Three out of four of the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark and John) share of one miracle that is now almost always considered a cliche – when Jesus walked on water. (Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52 John 6:16-21). No matter how familiar though, behind this story are powerful lessons that will help us grow in our faith.
The account happens after Jesus fed five thousand men (and another ten to fifteen thousand children and women), another powerful miracle that skyrocketed His influence. After the account, He sent the disciples ahead to sail across the Sea of Galilee. On the way, the disciples encountered a storm and Jesus walked to the disciples over the water’s surface.
From this account, we can learn a lesson or two that can still be very much relevant today for all of us. Here are four lessons from this miraculous story.
Jesus knows about our storms
It’s amazing how Jesus somehow knew that the disciples were caught in a storm that could have very well been the end of their lives. Sometimes when we go through “storms” of our own we think that this one might have slipped under Jesus’ radar. But if you’re going through a storm today, Jesus is aware of it. He knows everything that’s going on in your life and understands and sees your suffering.
It’s easy to not recognize Jesus
As Jesus came walking to the disciple boat through the tempest that had threatened their voyage, scriptures tell us that the disciples did not recognize Him and even mistook Jesus for a ghost. As funny as that sounds, how many times have we found ourselves not recognizing Jesus or His move in the midst of a storm? Sometimes we may not recognize Him but Jesus is on His way to rescue us from our storms.
Doubt will only cause us to sink
Some accounts show us how Peter asked to walk to Jesus in the same manner as well. The first few steps worked well for Peter but when he saw the waves, he started to sink. Likewise, our doubt- as harmless as it might seem- could be the very reason we are sinking into despair and hopelessness. That’s why faith and complete trust in Jesus is vital as we go through our storms.
Jesus helps us complete our journey
No matter how tough the journey or mission you’re on is, Jesus is capable of bringing us through it. Scripture tells us that “and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” (John 6:21) God has a plan for us but we are in no position to fulfill it. Thankfully Jesus is and He enables us to complete with excellence the plans God has for us.
