Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson
2. Jesus withdraws from the clamor for his crowning (John 6:14-15)
JOHN 6:14-15
14 When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, “This is truly the prophet who comes into the world.” 15 Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
Jesus came to the world to win over mankind. After his feeding of the five thousand, people gathered around him eagerly. They clapped and danced to do homage for him as king. They realized that this Galilean was God’s man; God’s voice spoke through him, and the power of the Highest was magnified in him. Nature obeyed him. He had given them bread as Moses did in the wilderness. He was the promised prophet to lead a despised race into truth (Deuteronomy 18:15). They also thought that if Jesus became their king, they would not need to work or tire in the future. "We shall have time to study Scripture and pray, and he will give us food freely. Such a king would be powerful enough to defeat Roman armies. He may even bring down from heaven fire that would consume them. So let us crown him and proclaim him king." They all as one approached him to bear him on their shoulders. They would support him in the hope that he would support them with the needed sustenance.
What was Jesus’ stand towards this popular movement? Did he rejoice and thank them for their trust in him? Did he succumb to the temptation and build his Kingdom with the help of unbelievers or did he repel their plans? No, he did not say a word, but withdrew into the wilderness. He did not wish to be borne by men; he was content for God to uphold him. Jesus knew the state of these enthusiasts; drunk with ecstasy they were unable to listen to his advice. This was a political union fused together in one idea.
Jesus had no wish to build an earthly kingdom, but rather to lead people one by one to repentance and rebirth. No one can enter the Kingdom except by the second birth. The crowds failed to grasp the aim of the miracles and signs. They thought of earthly bread; he spoke of the Holy Spirit to satisfy a deeper hunger. They meant earthly dominion and fading glory; he chose the cross as the basis of his Kingdom. Without repentance and a second birth you cannot enjoy the welcome of Christ.
Jesus did not need the homage of the multitude. He did not accept the glory of men, but listened to his Father’s voice. He shut his heart to Satan’s temptation. He withdrew to pray, to thank the Father and plead that the eyes of the blind might be opened by the Spirit. He would not consent to be crowned by men, knowing that they would cry ‘Hosanna’ one day, and ‘crucify him’ the next. Christ knows our hearts and is never led astray.
3. Jesus comes to his disciples in distress (John 6:16-21)
JOHN 6:16-21
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 and they entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing. 19 When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 21 They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat. Immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
When Jesus was in the seclusion of the Golan heights, he saw afar off his disciples exhausted as they struggled with the storm. As night neared he went towards them on foot over the waves of the lake. He did not leave them alone to face danger, but they mistook him for a phantom and were terrified. Fishermen sometimes imagine they see ghosts since they spend much time at night on the water’s surface. Jesus came and spoke distinctly and kindly, "It is I." This expression became the basis of the apostles’ faith. We find in the Old Testament an equivalent "I AM" to signify the Lord’s presence with believers. The disciples perceived that Jesus possessed all authority over the elements; bread multiplied in his hands, the waves bore him aloft, the storm abated at his bidding. Grasping this they were still more fearful. So he bid them not to fear. This commandment, "FEAR NOT" is for his followers at all times, and occurs 365 times in the Bible, one for each day in the year. Trusting Christ’s presence overcomes our fears. Whatever your state or however grave your problem, Jesus says, "It is I, fear not."
When the disciples recognized Jesus they were amazed and invited him into the boat. At once they reached the shore. This is the third part of the miracle on the same day. Jesus is Lord of Space and Time and can lead the vessel of the Church in the midst of the storm and the billows to its destination. He loves the disciples and comes to them but requires absolute trust in himself. He strengthens their confidence in him in the midst of darkness and trial so that fear is removed and they cling to him always.
QUESTION:
- For what reason did Jesus refuse to be crowned king by the multitude?