Slices
Prepare
Read Psalm 29:3,4. Remind yourself of the power and majesty of God who created the universe and has revealed himself in Jesus Christ.
Bible passage
Jesus walks on the water
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’ 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realised that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realised that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
Explore
When they escaped Egypt, the Israelites crossed the Red Sea at night. Remembering the Passover reference earlier in this chapter (v 4), this helps us understand the disciples’ surprising evening boat trip. To be caught in a storm in darkness far from shore must be truly terrifying, and the disciples are not reassured when they see a strange figure walking across the sea towards them.
At the Exodus God separated the sea so that the Israelites walked on dry land. Here, Jesus goes one step further (literally!). He walks upon the waves themselves. In Job 9:8 God is described as one who treads on the waves, and when Jesus says to his disciples, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid’, he is using the ‘I am’ name for God (v 20). John is leaving us in no doubt who Jesus is claiming to be.
Once they realise it is Jesus, the disciples are willing to take him into the boat. He does not force himself upon them. Even in the middle of the storm they have a choice whether to accept Jesus or not. Is John saying something to us about how we should respond faithfully when facing our own storms?
Respond
Imagine that you are in a storm-tossed boat. Perhaps this reflects an aspect of your life at the moment. Jesus walks towards you. Will you invite him in?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Chronicles 19–21; Psalm 69
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the staff members, trustees, volunteers and various projects of Mission Partner The Youth Net in Stafford. June is a month of transition for many of their groups, both secondary and primary. Pray for good endings and the knowledge that God goes with them.
Thank you for your continued prayers
We are so thankful that you bring the work of Scripture Union, our partners, and the children and young people that we reach before God in your personal prayers. If you’d like to be more involved in prayer, make sure you are signed up to receive a copy of Connecting You our supporter prayer magazine.
