The 'I' of the Storm

The ‘I’ of the Storm
Moments of vulnerability are moments of opportunity for God’s blessing.

John 6:16-24

It was no coincidence that, after being buoyed up by the miracle of loaves and fish and doubtless enjoying the crowd’s adulation, the disciples now faced a humbling experience which would teach them fresh dependency on Jesus. He knew what lay ahead that night, and the importance of the further revelation of his identity for the disciples.

Jesus allows them to confront their need and vulnerability. The disciples were not novices, they were skilled fishermen who knew the lake. But John gives enough clues to reveal the mood: it was dark; Jesus was not with them; they were struggling with strong winds and a rough sea. It can sometimes feel like this in our own discipleship. Despite our experience or abilities, we’re not making progress; the mood is dark and sometimes despairing; and often it seems that the Lord sends us on this journey to teach us something significant about himself.

Jesus then assures them of his presence. In response to their terror at seeing someone walking on the water, Jesus says: ‘It is I; don’t be afraid’ (v. 20). These words confirmed his true identity. ‘I am – don’t be afraid’ calls to mind the great ‘I AM’ statement the Lord made to Moses (Ex. 3:14). These are many times in the turbulence of our own lives when we need to hear Jesus speak these words to us.

The text implies still more. After the revelation of his identity and presence John records, ‘then they were willing to take him into the boat’ (v. 21). Allowing Jesus to step into the turmoil of their lives led to probable further miracle: ‘immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading’ (v. 21).