Life Truth Network Master Feed

Life Truth Network Master Feed


Protectors of the Book 181 – Job part 18

June 01, 2020

review.

* Jesus had been teaching and healing in the area of the sea of Galilee.
* The crowd of 5000 from the previous Miracle were intent on making him king.
* so he withdrew into the mountains.
* His disciples were apparently left behind.

John6: 16-22 (ESV)

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea,

The same day as the feeding of 5000. It was evening time. Darkness was falling, and there was no sign of Jesus.

Can you imagine the confusion of the disciples... "now what?" Jesus went up the mountain, and was taking his time in returning... so, they went down to the sea.

Expositors Bible Commentary observes:

* Evening could be anytime from afternoon to twilight.
* The disciples may have intended to reach the other side before dark.
* The fact that the disciples waited til dark implies they expected Jesus would return before they crossed.

17 got into a boat and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

With darkness looming, and no sign of Jesus, they decided to row to the other side. Was this their original travel plan? I'm inclined to believe so since it was near time for Passover. They would be beginning their trip, and crossing the lake in this direction would be the right way.

Still, where did Jesus go, and why did he abandon them by going up the mountain?

18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.

Storms on the lake were, and still are common. Blowing in over the mountains without warning, especially at sundown.

Storms don't scare big, strong fishermen, right? Not this time. They would be afraid of something else. At the least, the storm would have them all awake, and alert as they rowed.

Expositors Bible Commentary observes:

* This time of the year, Passover, storms were prominent.
* Going to Capernaum meant rowing into the wind. Slo going, with little headway.

Lightning Bolts Arizona, USA "Used with permission from Microsoft."

19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.

The disciples may have said among themselves, "We ain't afraid of no waves!" What did frighten them? Seeing Jesus walking on the water.

The distance they were across the lake is important.

Expositors Bible Commentary claims:

* This would put them somewhere in the middle of the lake.
* One hypothesis is
* they actually saw him walking along the shoreline,
* mistaking him as walking across the lake.
* Not likely to happen with seasoned fishermen.

* Mark states that they thought he was a ghost and that all saw him and were terrified.

20 But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid."

Fear? Jesus called to them and comforts them.

21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

Fear had turned to gladness. They willingly took him in. Then, they were immediately on the other side.

Expositors Bible Commentary notes:

* This miracle is designed to show Jesus could be with the disciples in all circumstances.
* The earlier feeding the crowd showed his power over matter.
* Walking on water, and crossing the distance, showed His power over nature. A step in educating the faith of his disciples.