“When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.” vs16-19

First, the Lord Jesus has power and authority. He walks on the sea to show His dominion over the storm, the devil, and all trials. This ought to comfort us, for He is the Savior of sinners, and He is our Friend. Having taken our place upon the cross, He GIVES US eternal life, and God is revealed. We ought to be utterly comforted that the Almighty is on our side. He has chosen us and redeemed us. His love for us is unquestioned, constant, and greater than we can ever know; it is real, tangible, and it is saving. He only rebukes us to help us. Storms come to increase our faith.

The disciples were scared because they couldn't see Jesus, but when you can, and know that He is with you, then you are safe. You can trust Him at all times and all seasons. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus [Phil 4:6-7].” If He wanted the situation changed, then He’d change it, and if it is best for us, then He surely will. Trust Him. Trust His hand.

Secondly, once we receive Jesus, then all is well! Vs20-21

But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

We receive His promises and receive His comfort, but we must receive Him as He is. He is Lord and Savior - the Savior of our lives and the Master to rule over us. He doesn’t just rule the seas but us too by His lawful commands [1 John 5:3-4].

He tells us what’s best, and as we learn to obey, the best from us is produced! We are our happiest and MOST EFFECTIVE selves, as we learn to follow Him. Pride is abased, and something sweet is produced [1 Cor 13:4]. Opportunities squandered can often be re-had. He restores the years that the locusts have eaten. His way is best, and we must follow Him. He says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving [for who God is and for your salvation], let your requests be made known to God.”

He’ll give us power and subdue our sins. We have God, so don’t complain about your wretchedness, unbelief, or circumstances, as if we have no hope. Rom 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” We have the New Testament vision of Christ!

Thirdly, I have a question: What are you seeking Jesus for? vs22-24

On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.”

The crowd came to Him, because they wanted something from Him, but they did not want eternal life. They had no conviction of sins. They only wanted money and miracles! They wanted bread to feed their belly and signs and wonders. They had no spiritual appetite and no spiritual understanding.

How is it with you? Do you want the Son of God to rule over you? Do you want to be saved from your sins? This is what He is giving. He may save your marriage, for you will be a better husband, but He may allow her to leave or to remain stubborn. He may save your children from cancer, but He may decide their death will bring Him glory. What is that to you [John 21:18-22]? What does it matter what He does with our lives? Our mission and commission is to follow Him. Is this what you want?

If so, then you will receive grace. You are blessed among men! If not, then you are under the curse, and God’s wrath abides [John 3:36]. Seek Christ to be RIGHT WITH GOD, and you will have gained everything!

Finally, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe the gospel! vs25-29

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

Jesus has given us the work that we are to do: We are to believe God has sent His Son to save us, receive Him, and live forever. We are to walk by faith in the midst of hardships and challenges. We are to believe His way is best, trusting Him for reconciliation with the Father. We are to walk with a good relationship with God through the Son. We are to believe His commands and His warnings, walking by faith, rather than satanic reasoning. We’re to believe that love is the best thing for us, and diligently practice it.

I have three Scriptures on my mind that I would put on my wall, if I ever settled down. One, the qualifications of a pastor [1 Tim 3:1-7]. Two, the fruit of the Spirit [Gal 5:22-23]. Thirdly, love defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7! I need these things ever before me, particularly love, so that I can learn its meaning, and be reminded of its importance. If I don't have love, then I’m nothing.

I was reading Charles Spurgeon, (as wise men are apt to do,) and I saw his dramatic LOVE. With pleading tones he begged, and with anger against lovelessness and coldness, he stormed. I realize that I lack the love that makes a great soul winner, and I want to have it. How about you?

Believe on the Lord Jesus and character growth is yours. Believe that everything is a gift - your beauty, talent, and wisdom - and you will be humble, instead of proud, and God will use you. Yes, love is painful, but it is better than selfishness, cowardice, and compromise; it is better than having tiny hearts that produce nothing and are never satisfied. Believe on the Lord Jesus, and let Him use you.