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c) Jesus Walks on the Sea (Matthew 14:22-27)
MATTHEW 14:22-27
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” (Mark 6:45-52, Luke 6:12; 24:37, John 6:15-21)
It was not Jesus’ intention that His disciples fall into the same temptation that the multitude that was fed did. They did not care about the Provider, but about the bread provided to them, thinking only of the ease of a meal without toil. There was no real change of hearts, and therefore they loved themselves more than the Son of God.
Jesus withdrew from the crowd and separated His followers from those who were critical, that they might ponder the significance of the miracle and not the bread itself. Then Christ isolated Himself from all to pray in the desert and acknowledge the miracle of His Father. By this Christ thanked Him. How do you thank your God for all the blessings and favors he has given you during your life? We will be freed from pride and haughtiness through thanking God and worshiping Him.
Before long, the disciples returned to reality. The winds rose against them and the sea ran high. They had not yet experienced the Father’s mansions in heaven, but found themselves amidst a sea of troubles without Christ. They thought that their Savior was far from them, for He was not visible to them. We, too, occasionally experience the tidewater against us, the darkness coming in on us, and the danger surrounding us, but “do not be afraid of sudden fear” (Proverbs 3:25).
The disciples must have prayed calling in the name of their Savior who was not present with them, yet he had given them teaching they would never forget. He came to them at night by sight, as they called out to the saving God. The disciples did not recognize Jesus, because they had no faith as they prayed. They thought He was a ghost, therefore they trembled and cried with fear and horror.
Do you believe that your prayers are being answered? Or are you afraid of the spirits amidst troubles and problems? Christ is coming near you even if you do not see Him. Believe in Him and you will be protected forever.
Jesus proclaimed Himself to the fearful, saying, “It is I.” This statement is well-known to the Old Testament people as the Lord’s proclamation of Himself (Exodus 3:13-14). In addition to creating bread out of little, Christ proclaimed Himself to His followers as the faithful Lord of the covenant, driving every fear out from them and saving them in their trouble and unbelief.
PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, we glorify You because You refused to be crowned as a king, who could provide bread. You continued in the way of disgrace on the cross to include us by Your forgiveness and the righteousness within Your grace. You want us to follow You not out of covetousness of bread or money, but out of attachment to You and love for You that we may believe that You are the faithful Lord who will never leave us nor abandon us to the deep, black darkness of despair.
QUESTION:
- What does the statement, “It is I” signify in the Holy Bible?