Matthew 14:26&27
"26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."
The Disciples are terrified, their ship is about to sink in this storm in the Sea of Galilee! When they started this trip they were exhausted from feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish. It was a miracle that demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and power. After all that Jesus sent the Disciples ahead in the boat, and He sought some downtime alone.
Only now the Disciples are in peril and Jesus has gone into superhero mode! Jesus is walking on the sea to save the day. The Disciples did not expect this, "And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for FEAR." This storm had to be unusually severe to cause experienced fishermen trouble and fear. And, then to see a person walking on the water in the midst of the wind and waves!?!?
"But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be NOT AFRAID." In the Holy Bible the sea is often used as a metaphor for the world filled with dangers. All too often, the sea is not a friendly place. It is filled with chaos. Think of the events in Jonah. Or, Moses and the Israelites escaping slavery and crossing the Red Sea with God's help.
This picture of Jesus walking across the sea to save His Disciples is profound! We are not alone in the sea of life. Jesus comes walking to us. Emanuel, God is with us. Jesus became incarnate to walk with us. He walks TO US us on the water.
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