Wednesday 22nd February
Read John 6:16-21
“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. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’ 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” (NIVUK)
Many early church fathers saw two miracles in this passage, the second hidden away in the last verse. The disciples, after recognising Jesus, calmed themselves and were willing to take Jesus with them when, with no need to take him on board, the boat immediately reached the shore. After being in the middle of the lake!
Jesus’ command of the seas, they do His bidding and are as dry land beneath His feet, reflects His position as master of creation and carer for His people. Jesus’ interactions with the lake during His life are captured by the psalmist in His ode to all things that God has done for His people. Many see the miracle of the last verse reflected in the promise in bold in the psalm below.
“Some went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the Lord,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.” (Psalm 107:23-32) (NIVUK)
He has done, and continues to do, great things for us.
