Thoughts for the Day

Jesus Walks on the Water

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

John's account of Jesus walking on water reminded me of a funny comment I overheard some years ago. I had been sitting on a grassy bank overlooking a small stream on an estuary some miles away from the sea when I heard a young girl say with great excitement, "Mummy! They're walking on water just like Jesus!" Looking up I saw what she meant. A child and an adult appeared to be walking on water as they crossed the stream. In fact they had originally walked over some large square stepping stones, but on their return the tide had come in a little and they now appeared to be walking on water!

Well John doesn't appear to be arguing for stepping stones, though Berkeley in his commentary on John's Gospel thinks the boat had almost reached Capernaum and Jesus was walking along the seashore! Matthew and Mark's Gospels have a similar story to John's, though Matthew mentions Peter jumped out of the boat and began to walk to Jesus (Matthew 14.22-33). There are also accounts of Jesus stilling a storm, though not it seems in today's account from John who simply says "immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going".

For John miracles are signs of other things, as we know. If we think of the disciples struggling in their rowing boat (it would have been too windy for a sail) against a strong head-wind and rough water, it should help us to see a reflection of the trials and tribulations we encounter in our life. The storm serves as a metaphor for the difficulties that can overwhelm us, leaving us feeling helpless and out of control. It's in these moments that we can probably relate to the disciples’ sense of fear and desperation. When Jesus appears saying "It is I; do not be afraid" he brings comfort and reassurance to the disciples. When the waves of stress role over us, the one who demonstrates His authority over nature, can also bring us peace.

Lord Jesus Christ,
when the stresses of life overwhelm us,
whether it's something personal
or the present world situation,
but fear holds us in its thrall,
may we turn to You with confidence,
remembering Your words to the disciples,
"It is I; do not be afraid",
and know that You stand ready to help.
Amen.