## Believe in Miracles: Jesus Walks on Water

## John 6:15-24

We have been studying the miracles of Jesus that we find recorded for us in the gospel of John. Remember John tells us that "…these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." So far we looked at His turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. Then we see Him healing the nobleman's son and the man at the pool of Bethesda. Last week we saw Him feed 5000 with five loaves and two small fish. We continue in chapter six with the fifth miraculous sign recorded by John. In this one, Jesus pointed the disciples to the One who could relieve all their fears and whose presence today gives us peace. The disciples learned this truth when they were crossing the Sea of Galilee and a storm came up.

I. Introduction: v15-17

A. The crowd wanted to force Jesus to become their King.

1. Although it was never stated, Jesus knew their hearts.

2. He was the promised Messiah, but His time to rule was not now…that would come later.

3. He sent the crowd away.

Mt 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

4. He also instructed His disciples to go to the other side of the sea of Galilee.

B. The disciples were obedient to the command of the Lord.

1. It was evening and they entered the ship and crossed over the sea toward Capernaum.

2. Jesus was praying alone in the mountain.

3. Note the words: "Jesus was not come to them." 4. Apparently, they were expecting Jesus to join them as they prepared to cross the sea.

II. Causes of Fear v17-19

A. Being in the dark will cause fear.

1. It was now dark, so the disciples could not see.

2. This is real…we have all experienced this fear.

3. The threat and danger and the emotional strain of the storm was to be much more intense because of the dark.

B. Being without Jesus will cause fear.

1. Jesus had not yet come to the disciples; therefore, they did not have His presence and help.

2. They were left alone to fend for themselves, having only the help of each other.

3. The strength of each other's mind and arm had to save them or else they were lost; they were going to die.

4. They had every reason to fear, for they were honest men and each one knew down deep within his heart that their strength was limited and would eventually fail.

C. Being caught in a violent storm will cause fear.

1. 'Great' = gr. Megas

2. This was no ordinary storm, but a violent one with "Great winds".

3. When they had launched out it was calm and peaceful; they never expected this storm.

4. So it is with the storms of life.

5. Trouble, trial, sickness, death, financial difficulties, and a host of other storms strike everyone.

6. They strike unexpectedly, too often when we are least prepared.

7. The result is great fear and the emotional upheaval of our lives.

D. Being tired and gripped with a sense of horror, of impending death, will cause fear.

1. The disciples had been struggling against the storm for six to nine hours.

2. They had made very little progress; only three or four miles.

3. Note something wonderful in Mark's account of this.

Mr 6:47-49 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

4. They thought they were all alone in this, but Jesus was watching all along.

5. When the disciples saw Jesus "walking on the sea" they were even more afraid.

6. Remember, they were physically exhausted and mentally drained from using all the seaman skills at their disposal.

7. They were struggling for survival, and all of a sudden out of nowhere they saw a figure walking on the water.

8. And it was not just one of them who saw it; all of them saw the figure - they thought they were seeing a ghost!

9. The point is forceful: the storms of life can strike an awful fear in our hearts.

III. Answer to Fear v20-21

A. The Word of Christ delivers from fear.

1. He spoke to them.

2. They couldn't see well enough to know Him, but when He spoke, they recognized His voice.

3. "It is I; be not afraid"

4. Again, the gr word here is the same as He used elsewhere simply to state, 'I am'.

B. The presence of Christ delivers from fear.

1. They willingly received Him.

2. Once they knew it wasn't a ghost, but it was their Lord, they couldn't wait for Him to get into the ship with them.

3. His presence not only removed their fears, but immediately they were at their destination.

4. No more fear…no more struggle…no more storm…just sweet fellowship with the Lord.

C. In their fear, they had forgotten the Lord.

Mr 6:51-52 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

1. Fear causes us to forget the great I Am.

2. We forget that He can do all things.

3. We forget that He can supply all our needs.

4. We forget that with Him nothing is impossible.

The opposite of fear is not courage…it is faith! The Lord wants us to trust Him at all times. When the sun is shining and when the storms of life may come. He is the answer to our fears.

Next week: Jn 9:1-41 Healing the Blind Man