Jesus sent the disciples ahead to Bethesda while he was dismissing the crowd. Then he stayed on the mountainside to pray. Later that night, while the boat was in the middle of the lake, Jesus saw them struggling against the wind. Jesus started coming to them on foot, walking on the lake. When Jesus came near the boat, the disciples were frightened, thinking that he was a ghost. Jesus comforted his terrified disciples, "It is I, Don't be afraid." Jesus was reminding them to have their eyes open to see who it was. his words, "It is I," also remind us of God introducing himself as 'I am who I am' when Moses asked his name. (Ex 3:14) Jesus is the Creator God himself who has been with us always.

The author notes that the disciples' hearts were hardened because they did not understand about the loaves. Without understanding Jesus' heart and his nature as the Creator God, they thought they saw a ghost when Jesus walked on the lake and came toward them. They had to recognize Jesus and overcome fear. Then they would come to know Jesus and understand his work.

When Jesus got into the boat, the wind stopped, and they sailed peacefully to their next mission field.


Application: Father, thank you for revealing who Jesus is to me. Help me to see your power through Jesus so I can take courage.
One Word: Take courage.