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Event 2 - For those who want strength and comfort for their soul, as well as practical action in a faithful life, below are two true stories about Jesus the Christ. May the Word of God profit you mightily by your reading it and mixing it with God’s gift of faith to you. Hebrews 4:2 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10 NKJV “The righteous will live by his faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38
Here is the second of two factual accounts that gives good illustrations of storms in our lives and how to endure, persevere, and thrive to the end. They show the power of God and how, by dependency on God’s Power in a relationship with God His Way, through His only begotten Son (John 3:15-18) Jesus Christ, we will win to the end. (I want to see the First Event) These two stories have the same theme. A real, physical storm in a boat on a lake. Both stories take place on the Sea of Galilee. How could fierce storms on the Sea of Galilee catch seasoned fishermen by surprise? Then the stories diverge. The first has Jesus in the boat with his disciples. The second has Jesus walking on the water during the storm, having a disciple walk on the water with him, and a very surprising ending. Jesus is always very good and exciting. Let’s find out! The second event – This is a true story, I occurred around 28 AD. It is written by two eye witnesses and one present day reporter who recorded in detail the witnesses’ statements. It is recorded in the Bible books of Matt 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-56 and John 6:16-24. Each account records that this event occurred immediately after Jesus fed the crowd of 5000 people with only “five small barley loaves and two small fish”. Full Story – What storms do you have in your heart? In your life? How will you handle them? Jesus fed the crowd with only “five small barley loaves and two small fish”. John 6:9 “The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” Matt 14:21 “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.” Mark 6:42-43 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake. Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, set off across the lake, and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida (also known as Capernaum) on the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. The boat was in the middle of the lake, and he (Jesus) was alone on land. The boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he (Peter) saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. And immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." 53When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
Breakdown of the story – Taking this apart we will see that the Lord Jesus Christ will enable you to walk on the storms of your life by His Word when you ask Him to do so trusting Him with all your heart and life. Jesus fed the crowd with only “five small barley loaves and two small fish”. "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" “Looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.” “The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.” John 6:9, Matt 14:19, Matt 14:21, Mark 6:42-43 Jesus fed thousands of people with plenty of extra food by the use of one boy’s lunch. Jesus gave an enormous picnic through faith and thanksgiving to His Father in heaven. We also should give thanks and speak with God through the faith He has given us. (Faith comes (Romans 10:17) by hearing, God gives faith (Ephesians 2:8) These verses precede the account of Jesus walking on the rough waters of the Sea of Galilee at nighttime.
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake. Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, set off across the lake, and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida (also known as Capernaum) on the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. Jesus has fed the crowd, and it is late. Still, Jesus wants to dismiss the people personally. Jesus is not sick or tired of folks. Jesus is “hospitality” Himself. Feeding, nurturing, and caring until all are satisfied. Also, Jesus takes care of His disciples. He urges them on their way to where He will meet up with them later. Jesus takes care of those who are merely acquaintances as well as those who are close to Him. Jesus loves (God has Everlasting Love).
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.
Now this is Jesus’ time. This is the time meant to renew and re-fill
the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus seeks to spend time talking and listening to His
Father. “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 Jesus
goes off by Himself to listen and speak with His Abba. Jesus made time to speak
with the Lord God Almighty, even if it was later or earlier than His other
duties. Jesus always went to the Source of His strength and counsel. Prayer was
the vehicle. (Luke
11:1-4)
By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. The boat was in the middle of the lake, and he (Jesus) was alone on land. Late into the evening Jesus is still communicating with His Father. While He is alone physically, Jesus is not alone in spirit. He is with His Father. The conversation Jesus had was long. There must have been much to discuss. Jesus, Who is already so strong and wise, feels the need to spend much time in conversation in relationship with His Father. This demonstrates just how we too should sense the need and value a deep, honest, and close relationship with our Creator (Psalm 139, Who creates) and God. How much more could the Lord God Almighty do with us if we were always in close intimacy with Him, listening to His Word and conversing with Him, processing what He says and doing what He says? Won’t you do that more so today?
The boat was already a considerable distance from land, for they had rowed three or three and a half miles. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. They were buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them. The time is now between three and six in the morning. Jesus is walking on the water rather than taking a boat and fighting the rough sea by natural means. Jesus does the unconventional. Jesus does the supernatural. Jesus is God. (John 8:58, Hebrews 1:3) Jesus walks on top of the windy sea, along the tempestuous waters for over three miles. Jesus moves along much faster than a boat full of men considering He is about to pass them by. If investing time with God the Father produces this much productivity, shouldn’t we be spending more time learning and listening to His Word about all sorts of issues? What would happen tomorrow if you did what God tells you to do today? Jesus prayed last night and this morning He’s walking on water. The correlation is relative, but the point is true.
