John 6: 19
” When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened.”
As a writer, I have to admire John’s economy of words as he writes his Gospel account of Jesus’ life. With a very few strokes of the pen, he has given us a description of what happens to the disciples when they are left alone. First, they decide to leave. Second, they get in a boat. Third, they head out across the water at night. Fourth, they get caught in a storm. At this point in the story, the disciples are tired, worn out from pulling at the oars all night against the wind and being buffeted around in the boat, and probably more than a bit scared. Now maybe none of them were ready to admit that to each other, but I’m guessing that they were probably wondering if they were going to survive the night.
Having rowed about three or four miles, they would have been very close to the middle of the lake. Tired, scared, and wet, they were at the point of no return. It was just as dangerous to go back as it was to try and keep making for Capernaum. It was at this point in their journey, the point of maximum danger and fear that Jesus makes his appearance. Isn’t it interesting that when they saw Jesus, they were afraid?
Q: Does Jesus still come to us when we most need His help? (Bonus Question: Do you suppose any of the disciples thought to call out to Jesus in the storm?)
Good question. Jesus is always available. Sometimes I wonder if the question should not be, “will Jesus be there when we need Him most,” but rather, “Will we call out to Jesus even when we do not need His help?”
My access to Jesus is provided through the cross by faith. The only limitation is my lack of faith to call out to Him all the time. My concern is not His availability, but my heart.
Rich got it.