When Jesus Shows Up

“That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for Him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but He called out to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here!’ Then they were eager to let Him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!”

John 6:16-21 (NLT)

On the heels of feeding over five thousand plus people on the hillside, Jesus retreated to be alone. The crowds were understandably impressed with both Jesus’ teaching, miracles and provision! John tells us, in verse 15, that Jesus had to slip away into the hills by Himself to get away from the crowd as they were ready to force Him to be their King. But that wasn’t why Jesus came, and He knew that their motives were not pure. They wanted an earthly king who would deliver them from the oppression of Rome and satisfy their every physical need. Later, in this chapter, Jesus said to the fickle crowd, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with Me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you.” John 6:26-27 (NLT)

As Jesus slipped away into the hills, the disciples went down to the shore to wait for Him. Since it was getting dark and Jesus had not returned, they got into the boat and headed across the lake without Him. It wasn’t long before they found themselves in a fierce storm on the lake. While struggling to stay afloat and alive, John tells us that Jesus suddenly showed up! He came to them walking on the water toward their boat! Imagine being in the boat with those disciples. You would have been as terrified as they were! But Jesus calls out to them, “Don’t be afraid, I am here!” In the language of the New Testament, Jesus uses the very name of God. He says, “Don’t be afraid, The I AM is here!” Wow! When they let Him in their boat, the Bible says, “they immediately arrived at their destination!” John 6:21 (NLT) That was a bonus miracle!

Are you going through a storm in your life? It’s easy to think that storms only come when we are out of the will of God, like Jonah. But, according to Mark’s account, these disciples were doing what Jesus told them to do, and yet they found themselves in the midst of a storm, alone and afraid. If you’re going through a storm in your life, take comfort in knowing that your Savior will come to you and bring you to your destination. The great I AM is with you!

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To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

As you continue your quiet time, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected to God and the family of Christ. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board offers a simple space to lift others in prayer and let them know you are standing with them. You can also share your own request and receive prayer support whenever you need it.

Another way to grow in your faith is through giving. This season, we’re celebrating how God is moving in the next generation by placing a Bible in the hands of every student connected to Kerry Shook Ministries. To join us in this mission, click here: Be Part of Growing Faith That Endures.