Scripture
By Sister Deborah Hillman
Our lesson text this week begins after Jesus feeds the five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish (John 6: 7-11). The crowds were massive and they were amazed at the miracle they witnessed, and wanted Jesus to be their King, by force if necessary. Jesus realized He needed to get away to prevent this from happening, so He left to go to a nearby mountain alone, where the multitude wouldn’t follow Him.
>> As night fell the disciples went down to the sea and entered a ship headed toward Capernaum.
They had rowed 25-30 furlongs (3-4 miles), when a storm arose leaving them in dire need of rescue. Suddenly a figure appeared walking on the water and they thought it was a ghost and became afraid. Once they recognized it was Jesus the fear left, Jesus stepped into the ship, and immediately they arrived at the shore. This incident revealed Jesus has authority over everything and is the protector of all who trust in Him.(Proverbs 3: 5-6).
In the Related Scriptures; Matthew 14:22-33 gives us the detailed version with Peter asking to come meet Jesus on the water. Once in Jesus’ presence a strong windy wave blew, Peter became afraid and took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. Jesus stretched forth His hand saving him, saying “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Mark 6: 45-51 emphasizes the deity of Jesus and portrays Jesus as the Son of God. Job 9: 1-11 reminds us that God in His infinite grace, wisdom, and love for us is in control of all heavenly and earthly entities.
Synopsis
Elder Janice Hall
In the familiar lesson today, “Jesus Walks on Water”, we also make note that there are different accounts found in the gospel of Matthew and Mark, but not in the book of Luke. Jesus turned His back on the crowd to go pray with His Father rather than hearing the applause of the crowd. Jesus and his disciples had crossed over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. In obedience to Jesus the disciples were returning without Him.The ultimate destination of the disciples was Capernaum, which was where Jesus and several disciples lived during much of His ministry.
The first storm in Galilee( Matthew 8:24), Jesus was in the boat and rebuked the storm. In this storm, Jesus asked the disciples to trust Him. These verses were a description of a specially dark night for the disciples. The disciples showed frustration and fear while navigating in the midst of the wind. Jesus came to bring supernatural help and comfort to His disciples.
For Jesus, it was enough to announce His presence. Oh what a sight..!!, how glorious to see Christ in the time of despair and trouble. The work that was so frustrating a few moments before, suddenly was divinely accomplished. No sooner was Jesus with them, they were “immediately “ where they wanted to be, at their destination. (Hebrews 13:5b..) “…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Practical Application
By Sister Brittenne Boykin
In our text today we see Jesus in the midst of one of his most well-known miracles! He is walking on water! Jesus has fed the five thousand and quietly slipped out of town, lest the people who have no idea of the magnitude of His mission make Him an earthly king. His disciples have boarded a boat without Him bound for his base of Capernaum.
The text reports that the sea “arose” by reason of a great wind (vs.18). Imagine the disciples on the boat as it rocked back and forth in the choppy water looking up and seeing Christ walking toward them and they became afraid. Jesus in his great love and understanding assures them it is Him they see and tells them not to fear. In a profound lesson in action, Christ shows his beloved disciples and us that in the midst of uncertain situations when life can be choppy and the winds of circumstances blow, let us take heart in who Christ is and hear His voice as it calms our fears.
