Jesus Walks on Water; John 6:16-24 - Copy

All of us face storms in life. Sometimes they come as financial struggles, family conflicts, health challenges, or spiritual battles that shake our faith. Just like the disciples on the lake, we often find ourselves in the middle of a storm—afraid, weary, and rowing against the wind with little progress.

In those moments, human strength is not enough. We need Jesus to come into our storm. The disciples were terrified when they saw Him walking on the water, but when He entered the boat, they immediately reached the shore safely.

The truth is, storms will always come. The real question is, do you recognize Jesus in your storm? Will you let Him into your “boat”? Until we do, we will continue to struggle in fear instead of resting in His presence.

I remember my first time traveling by boat during a mission trip to Jinja, Uganda. The church we were visiting was on Namiti Island in Lake Victoria. It took almost an hour from the shore in a small wooden boat where you could touch the water with your hand while seated. At first, I was excited, but we had no life jackets, which worried me. After 15 minutes, the waves rose, and the boat began to heave. Fear gripped me, and all I could think was, "Where would I swim if the boat capsized?" When will we reach it? I prayed earnestly for God to protect us, and thankfully we arrived safely—but I was deeply shaken by the waves.

In John 6:16–20, we read that the disciples got into a boat and set out for Capernaum. By then it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing, and the waters grew rough. After rowing about three and a half miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water, and they were terrified. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” When they welcomed Him into the boat, they immediately reached the shore.

Matthew and Mark also record this miracle. Jesus had sent His disciples ahead while He dismissed the crowd (Mark 6:45; Matthew 14:22–23) and then went up the mountain to pray. As the disciples rowed, the storm grew fierce, and they became exhausted. Perhaps they thought, "Why did Jesus send us alone?" Doesn’t He see we are perishing? Yet Jesus had been watching them all along (Mark 6:47).

Seeing their struggle, He came to them, walking on the sea. The disciples were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. But Jesus reassured them, and Peter asked to come to Him on the water (Matthew 14:28–29). At first Peter walked toward Him, but when he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, he began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out His hand and saved him (Matthew 14:30–31).

When Jesus entered the boat, the storm ceased (Matthew 14:32; Mark 6:51; John 6:21). He rebuked their little faith and hardened hearts, reminding them of the bread miracle they had failed to understand (Mark 6:52; Matthew 14:31).

From this miracle, we learn:

1. Jesus performed this sign privately for His disciples, just like the miracle at Cana (John 2:1–11), healing the official’s son (John 4:46–54), and healing the paralyzed man (John 5:1–15).

2. His disciples worshiped Him, declaring, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). Their worship confirmed their belief that He is divine.

3. This was the second storm miracle. The first time, Jesus was with them in the boat (Mark 4:35–41; Matthew 8:23–27; Luke 8:22–25). This time, He came to them in their struggle, revealing His sovereignty over nature.

4. John reminds us in John 20:30–31 that the purpose of these signs is to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, we may have life in His name.

Jesus sometimes sends us into “storms,” but He never stops watching us.

The storms of life are inevitable—whether financial troubles, health challenges, job loss, broken relationships, or spiritual battles. Like Job, sometimes God allows storms to test us (Job 1:12; Job 2:6).

Storms often come unexpectedly, even to those most prepared. The disciples, experienced fishermen, knew the lake well, yet the storm came unannounced. So it is in life—storms come without warning.

But we are not alone. God promises us 365 times in Scripture not to be afraid (Isaiah 41:10; Joshua 1:9). He watches us even when we cannot see Him. He comes at the right time—when our strength is gone and we are helpless.

When Peter doubted, Jesus gently said, “Come.” And when Peter sank, Jesus lifted him. Likewise, when we lose focus, Jesus restores us if we call on Him. The key is keeping our eyes on Him. When we look to our circumstances instead of Christ, we sink. That is why many of us have sunk deeper into debt, broken relationships, lost jobs, or worsened health. Why? Because we shifted our focus away from Jesus and thought we could handle our troubles on our own. We relied on our own wisdom, believing we were clever enough without God. We took shortcuts in life, and now we face the consequences.

But here is the good news: when Peter was sinking, he cried out to Jesus—and immediately Jesus saved him. In the same way, if you have made mistakes or bad decisions, you can cry out to Jesus today. He will not ignore you. Just as He rescued Peter, He will also reach out and rescue you from the storms in your life.

The only way to face life’s storms is to invite Jesus into our boat. Let Him be your Captain, and He will lead you safely—not only through life’s storms but ultimately to eternal life.

Finally, remember this: After the feeding of the five thousand, the people wanted to make Jesus king by force (John 6:15). They desired a savior who would solve their earthly problems. But when He did not meet their expectations, many abandoned Him (John 6:66).

Do not follow Jesus for temporary gain. Follow Him because He is the only way to eternal life. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

If you trust Him for salvation, He will never cast you out (John 6:37–40). He will raise you up on the last day and give you eternal life. Let Jesus be the captain of your soul.