as I am. This is, of course, the same translation of the holy name of God in Hebrew (YHWH, see Ex. Matthew's and Mark's accounts end at this point, but John mentions that the next day some people from the other side of the sea that looked for Jesus, noted that the disciples left without him, but they didn't know where he went. These are powerful passages. The waves saw you, God, and they writhed in convulsions; the very depths were convulsed by your presence.Your arrows flew back and forth across the sky as the clouds poured down rain and thunder from the skies.Despite the wind, your thunder could be heard, and your lightning illuminated the whole planet, causing earthquakes and earthquake-like vibrations.19 Your journey took you across the sea, your way through the vast seas, though no one could see your tracks.Because he exposes himself to be God incarnate, Jesus arrives on the waves, walking on water.To be sure, the tale finishes with the disciples declaring that Jesus is really the Son of God. One step off, and she began to drown. As soon as Jesus saw him, he reached out and grasped him. [24], Biblical scholar George W. Young dismisses the naturalistic explanations, the traditional and the historical critical perspectives. Even so, Philips doubts about Jesus ability to feed five thousand come after Christs miraculous provision of wine for a wedding feast (John 2:111). As Christians we believe that Jesus was born with a mission and a purpose as the very embodiment of Israels God, our God. Why did Jesus walk on the water? Jesus fled to a mountain by himself once more, this time knowing that they meant to come and compel him to become king by force.He and his disciples descended to the sea, boarded the boat, and set sail across the sea to the town of Capernaum as the evening arrived.It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet arrived to meet them on the road.The sea got choppy as a result of the heavy wind blowing at the time. Make it possible for these wonderful readers to believe in your brilliance! 11:1), and they questioned Gods capacity to accomplish what He had promised (John 6:52; see also Ps.78:1920).It is in this way that practically every significant occurrence in the Exodus account is replicated in John 6. [22], Finally, there are scholars who regard the story as an example of "creative symbolism", or myth,[23] which probably was understood by a part of the audience literally and by others allegorically. As if by magic, Jesus multiplies bread to supply as much as they desired (John 6:11) to the crowds, just as God had provided bread from heaven to feed His people with as much as any man could eat (Exodus 16:4). Storms, on the other hand, might rage for days on end with no sign of abating. Following the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus Christ dispatched his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee to the other side.Later that night, the disciples came upon a storm that made them feel uneasy and threatened them with death.Their dread quickly changed to horror as they saw Jesus strolling toward them across the surface of the water, and they began to believe that they were seeing the appearance of a ghost. Required fields are marked *. Had Jesus been moving, his gait may have been a clue. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesall things have been created through Him and for Him. It is common in parts of our. But when he saw the fury of the wind he panicked and began to sink, calling out, "Lord save me!" At once Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying, "You little-faith! In particular, the narrative part of the story seems to fall into the apocalyptic genre, meaning by this term a genre characterized by an accentuated symbolism and light-shadow contrasts. 349 views, 7 likes, 2 loves, 2 comments, 6 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Woodridge Baptist Church: Guest speaker, Saleim Kahleh's sermon from. The disciples were startled to see Jesus, but he told them not to be afraid. Author, coach, and speaker Danielle Bernock is an international award-winning author, coach, and speaker who specializes in assisting individuals in embracing their worth and healing their hearts through the power of Gods love.A Bird Named Payn, A Bird Named Payn, Loves Manifesto, and Because You Matter are among the books she has authored, and she also hosts the Victorious Souls Podcast.Danielle has been a committed disciple of Christ for many years. In the beginning, he tried to walk on the water, but he became terrified and began to sink. The walking on the sea episode has specific interpretations within Christian teachings and has been viewed by scholars as important due to its perceived impact on the formation of Christian ecumenical creeds, as discussed below. Weathering the storm with Jesus: As soon as Jesus entered into the boat, the storm subsided completely. This episode is narrated towards the end of the Ministry of Jesus in Galilee before the key turning points halfway through the gospel narratives where Peter proclaimed Jesus as Christ and saw the Transfiguration. [24], Others look for an origin in the mythic world of the Old Testament itself (Christ's victory over the waters paralleling Yahweh's defeat of the primeval Sea, representing Chaos),[25] or within the New Testament, as an originally simple story later embellished with Hellenistic and Old Testament details. You have such a small amount of faith, Jesus responded. