In the prior passages of Chapter 6 Jesus had just fed the five thousand and the Passover was near. The people he fed were all looking for Him because of this miracle and others He performed. They wanted to make Him king. All the good He was doing was sealing His death warrant with the Jews, but Jesus knew He had other miracles to perform and much instruction to give the apostles. After feeding five thousand people, why would anyone be afraid of Jesus walking on water? Well, the apostles were afraid. They had seen things in their natural world that just did not make sense. They were still processing this when they saw Him walking on water to them. Yes, I would be afraid too. The natural world the apostles knew was changing. Still Jesus said “Do not be afraid”
In reading the gospel I believe the sea and rowing three or four miles is a metaphor for life. It is not easy to row a boat four miles, even with others helping. Everyone struggles in life.
This is easier said than done, but God does not close one door without opening another. John 6:20-21 But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.” They got where they were going.
Recently, I met a young man at the bus stop over a week ago. He went off on me and screaming and cursing at me. It was a misunderstanding. He thought I worked for the public transit authority. I had forgotten about the incident. However, on Tuesday this week he made a special effort to apologize to me for his actions. It was easy to forgive him because he was so heartfelt and sorry. I told him how much that I respected him and we shook hands. Turns out he was a foster child and when he turned 18 leaving his home was mandated by local law. He is living in a shelter called “Pinellas Hope”. This happens to be one of many Knights of Columbus local charities. He has a case worker and is working hard to establish himself with help from the community.
Now, it seems that all of us have struggles with life. Some of them good and others bad.
So are you!
Be honest we are all afraid at times because we are human. So was Jesus, but he was also God and He knew that there was no reason to be afraid.
We just like the apostles who were rowing the boat were looking for Jesus. What happened? All of a sudden they were at the shore.
“They wanted to take him into the boat, but immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.”
Don’t keep rowing aimlessly. Seek Jesus and you will arrive. Trust Him and don’t be afraid.
God Bless You!
Bob Burford
Readings: Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33:1-2,4-5, 187-19; John 6:16-21
