The Lord of the Sea
For Meditation
John the Gospel writer calls the miracles that Jesus performs “Signs.” The reason they are signs is because they point to something about the identity of Jesus. For example, we saw that the wine miracle at Cana pointed to Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah who would bring joy. Last week we saw the miracle of healing in John 5 pointed to Jesus’ identity as the the One who heals a disordered creation. So what does the “sign” of Jesus’ mysterious water-walk say about his identity and calling?
A Jewish reader hearing this story would likely recall some important Old Testament Scriptures. Perhaps they would think of Psalm 77:19: “Your way, O Lord, was on the sea; your path was on the many waters; yet your footsteps were not seen.” Or maybe they would think of Isaiah 43: “ Do not fear, for I have redeemed you… when you pass through the waters, I am with you, for I am the Lord your God.” Up until this point, Jesus’ miracles clearly point to him as the promised Messiah. But this miracle does something astonishing: it points to Jesus as One who is aligned with the God of Israel himself, as Jesus does things that the LORD alone can do. Indeed, Jesus uses the famous name of the Lord for himself in this story, “I AM,” Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid” (John 6:20).
As you prepare for worship, read Isaiah 43:1-2 and meditate on those verses in light of this story in John. How do you experience these promises in a different light as you see Jesus walking toward you on the sea?
John 6:16–21
16 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.