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out for fear. I couldnt tell what had happened until I got to the end of the long fishing dock and found my daughter drenched and in tears. Yet, whereas Moses returned from the mountain with the law, Jesus returns with nothing but Himself. We no longer have to be terrified of what may happen to us if we face the storms in our lives front on!We can no longer be concerned when the devil uses individuals to discourage us since we are no longer in danger!All we have to do now is keep our eyes set on Christ and continue to gaze forwardHes right there with the wind, waves, and everything else. [16] Dale Allison states that Matthew's presentation emphasizes that God the Father is willing to share divine power with his son and that the impact of this pericope on the affirmation of the divinity of Jesus in the ecumenical creeds is undeniable. He did not come to make us rich, famous, or comfortable. Although I have often interacted here with posts on other blogs, I have not generally paid a great deal of attention to the comments on those other blogs. 14:2022). Got Questions Ministries is a trademark of Got Questions Ministries, Inc., registered in the state of California in the year 2002. And here in John 6:1621, Jesus stands above the sea as One with authority over it all. 4-5). It seems to me that any speculation about a miracle, sign, or wonder without an audience is rather pointless. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. 3:14), which is frequently rendered as Lord, just as it is in Exodus 14:13, which is the same translation as in Exodus 3:14. Is this the second occasion in Matthew that Jesus withdraws himself from his followers to pray in private?In order to cross the lake, the disciples must go against the wind, which results in limited progress.A vast distance separated the boat from the shore.s.f.This helps to smooth out the many stadiums that Greeley has. But I want to ask you a tough question. appears to treat the events described both as real historical events and Its only me here, so take it easy. Do not be alarmed. Now, in Marks story, Peter does not appear to have gotten out of the boat at all (Mark 6:47-51). This is not a God who is unaware of our fears, failures, and faults. [18] The meaning of the episode is held to be inherent in its miraculous nature: "The meaning of the pericope (story) only has meaning if it is understood as relating a miraculous event which really took place" (Leopold Sabourin, 1975). Miracles, signs, and wonders are simply not believable. Furthermore, John tells us that not only is the dark, chaotic sea the origin of Gods enemies, but it is also symbolic of their end (Rev. It's easy for us to see other cultures or communities doing this; it's difficult to see ourselves doing it. You of little faith, why did you doubt? he said as he reached down into the water and raised him to his feet. They cried out, because they all saw Him and were terrified (Mark 6:4850).And this brings us to the second significant point of this miracle.Jesus always comes to us in the storms of life.This is reminiscent of the words of God to Isaiah: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you (Isaiah 43:2). Then he said to the group: Hey guys, sorry I was late, but why did you all go without me? Like the account of the feeding of 5,000 people, this is both amazing and terrifying. 14:22 And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes away. Matthew also notes that the disciples called Jesus the Son of God. This post didnt get many comments, although the conversation continued with several more along the same theme as this one. 6:15 Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. 1 Pet 2:1) was found in His mouth.23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he . THATS MY JESUS, RIGHT THERE!Even when we believe we are about to drown because we are obeying Christ as He beckons us out onto the sea, He continues to urge, Come with me into the storm, deeper. Im right here.Im not going to let it get to you. It is first connected with darkness and chaos (Gen.1:2). They may intellectually begin to understand that He is the prophesied messiah, but they do not yet know that Jesus will lay aside His divine power in order to die on their behalf (Matthew 27:32-56). | Theme by SuperbThemes.Com. "Jesus Walks on Water Bible Story Study Guide." Soon doubt started forming in his mind. (Consider a mother instructing her child to take out the trash: the tone of voice may be sufficient to compel the youngster to do the chore). To put it differently, if we can trust Jesus to resolve our deepest problems, as He does through the cross and the resurrection, then how much more can we trust Him to handle the smaller trials of life? However, Jesus only draws closer and closer until, at long last, He calms them down and leaves them alone. After being invited by Jesus to come, Peter got out of his boat and for a brief few moments walked on water (Matthew 14:28-33). The gospels, on the other hand, may be safely dated far earlier.This is something Ive talked about elsewhere on the site.Essentially, the Acts of the Apostles is completed while St Paul is still alive, which is a significant accomplishment.Prior to his execution in 65 AD, he wrote this letter.If Luke wrote Acts of the Apostles as a sequel to his gospel, Lukes gospel must have been written in the early 1960s or late 1950s, based on the dates of the gospels.If Luke used Marks gospel and a proto-Matthew as sources (a proto-Matthew is a hypothetical earlier Hebrew-Aramaic collection of Jesus stories and sayings), then Mark must have been composed in the mid-50s and proto-Matthew must have been composed in the early fifties, or even as early as 45 AD, according to some scholars. Matthews narrative goes into greater detail about the scenario than the other two accounts.They had all finished their meals and were satisfied, and the disciples collected twelve baskets full of broken bits that had been left behind.In addition to women and children, there were around 5,000 males who participated in the meal. One of our friends heard the splash and very quickly dove in after her. Its important to note that John did not have to include this miracle.1 The decision to include this miracle at all, including where John places it and how he describes it, therefore carries a specific significance. Yes, he walked on water, stilled the wind, healed and restored. