In today’s sermon, we will continue in chapter 6 of the book of John. We took a look at Jesus walking on the water. To review, so far we have read through John’s account of:
Jesus turning the water into wine
The healing of the royal official's son
The healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda
The feeding of the 5,000
Let’s take a look into the sign Pastor Adam spoke about this week. Jesus and ordinary people are crossing paths and their lives are changed forever. The disciples were in a boat and a storm came. It was dark and they were scared. Today, you may find yourself in a storm. Not a meteorological storm, rather an emotional or financial or relational storm. Some storms seem to come out of nowhere, others you can see on the horizon. We know that studies show that we are facing an unprecedented level of stress. We probably don’t need anyone to tell us the statistics as we are living it in our daily lives. In today’s sign we are reminded that Jesus shows up in the midst of the storms that we face.
May our hearts be open this week as we take a deeper dive and really look at this sign in the book of John and cull out truths for our own lives today.
MONDAY:
In the beginning of John chapter 6 we read and learned about the feeding of the 5,000. Following this amazing sign, we see that Jesus went away to be by Himself and the disciples got in a boat to go to the other side of the lake. Let’s read John 6:16-17 (NIV) “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.” Then verse 18, “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.” I wonder what was going through the disciples minds at this point. Just imagine being on the water-in the dark-in the First Century!!! Actual weather storms or metaphorical storms cannot be prevented and don’t arrive on OUR schedule. We don’t have a “trouble free” pass just because we are a Christian and follow Jesus. We all face trouble and storms. Maybe you are facing a really big storm. Maybe you feel one stirring. Read and rest in the words of Jesus as written in John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
TUESDAY:
So the disciples have found themselves in a boat, in the dark. Surprised? Afraid? And then…”When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened.” John 6:19 (NIV) The wind is blowing, the waves are crashing, it’s hard to tell what you are seeing, but you are definitely seeing something. Someone!! John says, “they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water;” (6:19b) At times we may feel frustrated when our prayer seems to go unanswered or answered but not how we planned. The storm is going and Jesus is walking on the water to them. The disciples had seen Jesus perform other miracles and yet this verse specifically says they were frightened. This wasn’t even the first boat/storm story. (Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25). Jesus was asleep when a storm hit and the disciples had to wake Him. He even asked them why they were so afraid and then He rebuked the storm and it stopped.
Read the story of Jesus calming the storm and read John 6:19 again. Are you facing an unexpected storm? Do you see both the storm and Jesus? Where is your focus going? Pastor Adam reminded us that no matter what we are facing, we can count on Jesus’ presence.
WEDNESDAY:
Jesus doesn’t promise to calm every storm. But don’t be discouraged, let’s read John 6:20 “But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” To go a little deeper, we can read that in English, but there is a deeper meaning. In Greek it reads “I AM-do not fear”. This goes back to Moses being commissioned to go to Egypt and set the people free. He asks who do I tell them sent me, Tell them I AM sent you. Not a title. GOD!!! (Exodus 3:13-14). Now back to the book of John. Jesus walks to the disciples. On the water. In the dark. In the storm. I AM is with them. This account is also in the book of Matthew and Mark, although John wrote about 30-40 years after Matthew and there are a few details that are different. (Remember more than one person witnessed this so they each have a different perspective and Matthew included the account of Peter walking on the water to Jesus).
Matthew 14:32-33 (NIV) “And when they[Jesus and Peter] climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” The very One that created the waters that surround them is with them. He is God over the storm! John described Jesus in John 1:3 “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” The One who is with them is I AM-He was and is and is to come. And, He is with you in the middle of your storm.
THURSDAY:
We know the disciples are seeing Jesus and the storm and they are frightened. How do they respond to all of this? John 6:21 “Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” It’s interesting that it says “they were willing”. . It’s Jesus! The One who has done all the other miracles! Maybe, just maybe, you are looking at the storm and at Jesus and you are frightened, yet hesitant to invite Him into your mess. When we willingly invite Jesus into the boat with us, we are giving Him consent or permission to take over. Surrender. Maybe you’ve invited Jesus into your life generally, but not into a situation specifically. Do you struggle with the thought of giving God permission? Is surrendering hard for you? He is willing, ready and able to meet you in the middle of whatever storm you are facing. The storm that you cannot control or stop. Pray and invite Jesus into your boat.
FRIDAY:
Think about this statement, “God is with you… you are not alone in the storm. He never promises we won’t have a storm, but He does promise He is with us. Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Let’s look again at John 6:21 “Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” Not only did Jesus get in the boat with them, the verse says they got where they were going immediately. We are separated from God because of sin, however when we become a child of God, we immediately belong to Him. This has nothing to do with how good we are and how hard we work-it’s God’s grace. He will take you safely to your destination.
SATURDAY:
Take some time today to read through John 6:16-24 and ask God what He would like you to see or know or learn.