He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. When they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Jesus notices His disciples are straining at the oars. While He is looking at them, they all see Him and they cry out in terror. They surmise He is a ghost since they have never seen anyone walk on water. What does Jesus do? Does Jesus walk on by ignoring them? No. Does Jesus make them more scared and “play the ghost”? No. Jesus speaks Truth. (John 14:6John 5:24, John 8:51, John 17:17, 1 Corinthians 2:13) Jesus tells them boldly three things: -“Take courage!” meaning take heart! Don’t lose heart! – “It is I.” Notice Jesus doesn’t say His Name, for they know Jesus by His Voice (John 10) – “Don't be afraid." Meaning fear not, do not fear. Jesus speaks to them giving them two commands with His Identity-Presence in the middle of the two commands. Jesus commands His disciples to take heart and to not be afraid. Sometimes we think we just can’t stop fearing. After all, “Look at this, What about that?, It’s always been….” But God never commands us to do something we are unable to do. Thus Jesus puts His identity within the two commands “It is I.” That is the enabling factor. The identity of the Lord Jesus Christ is Who enables us to do what God commands. Jesus IS in the midst of every fearful situation. While you may not see Him clearly, He IS there. Jesus IS here. And it is exactly the Lord Jesus Christ’s Presence that enables you to do all that He commands you to do.
Take stock- What is going on in your life? What is going on in your heart. God is interested in your heart and He looks into it. (1 Samuel 16:7) Make a list. What are you fearing? Is it temporary? Of course since it is earthly. If it is eternal, then turn your soul over to the Lord Jesus Christ and He will make the victory possible. If it is of this world, God is still intensely concerned for you. (Luke 12:4-7,22-34) Jesus says, Come to Me. Do what He says. Do you want a clean heart? Then ask God for one. Psalm 51 Have cares that are drowning you? God says to Cast your cares on Him. Go to our search engines and put in a concern and see what pops up! (Search 1+ Search 2) GO For IT. Don’t settle in fear when God commands you not to. Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”1 John 5:5
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." What is Peter’s response to Jesus’ command to take courage and not fear with His Presence in the middle? To join Jesus in walking on the water! Shouldn’t that be each of us?! Peter takes the Lord Jesus Christ’s commands seriously and he takes them heart. Peter doesn’t fear and then wants more of Jesus’ Presence! Peter uses wisdom in his eagerness. He waits for Jesus’ command to come to Him on the water. Does Peter just leap out of the boat on his own? No. That would be foolish. (Proverbs 14:8, Proverbs 17:24, Proverbs 28:26, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:25) Peter waits upon the Lord (Psalm 27:14, Psalm 33:20, Psalm 38:15, Psalm 40:1, Psalm 130:5, Isaiah 40:31). Notice Peter doesn’t just want to walk on water. Peter wants to “come to” where Jesus is. Peter waits for Jesus’ invitation. Have you been waiting for Jesus’ invitation? Do you know that Jesus is inviting you to come to Him now? Jesus calls to you (John 7:37-39), and Jesus says “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30
"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. The first thing out of Jesus’ mouth is Truth. (John 6:63, John 6:68) “Come.” Jesus invites Peter to come on the water with Him. Notice Jesus does not invite Peter to do something that Peter cannot do. Jesus’ very Presence enables Peter to walk to Him on the water. This is for you, too. When Jesus invites you to Come to Him, He knows that He enables you so you can Come to Him. It is your choice to Come to Jesus. What does Peter do? Does Peter say, “No, I think I’ll pass. No. Does Peter say, “I was just joking.” No. Does Peter stay in the boat and ponder his invitation? No. Does Peter ask, “Do you really mean what You say Jesus?” No. Does Peter get afraid and stay in the boat? No. Does Peter trust that Jesus says what He means and knows that he can do it if Jesus asks him to? Yes. Immediately Peter gets down off the boat and walks on the water to Jesus. Wow! Oh that we each would trust God’s Word that clearly and well and love Jesus enough to obey Him! 1 John 5:3-4
