1. Jesus prays alone (45-46)

Jesus fed the crowd, and then he dismissed them. He sent his disciples across the lake by boat and he went up on a mountainside alone to pray. This was a time of spiritual struggle for him. The disciples' faith was very young. Satan's temptations to worldly power were strong. The moral corruption of the political and religious leaders influenced all people, and people's hearts were hard because of sin. So Jesus prayed.

2. Storm training and a lesson in faith (47-56)

The disciples in the boat didn't make much progress crossing the lake; the wind was against them. Just before dawn he went out to them, walking on the water. They were struggling to row; they had quickly forgotten how he had fed the crowd. They didn't recognize him and they were terrified. He said, 'Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid.' And he got in the boat. When they reached the shore the crowds were waiting to welcome their true Shepherd.

Application: Lord, come into the small boat of my life as the Captain and Navigator.
One Word: Only Jesus can calm the storm