Disciples – Walking In The Light

This section of scripture takes place after the feeding of the 5,000. Once evening came, the disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and sailed across the lake to Capernaum. (John 6:16-17) Jesus had not yet joined them as he was by himself on the mountainside. (vs. 15). A place like this is where He would often go and spend time with His Father in prayer.

As they rowed, a strong wind came up and the waters grew difficult to navigate. Then Jesus approaches the boat, walking on water, around the 4th watch of the night. The 4th watch was around 3 to 6:00A.M. This meant that the disciples had been rowing for about nine hours though they had only gone three to four miles. They must have been exhausted and discouraged from their constant rowing. Their response to Jesus though was fear and trepidation. Jesus then calms them and says, “It is I; do not be afraid.”(vs. 20) Once they hear His voice, they let him into the boat. Next an amazing thing happens, they arrive immediately to shore.

When was the last time you heard Jesus say to you, “It is I, do not be afraid.” Maybe not audibly but in your heart. Maybe you are much like the disciples that are discouraged and exhausted from the storms of life. You need your Savior you to bring you safely to the shore. You’ve had it with the wind and waves and now you are ready for something more stable and sure.

For me personally, the last time I sensed Jesus tell me not to be afraid has been with my counseling. I’ve needed to go to hard and unseen places of the heart that can be painful and scary. Working though rejection from people I loved has been a big one for me lately. Past pain and hurts can make it difficult to really look long and hard at the true source of where it all started. With Jesus, I was able me to go to those painful places and receive acceptance from the Father.

Where do you need to hear from Jesus, “It is I, do not be afraid.” Let him meet you like he did the disciples. Let Him step into your boat and take you to shore. He is more than willing and able.

Mountainside Miracle

Jesus is going from place to place doing miraculous signs. He crosses the Sea of Galilee and has a large crowd following him. They were drawn to Him because they saw Jesus heal the sick. As He walks, He sees a mountainside and sits down with His disciples. Next Jesus looks up and sees that throng of people coming toward him. “He communicates to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (John 6:5) Though Jesus does this as a test. He had a plan of what he could do to satisfy these hungry people. Philip responds, “It would take more than a half year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (vs.7) Philip saw the impossibility of feeding such a vast amount of people.

Now Andrew spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how will they go among so many?” (vs.9) Andrew looks at the situation they are in a little differently than Philip. He looked at what they had and yet still questioned how it could happen.

Jesus had a plan. He told the disciples to have the people sit down. “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” (vs. 11) I love that Jesus doesn’t sit them down with a “box meal” and say okay this all you get but enjoy. Not at all, He lets them have as much as they desire. Doesn’t that make the miracle of the feeding that much more?!

When they had enough to eat, he had his disciples go and gather everything that was left over. Jesus didn’t want to waste a thing. The disciples went among the crowd and retrieved twelve full basket loaves of food. Take notice that there was one basket for each of the twelve. Was Jesus trying to make a statement to the disciples? I think the left over baskets said to them that Jesus provides abundantly above and beyond what we can think or imagine.

Jesus is still in the business of providing for his children. Think over your life, in what ways has He abundantly provided for you. Take time to thank Him and believe Him for even greater provision in the future.