The Seven Signs of Jesus -

John 6:16-20 (TNIV)

16 That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. 18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. 19 They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20 but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!

Letting Jesus Speak Into Our Lives:

Take a few moments (perhaps in a quiet place, relatively free from distraction) to just sit with this story for a few minutes. Read it through slowly a couple of times, and allow the picture to take shape in your mind.  Hear the wind.  Feel the swaying of the boat.  Feel the moisture and the pressure of the wind.  Observe the darkness falling.  Notice that the presence of Jesus does not seem obvious at all.  Sense the slow passage of time as you wait and row.

What word or phrase seems to most capture your attention?

What feeling or emotion does this scene stir up in you?

Now move on in the story and notice Jesus coming toward you in the midst of the turmoil.

How do you respond?  Are you afraid, or comforted, or both? 

If there is fear, what is the fear about?

If there is comfort and reassurance, what is that about?

As you reflect on this story, what do you sense God is most wanting you to hear and see as you reflect upon it?  Have you let Jesus into the boat?

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It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit.

(Ellen White on Spiritual Formation & Contemplative Spirituality)

 Desire of Ages, 83

Storm.  Turbulence.  Wind.  Rough Seas.  Soaked through to the skin and chilled.  Rowing.  Darkness.  Scary settings.  Where's Jesus?  Waiting.That's how the passage begins.  That's how some of the days, even the seasons, in our lives can seem.  Ever been there?  Are you there now?The good news is that the disciples, those who were following Jesus, were there.  If you are there, it does not mean that something is wrong with the way you are following Jesus, or that Jesus has somehow lost track of you.  It means we live in a world where such things can be expected, even if they are not welcomed.

The even better news is that the story does not stop there.  There is Jesus coming towards them.  There is the voice of Jesus crying out, "Do not be afraid."  He does not say "Don't be afraid because I will keep you from storms," but, "Don't be afraid.  I am here!"  Another "sign" that Jesus gives.

And in the midst of that, the disciples are terrified.  Curiously enough, not only of the storm (which one could understand), but also of Jesus when they saw Him coming.  The reassurance Jesus offers is not only that they don't have to fear the elements, but they don't have to fear Him either.  Perhaps that is the very best news of all!

And, amazingly, when they let Jesus into the boat, they discover that they have reached their destination.  Perhaps that is the destination?  This 5th "sign" of Jesus.

This is the story that Pastor Jon explores with us this morning.  If you would like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access our sermon library by clicking here.