The Pulpit Commentary on John 6:16-21

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Christ walking on the sea.

Our Lord had sent the disciples across to Capernaum, to detach them from the influence of the excited multitude.

I. THE DISCIPLES EXPOSED TO DANGER ON THE LAKE. "And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea was agitated by a great wind that blew."

1. The sea of Galilee was often exposed to dangerous storms.

2. The darkness of the night must hare intensified the fears of the disciples.

3. The absence of Jesus must have made them feel their helplessness.

4. They were not relieved till the danger had reached its highest point. The boat had now reached the middle of the lake; "they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty stadia." As it was about six miles across, the boat was therefore in the middle of the lake.

II. CHRIST'S SUDDEN INTERVENTION. "They see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid."

1. Nothing will keep Christ from his people in their hour of danger.

2. He is superior to winds and waves. He can walk on the surface of the water; he can still the winds.

3. The words of Jesus still the fears of his people. "It is I be not afraid." His gracious presence supports us in all risks and in all afflictions.

4. The willingness of the disciples to receive Jesus in their distress. "Then they were willing to receive him into the ship." How dear he is in the hours of our loneliness, our desertion, our helplessness!

5. Jesus does not leave his disciples till he sees them in absolute safety. "And immediately the ship was at the land whither they were going."

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