At the church I attend here in Las Vegas we are working through a study of what it means to be a Jesus follower. This morning’s reading included then section of Matthew where Jesus walked on water. I went back a few verses for context and I think someone who reads this may find comfort.
Matthew relates how Jesus taught crowds and crowds of people. 5000 men did not include the women and children there who listened to His teaching and received healing. I’ve heard estimates of up to 20,000 individuals gathered there by the Sea of Galilee (aka Lake Tiberius). No matter the number, it was a lot of people in close proximity. In this particular case, evening came and the people grew hungry but didn’t want to miss Jesus. Instead of letting them go, Jesus told the disciples to feed them. And they did. Five loaves of bread and two fish become enough to feed everyone to satisfaction with 12 baskets left over.
Immediately after, Jesus told the disciples to take the boat across the lake while he dismissed the crowds. There’s no word about how long that took, but when then people dispersed, Jesus went to the mountain alone to pray. Jesus took the time he needed to isolate himself for time with the Father.
In the meantime, a storm broke out over the lake. It’s a big lake, and pop up storms are common. Many of the disciples were familiar with the sea and its storms, but evidently, this one was exceptionally strong. As the men are rowing with all their might to maintain control of the boat, they looked up. There was Jesus, walking on the water.
WALKING ON THE WATER IN THE STORM.
The disciples couldn’t believe what they saw, but Jesus called out to them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid. “
It is I. Do not be afraid.
Maybe this current pandemic feels like the most terrifying storm you have ever seen. You feel like you are in the middle of it, rowing with all your might just so you won’t capsize.
You are not alone. “Take heart,” Jesus said. “Do not be afraid.” Whether it’s feeding a crowd or walking on a raging sea, Jesus is with us. Trust. Breathe. Pray. Love. Help one another. He’s got this.
Defaulting to Grace 