But when he (Peter) saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, What just changed? What caused the Peter to fear and sink? Did you catch it? “When he saw the wind.” What was Peter doing before he began to fear and sink? Peter was looking at Jesus and walking toward Him. (Psalm 141:8, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Hebrews 12:2) God tells us “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” Hebrews 12:2 When we do this, we see how Really Big Jesus is and how puny is the cause of our fears. Fixing the eyes of our heart on God doesn’t mean that we won’t need God sized help, for we in all ways do. It does mean that we are seeking God’s Help in our life and heart so that we can do what otherwise would be impossible for us to do. (Luke 1:37, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 6:33, John 14:1) (As recorded in Mark 10:27, Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.") Fixing the eyes of our heart on the Lord Jesus Christ enables us to “see”, know, and understand as Jesus does. (Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16,Philippians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:13) Being born again and saved (1 Peter 1:23, Romans 10:9, Salvation) and living closely knit within the Lord Jesus Christ empowers us to live the supernatural, eternal life God has prepared us for. (Butterfly, God's Promises, Friendship with God, Righteous Life, Heaven)
(Peter) cried out, "Lord, save me!” What was the first thing Peter did when he found himself sinking into the stormy sea? Did he give up? No. Did he decide to swim on his own? No. Did he panic, yelling and screaming? No. Did he blame Jesus for inviting him to Himself? No. Did he blame himself for his choice in following Jesus out to the “impossible’? No. Peter did the exactly right thing. Peter cried out from his heart, Jesus’ title, showing his relationship with Jesus, and he asked Jesus for help. "Lord, save me!” Is Jesus your Lord? Or is Jesus your best friend-pal? Your Santa to bring you good things when you want them? Or your lucky charm that you hope on for your selfish desires? Or the big man upstairs to get you out of trouble, out of a bind, and cover up your being “found out”? Or is Jesus Someone Who’s Name you say with disdain often? Or Someone you really do not know personally? Is Jesus your Lord or do you handle Jesus as if you are his lord? Or is Jesus the Son of the living God and God Himself? (Matthew 8:29, Mark 3:11, Luke 4:41, John 1:34, John 20:31, 1 John 4:15, 1 John 5:12, Romans 1:3-4 )
What did Peter ask Jesus to do? To save him. Save Peter from what? From drowning in the Sea of Galilee. From being overcome by the wind and the waves. From his own internal fear of being swallowed up by his circumstances. – Can we do that? Yes. Should we do that? Yes? …. But Peter knew Jesus, you may say. Yes, and so may you. (Jesus,Jesus speaks) But Peter could actually see Jesus face to face. Yes, and God says, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:28-29) But Peter could hear Jesus in his ears. Yes and you can read every Word of Jesus over and over again, reading it aloud to yourself so that God increases your faith in Himself. (Romans 10:17, Hebrews 4:12, John 1:1-3, 14,18, John 6:63, Luke 11:28, John 14:23-24) But Peter … No excuses. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23-26) which is WHY we must ask Jesus to save us. First from our own sins and eternal destruction (Hell), and then we are to walk towards Jesus, watching Jesus the whole time, so that we are walking by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 10:38, 2 Timothy 2:22) into the plans and purposes God has had for you individually since before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 1:3-23,Ephesians 4:7-13, Philippians 2:13, Romans 8:28) So where do we start when we are walking in turbulent circumstances. First Call on the Lord (Cry Out, Psalm 51), Accept Jesus' Atonement personally for you. Then learn from God directly from His Word (Come to Me). Take Jesus personally, because that is how He takes you! (Psalm 139)
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. What was Jesus’ reaction to Peter? He immediately responded with physical help and attention. Jesus extended Himself for Peter. He reached out and caught Peter. Did Jesus mock Peter? No. Did Jesus command the water to be firm for Peter to walk? No. Did Jesus wait to watch Peter squirm? No. Jesus moved fast and grabbed Peter and caught him so he wouldn’t sink any more. Good thing Peter asked Jesus for help right away. You and I should do that too.
