1. Jesus withdrew (14-19)

The crowd ate the bread and believed. But they had their own agenda for a Messiah. Jesus withdrew to pray. Perhaps Jesus' disciples were disappointed when he refused the crowd's demand that he become a worldly king. They waited with the crowd for his return, but when he didn't come back by evening, they decided to leave. They got into a boat and started across the sea. Then a wind storm struck. When they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water, they were terrified because they didn't recognize him. They had left the shore, not with faith and a clear direction, but with a vague, let-down feeling. Fear and human thinking kept them from recognizing Jesus.

2. It is I; don't be afraid (20-21)

Even when Jesus doesn't do what we want him to do, his almighty power and his shepherd heart are the same. When he is there, there is no need to fear--or to be disappointed. Jesus got into the boat and the problems disappeared. Immediately the boat reached shore.

Application: Lord, come and get into the boat of my life; forgive my faithless fear.
One Word: 'It is I; don't be afraid.'