That Sounds Interesting

Today we continue our trip through sections of John’s Gospel and today is no different then before. This passage may be small, but God has big plans for this word. Now normally verse 15 is the end note of the previous story but it has it’s place here so as to enlighten us to a characteristic of Jesus. Remember, Jesus just fed the 5,000 (closer to 7,000 or 10,000) right before this section.

15 Therefore, when Jesus knew that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He withdrew again to the mountain by Himself. 16 When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness had already set in, but Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 Then a high wind arose, and the sea began to churn. 19 After they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea. He was coming near the boat, and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid!” 21 Then they were willing to take Him on board, and at once the boat was at the shore where they were heading. John 6:15-21 HCSB

We first find Jesus, after doing the unthinkable feeding, somewhat fleeing from people to the hillside by himself. Many biblical scholars will agree that this was a moment that our Savior was praying. His Apostles were most likely near by, but he was alone with His Father. Now he just fed the people around mid day and now after retreating to prayer I found something interesting. Verse 16 alludes to the idea that from his mid day rendezvous with his Father, has now turned into a 4 to 5 hour prayer and quiet time with him. From the mid afternoon all the way through verse 17 we are given the impression that Jesus prays until darkness. So involved in his prayer, that His disciples find it okay to leave him there. When is the last time we found ourselves in this situation. Did you ever think about how Jesus, being perfect, never had to ask for forgiveness, yet he is spending this much time with God. Some Christians wouldn’t know what to pray for that could last that amount of time. I struggle with this very same thing at times. We say we’re Christian, yet we don’t strive sometimes to seek God like Jesus.

Another crazy thought is who of the disciple first decided, “Hey guys, I think we waited for him enough, it’s time to go.” Not only did they suggest the idea, they were able to put it in motion. Jesus’ twelve best friends decide they don’t want to wait for him, and give the impression that they can get across that lake without Jesus. If it were me, I’d say, “How about we get far enough off shore to get Jesus’ attention, then when he sees us and comes… we go back and get him.” But that’s not what happens. They go 3 to 4 miles out into the lake.(The average person can take 20-30mins to run this distance, let alone row a boat this distance) When you row a boat, that’s a long time! On top of that, the water is getting rough and it’s dark outside. In my opinion, something is not adding up. They just left the miraculous Jesus and are in the middle of the dark and rough lake with no way to find land.. Then the word pointed the finger at me, how often do you misunderstand Jesus and decide that you know the easier way to do something? You may call these Apostles idiots, but you must remember you do the same thing sometimes! How often do we leave our self worse than we started sometimes.

Lastly, Jesus does something, which I will love him for, yet never understand. After being somewhat forgotten, Left behind, and utterly disrespected by his closest friends, he walks on water the whole distance to reach them. Notice his greeting is not one of frustration, not one disappointment, but one of joy and grace. This shadowy figure comes closer to the boat and cries out, “it’s only me, Jesus, don’t worry!” Jesus in spite of the right to let them perish in the lake, he pursues after them, and gently guides them to the right path.  He chose to love them in this time. Look for some of you reading this, you’re in the middle of what this story calls the rocky lake, it’s dark, and you’re terrified of what could happen next. Be encouraged because what may seem like a far off shadowy figure will turn out to be the Lover of our soul walking on water toward you. Literally acting in the supernatural and radically trying to grasp your attention. If that’s you today, give in to him. Be willing to let him in your boat!

How often are you praying?

How often are you telling Jesus to wait on the shore of your life while you think you can make it across the lake?

How often are you letting him in the boat?

I love you Beloved