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 8:26 when calming the storm or 16:8 regarding bread and the Pharisees just before the Confession of Peter) and may mean "of no faith". There is no need to invoke Intelligent Design over and above the creative power of God through his natural process; although ID cannot be ruled out, the gaps, where an adequate natural explanation does not also exist, are shrinking. [1][2] In all three gospels it follows the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus had withdrawn by ship to a desert place "belonging to"[3] Bethsaida after hearing of the death of John the Baptist, but was followed by the crowds who travelled on foot. 8:18; 2 Cor. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. But he assured them, saying, It is I; do not be alarmed. Then they were willing to put him in the boat, and the boat arrived at the shore where they were headed almost immediately (John 6:1621).There are numerous essential elements to note regarding this miracle.First, Matthew informs us that the boat was already a great way from land, buffeted by the waves since the wind was against it. We pulled in shortly before check-in, so my husband took our three-year-old out to the water. The connections are so strong that the crowds recognize Jesus as the promised prophet like Moses (John 6:14; see Deut. In fact, He builds on the parallel, ascending a mountain alone (John 6:15) as Moses had before Him (Ex. 47 And when even was come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. Get our Question of the Week emailed to your inbox every weekday morning! Finally, the crowds response to Jesus mirrors Israels response to God. 11:79). In Isaiah 57:20, the sea is said to symbolize wickedness, since its constant waves stir up mire and dirt. These passages shed light on the meaning of Johns vision that the sea was no more in Gods new creation (Rev. Is the narrative based on true events?When we read the gospels, the raw truth of the stories is what hits us the most.These are not imaginative fictions, but rather eyewitness testimonies from the time of the events.A further point to consider is that the more ridiculous the narrative, the more probable it is that it is a true account of genuine events, rather than an invention.While its understandable if someone is writing fantasy fiction, we shouldnt be surprised if bizarre events occur. Moses also doubts Gods ability to provide enough food (Num. But what about the major exodus event of the crossing of the Red Sea? Jesus is still with us in the storm, reminding us of what Hes done, strengthening us for the trials we face, and encouraging us not to forget that our biggest problems have already been solved. If we really believe this, the acts of Jesus described in the gospels are not arbitrary acts they are part of his mission and the prophetic witness. However, although Moses came from the mountain with the law, Jesus returns from the cross with nothing more than Himself. The miracles are reported as taking place years apart from each other, but in both miracles apostles are fishing unsuccessfully in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus tells them to try one more cast of the net, at which they are rewarded with a great catch (or "draught", as in "haul" or "weight"). The New Testament Bible story of Jesus walking on water is one of the most widely told narratives and key miracles of Jesus. Using similar language, Philip asks Jesus the same (John 6:5). Bergquam noted he did not find any evidence of chemicals in the water, but anecdotally, what he did discover is jarring. He was begotten not created. Learn Religions, Sep. 7, 2021, learnreligions.com/jesus-walks-on-water-700220. Lord. !) But we believe this, I believe this, not because it is a creed separate from scripture, but because it is a condensation of scripture. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish. Instead, Young explores the pericope with literary-critical methods as narrative art. 11:1), doubting Gods ability to give what He promised to provide (John 6:52; see Ps. The hymn It Is Well with My Soul by Horatio Spafford begins, Whatever Satan buffet / though tribulations approach, / Let this blest certainty control: / That Christ has respect for my helpless position / And has bled his own blood for my soul. Edward Motes poem My Hope is Built on Nothing Less says, When darkness obscures his lovely face / I rest on his unchanging grace. Not for convenience but as part of his mission. Covering topics including Miracles, Peace, Strength, And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. Some of Jesus followers are fishermen who are accustomed to being on the Sea of Galilee at the time of his death. Note, too, that Moses doubts regarding Gods ability to provide meat came after the miraculous provision of manna (Numb. As soon as Jesus stepped into the boat, the wind stopped, and everyone was surprised.The danger was no longer a threat.They couldnt comprehend what I was saying.Although they had hardened hearts, Jesus was