5th Miracle and Sign
Jesus Walking on Water
John 6:15-21
Our series on the Seven Miracles of John’s Gospel continue with the account of Jesus walking on water in the middle of a storm. It is interesting to note that this event serves as an interlude between the feeding of the thousands and the discourse Jesus gave on being the Broken Bread of Life. Is there significance to the timing of this miracle? Let’s consider the following points:
1. A New Message
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” (John 6:27)
Jesus became aware that the people wanted to take him by force to become king (John 6:15). The multitudes had just witnessed the astonishing miracle of provision. They are seeking out Jesus for even more. The people soon discovered a change in His message. He draws their attention to the Living Bread that leads to everlasting life. Jesus was speaking about Himself. This was not a message they wanted to hear. This backdrop may help us appreciate the significance of Jesus walking on water.
2. Understanding the Priesthood
So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. (John 6:19, KJV)
Several events are happening all at once. The disciples entered a ship to seek after Jesus and were immediately confronted by a powerful storm. After rowing about 25 to 30 furlongs (3 to 4 miles), they see Jesus miraculously walking on the water. I would like to focus for a moment on the numbers 25 and 30.
In the Old Testament, if a Levite were to become a priest, he could assume some priestly duties at the age of 25. At the age of 30, a Levite could assume full priestly duties in the Tabernacle. Is it possible that the mention of these numbers is placing an emphasis on the role of the priesthood?
Earlier, the people wanted to force Jesus to become their king because of the miracles. It would be for the wrong reasons. Jesus withdrew from the crowds and is later found walking on water. His later message on Being the Broken Bread of Life is a priestly message (John 6:25-71).
3. Seize the Moment!
Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; (Mark 6:48-50)
What a scene this must have been! The disciples are in a perilous storm, trying to stay alive, when suddenly Jesus is seen walking on water. He appeared like a ghost and was going to pass by them until they cried out His name. It’s a unique way of trying to get the attention of His disciples. Lord, do not pass us by!
4. Peter Walks on Water
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)
Jesus was demonstrating the supernatural in this most amazing miracle. Peter was prompted to ask the Lord if he could come to Him on the water. Jesus gave the Word “Come” and Peter was able to step outside the boat and walk on water as long as he kept his gaze upon Jesus. When Peter took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the storm, he sank.
When Jesus saw the multitudes without food, He placed His focus upon His Father. He gave thanks and the miracle of provision took place (John 6:11). When Peter placed His focus on the Lord outside the boat, he was able to walk on water. Jesus is seeking to elevate the faith level of His disciples.
5. Entering into Rest
Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. (John 6:21)
The disciples laboured for hours as they encountered the Lord in the middle of the Sea of Galilee (Mark 6:48). Once Jesus entered their boat, they were quickly brought to shore.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:11)
There is a blessed Rest that the Lord is calling us to in this task-oriented world in which we live. During our storms, may we be sure to call upon His name and not let Him pass by our boats.
As this series commenced, the point was made that the seven miracles of John’s Gospel were more than just miracles. They are also signs which provide added insights in how the modern-day Christian can navigate through the challenges of life. This miracle first points us to the necessity of the priesthood. Secondly, it highlights the supernatural and its necessity for believers of our day. Lord, please do not pass us by!
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Revelation 5:10
And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
Tuesday: Matthew 14:29
So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
Wednesday: Genesis 32:26
And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
Thursday: Hebrews 4:1
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
Friday: Isaiah 64:4
For since the beginning of the world Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him.
Saturday: Genesis 2:2
And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
Sunday: Mark 4:39
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