"You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" How did Jesus describe Peter? As having little faith, and then doubting. Jesus was teaching Peter. You and I may think Peter had great faith to follow Jesus onto the water, especially compared to the boatful of men sitting and watching nearby. You are right. But at the point where Peter got distracted by the wind, that is when his faith waivered and grew small. That is when Peter didn’t exercise his God given faith (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 12:3). Peter doubted. Peter considered the wind, his circumstances, and decided that they were bigger and stronger than walking on water with Jesus. Peter didn’t get to his goal of walking all the way to Jesus because he got distracted by his circumstances and paid more attention to something he could do nothing about (the wind) than paying attention to God’s goal for him to attain – standing with Jesus on the water. (Imagine if he did that. Maybe the whole boatful of men would have joined them from all the encouragement Peter would give!) What through Peter off course? Peter “saw the wind and became afraid.” Can we really see wind? Can we see the air molecules moving around? No. We cannot see wind. But we can see the effects of the wind. We can see waves toss up and spray being blown at us. We can see leaves swirling from the ground and branches of trees swaying in the wind. But we cannot see wind. So what caused the fear in Peter? A lack of faith, trust, single mindedness, and relating to Jesus where Jesus was. Jesus was in front of Peter, Peter was walking towards Jesus, and Peter’s mind wandered onto something else. When he focused on the peripherals, Peter lost the laser goal point which was the Lord Jesus Christ. Are we like Peter? Yes. Do we have a measure of faith given to us by God, too? Yes. Do we seem to have boldness for God sometimes? Yes. Do we stumble watching other things and get side tracked from keeping close to the Lord Jesus Christ? Yes. Was there hope for Peter? Yes. He called on Jesus for help and Jesus gave it immediately. Is there hope for you? Yes if you do the same as Peter! (Galatians 5:7, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Jesus is our hope, our shield, and our very great reward. (Genesis 15:1, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Romans 5:5-11)
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. And immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." If we thought Peter walking on the water was good, watch what happens next! Both Jesus and Peter climb into the boat with no mishap or drowning. As soon as they both are in the boat two things happen: 1) the wind died down. 2) immediately the boat reached the shore to their preplanned destination. Who made this difference in the boatload of those men’s lives? The Lord Jesus Christ. Can you ask Jesus to get into your boat? Car? Train? House? Chair? Bathroom? Etc… Yes! Invite Jesus in, He’s knocking on your heart right now asking to come in. (Revelation 3:20) If Jesus already lives there, invite Him to be Lord over more areas (My room). While it won’t necessarily be fun in the beginning, in fact it may seem uncomfortable, it will be healing, beneficial, and it will release you from many fears that plague you. Gods’ perfect love casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18)
When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed. The second verification that Jesus got their without His boat. People recognized Jesus getting out of the boat with his disciples. (This is an important clue in the mystery of the next paragraph.) What were their reactions to Jesus? They ran to Him with their sick and followed Him everywhere He went. Most likely many people only wanted Jesus for what He could do for them. Peter understood the concept of going to Jesus just to be with Him. Not to get something for nothing. Loving God is like that. “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. God never wants us to forsake our love of Him. (Revelation 2:4, Deuteronomy 6:5) God wants us to love Him in a relationship with Him. Jesus never loving and caring those who came to Him, even to the point of taking the punishment they deserved for their sins against God instead of them taking it. (atonement)
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. So between 3-6 am Peter and Jesus are jaunting on the water, and then the whole boat arrives immediately on the sea shore of Capernaum. In the meantime, back where last evening’s banquet picnic happened, the people they left there are still looking for Jesus. They analyze the situation to find that only one boat had been for Jesus and His disciples, and that only the disciples entered it. Where is Jesus since he has no boat to have him leave that place? Jesus was not there. The crowd realized that so they went to Capernaum to find Him. How did Jesus get into the boat that arrived on the shore of Capernaum so he could get out of it with his disciples? Jesus walked on the water. Isn’t Jesus God? Yes.
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Storms on the Sea of Galilee - How could fierce storms catch seasoned fishermen by surprise? The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth, about 680 feet below sea level. It is about 8 miles wide and 13 miles long and relatively shallow, at the deepest part nearly 200 feet. The Sea of Galilee is surrounded by hills that climb up to 2000 feet high, and Mt. Hermon on the north which rises to 9,200 ft high. These heights are a source of cool, dry air. Directly around the below sea level lake is semi-tropical with warm, moist air. This large difference in height between surrounding high land and the low lying sea causes large temperature and pressure changes. This results in strong winds dropping to the sea and funneling through the hills. From May to October strong winds often sweep through the narrow surrounding gorges into this valley causing extremely sudden and violent storms. Since Sea of Galilee is small, these winds descend directly to the center of the lake with violent results. This shallow sea is “whipped up” by wind more rapidly than deep water, where energy is more readily absorbed, thus the waves are very turbulent. When the contrasting air masses meet, a storm can arise quickly and without warning. Small boats caught out on the sea are in immediate danger.
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