Row To Shore

When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading. (John 6:16-21)

It's about one-upmanship.  Moses split the sea.  Jesus walked on it.  John continues to emphasize that Jesus is the new Moses and is divine.  Did Moses really split the sea?  Did Jesus really walk on water?  To answer “no” to each question is perilous for any Christian expressing what they really think – their doubt. The backlash from believers in these miraculous events can be major.

Astonishingly, after Jesus identified himself and told them not to be afraid, Peter, one of the disciples, replied, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus said to Peter, "Come." Then Peter got down out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus.

Well, if Peter could walk on water, then so can we.  But how?  Simply by keeping our eyes on Jesus and not looking down to be seized by fear.  When we trust in Jesus, we will not sink even when the winds blow hard and the waters are choppy; that is, when we experience life’s many difficulties and hardships.  Jesus keeps us afloat when we walk with confidence along his path whether on dry land or on wet waters.

Jesus said, “It is I. Do not be afraid even when you are three or four miles from shore.”  He will help us row back.  We just have to take the oars.  He will row besides us.

Deacon David Pierce