Things are about to get real with Jesus in this chapter. We see today that the crowd wants to make him king. But before we’re done in this chapter, Jesus will lose most of his disciples.
For today, we have the fifth sign of seven in John - walking on water. This is another miraculous sign that does not drastically change an individual’s life, but shows Jesus’ authority over creation.
I don’t know about you, but the deep of the waters of the earth fascinate me. I’ve lost many an hour on YouTube watching videos about this or that newly-discovered creature or just how brilliant octopi are. They say we know more about outer space than we do the deep recesses of the ocean right here on our own planet. In many ways, the ocean is still quite mysterious.
And if it’s still mysterious today, imagine just how much more so it was 2000 years ago. Scholars note that traveling on the Mediterranean Sea or even the Sea of Galilee would present a particular mindset for people of the time. Water was certainly known to be important as a drinking source and eating source, but it still held a significant amount of respect and fear of the unknown.
Continuing in a bit of a Genesis motif, Jesus can stand upon the waters. Jesus walking on water doesn’t just resolve the disciples’ immediate fear—it’s a declaration that he has authority over chaos itself. They (the waters) do not control him, but he, them. And as he does, we also hear echoes of Exodus again - I AM.
Do not be afraid.
John 6:14-21
When the people saw that he had done a miraculous sign, they said, “This is truly the prophet who is coming into the world.” Jesus understood that they were about to come and force him to be their king, so he took refuge again, alone on a mountain.
When evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and were crossing the lake to Capernaum. It was already getting dark and Jesus hadn’t come to them yet. The water was getting rough because a strong wind was blowing. When the wind had driven them out for about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He was approaching the boat and they were afraid. He said to them, “I Am. Don’t be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and just then the boat reached the land where they had been heading.
Psalm 107:28-30
So they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and God brought them out safe from their desperate circumstances. God quieted the storm to a whisper; the sea’s waves were hushed. So they rejoiced because the waves had calmed down; then God led them to the harbor they were hoping for.
Prayer
God,
“Waters of chaos” are swirling. Or at least, it feels that way to many right now.
Thank you for being the one who calms chaos, who stands over the waters, and who whispers to us, Do not be afraid. In a world that feels overwhelming and unpredictable to so many, remind us that you are present, steady, and sovereign over all creation.
Help us to trust in your authority, even when the waves rise and the storms come. Teach us to see your power not as something distant or abstract but as deeply personal—meeting us in our fear and doubt, inviting us to faith and peace.
When we feel small in the face of the unknown, remind us that you are the great I AM, the one who walks with us, who calls us to courage, and who brings us safely to shore.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.