Why Did Jesus Walk on Water?
The story of Jesus walking on water is well-known and a miraculous revelation He is the Son of God. This verse was preached at church today, First Assembly in Calgary, by Pastor Adam, who had a different spin on this miracle. He titled it “Encounter on the sea, loyalty on the land”.
Jesus at this point in His ministry had shown a number of miraculous signs with healing the sick and casting out demons. He’d travelled to numerous towns and stories of His ministry grew, evidenced with the sermon on the mount with five thousand in attendance.
The miracle of Jesus walking on water took place after this sermon on the same day. I don’t know about you; but after a day of ministering for more than eight hours, I’d be exhausted, yet He commanded His disciples to get into the boat and row to the other side.
Pastor Adam raised these questions:
Why would Jesus immediately command His disciples into a stormy sea at night.
Matthew 14:22
Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while he sent the crowds away.
His disciples worked hard to ensure the words Jesus spoke were heard by the multitude of people in attendance. It’s not like today where we have a microphone, video screens, and speakers to carry the sound. The disciples had a role, and it wasn’t to sit idly.
After close to twelve hours of ministry, I’m sure all they wanted to do was rest. But now they were told to get into the boat, as the sun slipped out of sight, a storm brewing in the distance, and row to the other side.
Most of the disciples were fishermen and taking a boat out in the dark with a storm approaching isn’t a favored scenario; however, they were loyal to their Rabbi and obeyed.
Why was it important that Jesus wanted them to leave at once.
Jesus knew exactly what He was asking. He knew it was dark, and a storm was brewing. There was no hesitation in His request, so what was His purpose—to reveal His glory to His disciples so they’d understand that He is the Son of God.
God revealed in scripture His authority over water in Genesis and Exodus:
Exodus 14:21-22
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
God is the creator of everything. The cosmos, universe, life in all its beauty. He is the authority over land and sea, and so is Jesus as He was with Him in the beginning.
John 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind.
Jesus was teacher to His disciples and wanted them to understand fully who He is. However, this scripture is more than showing His glory to His disciples it’s a symbolic revelation in showing you how He is the rock to lean on in the storm.
In meditating on this verse:
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man has come to seek and serve that which is lost.
I learned:
Jesus came to serve mankind—the righteous and the lost to redeem your sins. He willingly sacrificed His life so you and many others can live again through God’s Heavenly grace. He is the rock, your pillar of strength—lean on Him when you are weary.
Although the disciples were terrified, Jesus assured them to not be afraid, saying the words, ‘it is I’.
Mark 6:50
For they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, “do not be afraid.”
He is the ‘I’ in ‘I am’, as He is God.
As you ride the storm, He wants you to be strong and of great courage, as He is with you always.
Josh 1:9
Be of great courage. Do not be afraid for the Lord, Your God, is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage, yes, wait for the Lord.
Jesus desires your full surrender and not to place your agenda at the foot of the cross by asking, Jesus if you do this for me than I will do this for you. This isn’t the relationship He wants to build with you. He knows you will have difficult times; however, He wants you to have a heart of courage, trust in Him and believe He is always with you.
It’s not easy. Especially when you’re hurting and feel yourself slipping. I know. I’m in the midst of a storm; however, I receive repeated messages from the Holy Spirit to be strong, trust in the Lord, and wait for the Lord.
The Lord, our God, has plans for you to learn and grow to be more and more like Jesus. However, you are human. You will make mistakes. It’s inevitable. But, when you focus each moment on the Holy Spirit, the troubles in your heart will cease, as you gain the understanding of Jesus’ love for you.
The goal is to be like the disciples, plunge into the storm without question. Dive in knowing that Jesus has the authority over water, land, as He is the light of salvation, and He will not leave you lonely.
It leads me to the lyrics of Katy Nichole’s new song, When I Fall..
“I know you’re there, God, please, just meet me here tonight.
My God, I’m tired of tryna be okay.
I’ve prayed all the prayers I have to pray.
Please don’t leave me lonely,
My God, I need You to hold me.”
When things go awry in your life, it’s easy to blame God. I’ve heard many say that if there is a God why does He allow so much suffering in the world. The fact is, He doesn’t. God is the creator of life. He gave you free will to choose Him or the Father of lies. Sadly, most turn their backs on God, wanting to be in control of their own life.
Now, more than ever, the devil is working extremely hard to push you away from God. To throw you into the storm and leave you there, hopeless, and to blame God for your pain.
Jesus will return. As God prepares for His return Heaven gets closer to earth, and this threat is the end of the devil’s reign. Remember, he will do everything in his power to destroy you.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.
The uphill battles lurk in the shadows, ready to pounce and devour you, and throw your life off kilter into pain and suffering. Events range from loss of employment, a divorce, financial hardship, loss of a loved one, your health, and the most devastating, impacts from nature where you’re unprepared. However, it’s in the midst of these storms Jesus desires you to lean on Him. He is the comforter, healer and counsellor. When you walk with Jesus, you can overcome anything.
Psalm 62:6:
"He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."
As I spend time in a Prayer Journal I created, ‘I Am Always With You’, I’m learning to hear the voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The revelations are to lean on Him when I’m weary, and to embrace His love for me. He said:
“You are loved more than you know. The treasure that delights the eyes of the Lord.”
It’s these words of encouragement, being in His presence, that softens your heart and fills it with hope and peace. I know some storms can throw a deathly blow to the heart, but know that whatever you experience, your tears and your joy, Jesus feels it too. When you dedicate your life to Him, He dwells within you and feels everything you feel. Trust in this by recognizing who He truly is, the Son of God, God incarnate, God of all creation. Feel His blessings upon you and know His love is deeper than any ocean. You are His child, He knows your heart, soul and mind. His purpose is for you to persevere the storms, knowing He is your rock, and you are never alone.
As you grow in your faith, it’s important to dedicate time to be with God in prayer, a quiet space to meet with Him, and invite Him into your daily thoughts. In doing so, you will experience His peace and presence in every aspect of your life. I created this Prayer Journal for you to embrace in your heart, Jesus is always with you.
The journal is in a digital format where you can print numerous copies of each page. The design is based on a variety of different formats to enhance your relationship and prayer time with Christ Jesus.
Prayer is powerful, intimate, and personal. It’s also a petition to our Heavenly Father to intercede on behalf of others. Mostly, it’s communicating and expressing with heart felt passion, to a God who sacrificed everything to break the curse of sin that separates you from Him. He desires to hear your words, be in His presence, and learn to love Him more and more.
The Prayer Journal is available as a digital download at my ETSY Store, Archway Designs by CFC Studios.
Grab your copy today.
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal, but I did it!
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or nature available for wall décor.
