Our Security for Eternity - the Gospel of John Sample

Read: John 6:16–24

SOAP: John 6:19–20

Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they caught sight of Jesus walking on the lake, approaching the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

In yesterday’s reading, we noticed similarities between the way God provided manna for His people in the wilderness and how Jesus provided bread for those following Him. Today, we’ll see another similarity to the Exodus narrative, showing how Jesus has control over water the same way God had control over the water of the Red Sea in Exodus 14.

In the ancient world, the sea was a great unknown. People did not have the tools we do now to measure water depth nor the quality and reliability of sea craft. The Sea of Galilee is surrounded by hills, often causing storms to swirl and become fixed on the lower area over the sea. Even today, motorized boats are advised to remain ashore when storms come up. The disciples were afraid of the sea, caught in a storm, and sitting in a wooden, non-motorized boat. Of course, they were afraid.

When Jesus approached them during the storm, they did not recognize Him. He was walking on the lake, something they had never seen. Jesus showed His power and authority over nature as He walked on the sea toward the boat. He approached His disciples and comforted them, saying “Do not be afraid.” Immediately the boat reached land safely. Only God Himself could have authority over nature in this way, and in His actions, Jesus revealed, once again, who He is.

John uses these two signs to connect his readers to the miraculous events surrounding the deliverance of God’s people from Egypt. In doing so he shows how Jesus has the same power over nature, to provide food and control seas, as God the Father.

God showed His power and authority over creation, specifically water when He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites and closed it on the Egyptians. And God provided bread for His people in the desert; provision for them to live, by giving them manna each day.

John sets up his narrative in reverse order, beginning first with the provision of bread when Jesus fed the five thousand. Then, John showed Jesus’ authority over water as Jesus walked on the sea in the middle of the storm. These signs were chosen specifically to prove to John’s audience that Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to eternal life.