nevertheless able to assist them despite their lack of comprehension.The story of Mark can inspire us to accept Jesus into our insane, chaotic situations in order to provide tranquility, even when we dont understand how. Concentrating on Jesus: Peter did not begin to sink until he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to gaze about him at the wind and the seas. Only John's account has their ship immediately reach the shore. The amazing thing is that in faith Peter started walking on the water toward Jesus. And He encourages us not to be scared!In the midst of the storm, when everything seems to be crashing and shattering around us, when we are in the midst of the storm and nothing makes sense, Jesus assures us that Im with you. That is incredible!That gives me a sense of security! However, He still could not keep his fear at bay in order to stay afloat. 23 And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone. In the book of Psalms, the sea is frequently used to symbolize tremendous uncertainty and insurmountable difficulty (e.g., Pss. Liberal rationalism here we come. Is this a foreshadowing of Jesus agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:36-42). Learn Religions. Jesus, on the other hand, walked on the water. By walking on water in the middle of a furious storm, Jesus demonstrates His power and compassion for His people. It is I. [23] Furthermore, the motif of walking on water was associated with kings like Xerxes or Alexander, but also rejected and satirized as humanly impossible and as proverbial for the arrogance of the rulers by Menander, Dio Chrysostom or in 2 Maccabees 5:21. A few minutes behind them, I meandered over towards the dock full of people I knew. He didnt swim out and stand on a sand bar. It is because John wants us to see Jesus as the greater Moses, as he has already told us both explicitly ( John 1:16-17) and implicitly (Moses could only draw water from the rock, while Jesus could draw wine from the rock, the stone jars; see Ex. They display the power of God. Jesus Walks on Water Bible Story Study Guide. It was such a remarkable difference that the disciples exclaimed Truly you are the Son of God. The only fitting response to what they had just witnessed was to acknowledge and glorify Jesus as the incarnate I AM. 14:13).2 The implication is clear: we have nothing to fear so long as God is with us, and He is with us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore, our little problems by comparison are light and momentary troubles that are preparing us for an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (Rom. phrase walked on the water was used, the minister corrected people 14:3436; Mark 6:5356). Recognizing the Lords presence: Despite the fact that they had been with Jesus for a long time, the disciples did not recognize him as he approached them in the midst of the storm. It was suggested that there is a negative correlation between taking the position that theistic evolution is the best description of Gods method of creation method and a willingness to believe in the miracles related in scripture, in the Old Testament, and more importantly in the New Testament. 16:4). What is the significance of Jesus calming the storm? The allusion to the apostle Peter walking on water is not present in the gospels of Mark and John, on the other hand. All rights reserved. Right after Jesus calmed the disciples fear by telling them, " it is I " "Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.". Then they witnessed Jesus walking toward them across the surface of the water, and their fear turned to terror because they believed they were seeing a ghost. Despite his hectic schedule, Jesus made spending time with God a primary priority in his daily life. The episode occurs shortly after another miracle, the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus is compassionate towards those under His care as He reaches out His powerful hand of salvation. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They were frightened, thinking that they were seeing a spirit, but when Jesus told them not to be afraid, they were reassured. And this is what worship is, acknowledging who God is and praising Him both for who He is and for what He has done.It was in this story that the disciples took the first step and worshiped Jesus as the Son of God.Return to: Questions about Matthew What was the meaning of Jesus walking on water? Jesus is not a ghost hovering over the water to wow people. As Peter later writes to the persecuted church in 1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. There are accounts of this event in three Gospels Matthew, Mark, and John but it is not included in the Gospel of Luke. Therefore, in John 6, Jesus is revealed as the One who brings about the new exodus, that is, the true liberation of Gods people from slavery to sin, the inevitability of death, and the just judgment of God. Jesus both saved Peter from his sins and moved him to share His faith with others. 21:45). The narrative serves as a reminder to Christians that when the Lord appears to them in the midst of their own personal troubles, they may not recognize him. In the days of Noah, the sea was the instrument of Gods deadly judgment (Gen. 6:17). 20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Peter jumped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus, but the moment he took his eyes offof Jesus, Peter saw nothing but the wind and waves, and he started to sink. This was the first time Jesus was called the Son of God by the disciples, a statement that, in fact, built on what they had said earlier about Him in Matthew 8:27: What kind of man is this?Even the winds and the waves obey him. Here they answer their own question: Truly you are the Son of God. Though they had a long way to go in their spiritual understanding, the disciples were growing in their faith in the Lord.Also, this was the first time the disciples are said to have worshiped Jesus.In Matthew 2:11, the magi from the East worshiped Jesus.Later, a leper is said to have worshiped Jesus (Matthew 8:2). The study hypothesized "a rare combination of optimal water and atmospheric conditions for development of a unique, localized freezing phenomenon." [2] I've got a lot more problems with "Jesus walks on ice" than with their Red Sea crossing theory. Some academics see connections between this event and the story of Moses bringing the children of Israel across the Red Sea during the Passover celebrations in the Old Testament.We wont go into as much into on the symbolism in this section.The relevance of the narrative for us today will be found by comparing and contrasting the three different versions of it that were all recorded shortly after Jesus fed the multitude of five thousand people. In order to demonstrate to his disciples that he is more than a miraculous worker or charismatic leader, k on water? / His oath, His covenant, his blood, / Support me in the whelming flood. But then the strong wind took his focus off of Christ. Be brave and do not be scared. And as he got into the boat with them, the wind stopped blowing.And they were completely taken aback, for they had no idea what was going on with the loaves, and their hearts had hardened (Mark 6:44-52).Mark begins with a matter-of-fact demeanor, but by the conclusion of the chapter, he has shown surprise. 9 Although I can see him as he passes me, I am unable to recognize him when he passes me. Though Satan should buffet / though trials should come, / Let this blest assurance control: / That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate / And hath shed his own blood for my soul (It Is Well with My Soul by Horatio Spafford). [24] Rudolf Bultmann pointed out that the sea-walking theme is familiar in many cultures. O'Connor's dazzling first novel tells the hilarious and disturbing tale of Hazel Motes, a young Georgia man whose obsession with God leads him to run from God as fast as he can, only to crash head-on into the wall of Jesus and religion. 17:17; John 2:112). 11:13). Fairchild, Mary. It is true that the disciples were scared because their hearts had been hardened as a result of their failure to comprehend the loaves. Come, he instructed.As a result, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked across the water to reach Jesus.His fear increased, though, as he noticed the wind. This is the sea where Peter took a faltering step toward Jesuson the water. To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: Acts 1:3. God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum. It didnt actually take place. In order for these mythological components to have been late additions, the gospels would have had to be written a considerable time after the actual events of Jesus life, which is contrary to all arguments concerning a late chronology for Jesus life that have been advanced.All four gospels were completed by 80 AD, even if the most optimistic modernists choose the most recent plausible dates for their creation.That is just fifty years after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the calendar.People who had been eyewitnesses to the events were still living at the time.I recall what occurred fifty years ago, do you?If not, your parents will tell you what happened. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. Because of its religious significance, the narrative serves as the foundation for numerous fundamental life teachings that guide believers in their religious practices. / His blood, His oath, His covenant, / Support me in the whelming flood. Because Jesus desired the people who were following Him about to think that He was the Son of God, he went to such far as to kill himself.The only way to do this was by the performance of divine trickery, sometimes known as miracles.Because of this, He performed every miraclein order for us to realize He was real!He would have been easily dismissed as one of the most insane guys who ever lived if it werent for the miracles He performed.It is His ability to do miracles that distinguishes Him as God in the flesh!His miracles were so impressive that He even warned the legalistic Jews who were attempting to stone Him, If you dont accept what Im saying, at the very least believe me based on my miracles (see John 10:31-39). 33:45). It wasn't identified exactly in The Bible the year on which JESUS walk on the water but we can say it was perhaps year 33 as JESUS walkes on the water after His resurrection from. But as we call out to Jesus as Lord and Savior, He is quick to reach out His hand. The New Testament Bible tale of Jesus walking on water is one of the most commonly repeated narratives and one of the most significant miracles performed by Jesus in his lifetime.The incident takes place immediately after another miracle, the feeding of the 5,000 people, had taken place.This experience persuaded the twelve disciples that Jesus is, in fact, the Son of God who is still alive. 5:21; Heb. For those who are familiar with the Old Testament, John 6 may appear to be a recreation of the exodus account, in which the Passover is a significant element, as it does to those who are not.In the first place, we have the proliferation of signs and wonders, similar to what happened in Egypt (cf.Ex.
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