JOHN 6:16-21
WALKING ON THE WATER
INTRODUCTION
John 6:16-21 presents a remarkable episode in the life of Jesus, illustrating both His divine authority over nature and His comforting presence in times of fear. After the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sends His disciples ahead across the Sea of Galilee while He retreats to a mountain to pray. As night falls, the disciples find themselves struggling against strong winds and rough waters, rowing for miles without making much progress. This scenario sets the stage for a profound revelation of Jesus’ identity and His reassuring presence. The disciples, exhausted and likely fearful, are suddenly confronted with the sight of Jesus walking on the water towards them. Initially terrified, they hear His comforting words, “It is I; do not be afraid,” and they willingly take Him into the boat, which then immediately reaches their destination.
This passage not only highlights Jesus’ miraculous power over nature but also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers. The disciples’ struggle against the storm represents the challenges and fears that followers of Christ may face in their lives. Jesus’ appearance and His calming words offer a powerful reminder of His constant presence and the peace He brings even in the midst of turmoil. The immediate arrival at their destination upon Jesus entering the boat symbolizes the assurance and guidance that come with inviting Him into one’s life. This narrative encourages believers to trust in Jesus’ sovereignty and to seek His presence, especially during life’s storms, reinforcing the message that with Jesus, there is nothing to fear.
BACKGROUND
After Jesus preached and multiplied the loaves of bread and fish to feed the five thousand on the east coast of the Sea of Galilee, He sent His disciples on a boat to the northwestern coast of the sea to Capernaum, also known as “The town of Jesus” because He had centered His Galilean ministry there. Though Jesus grew up in Nazareth, His own people rejected Him when He preached there and even attempted to throw Him down a hill (Lk 4:28-30). He escaped that assassination attempt and moved to Capernaum to make it His base for preaching and serving the disadvantaged. Out of His twelve apostles, Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew were from Capernaum. It had roads that led to faraway cities, making it a hub where Jesus could meet all kinds of people. Despite His intensive preaching and miracles, that city lacked faith, causing Jesus to deride it later (Mt 11:23).
Once Jesus selected the apostles, they were traveling with Him all the time, except on rare occasions. They were reluctant to leave Jesus alone on the desert mountain, though Jesus asked them to return to Capernaum. So, they might have waited until sunset, expecting Jesus to join them. After a long wait, the disciples had no other choice but to set sail across the lake without the Master. The dark night shows lack of moonlight or the presence of a thick cloud.
John 6:16-17 “When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea.”
Interpretation:
This verse sets the scene for the miraculous event that is about to unfold. The disciples, following Jesus’ instructions, have left the crowd behind and are heading towards the Sea of Galilee. The timing, “when evening came,” suggests a period of closing activities and preparation for night. The evening is a time of transition, both literally and spiritually. In Catholic tradition, evening often symbolizes a time of reflection and preparation for encountering the divine.
Biblical References:
– Matthew 14:22-23: Jesus instructs the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side while He dismisses the crowd.
– Mark 6:45: Jesus instructs His disciples to sail towards Bethsaida, giving the impression He might join them there.
Catholic Teachings:
The descent to the sea represents the journey of the Church through the challenges and uncertainties of life. The evening symbolizes the periods of trial and difficulty that believers encounter. The sea, often representing chaos and danger in biblical symbolism, sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus’ divine authority over nature.
John 6:17 “Got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.”
Interpretation:
The disciples embark on their journey across the sea, heading towards Capernaum, which was a frequent location for Jesus’ ministry. The darkness that has fallen represents more than just the physical absence of light. In Catholic symbolism, darkness often signifies spiritual uncertainty or the absence of Christ’s immediate presence. The phrase “Jesus had not yet come to them” highlights the disciples’ physical separation from Jesus, creating anticipation for His forthcoming intervention.
Biblical References:
– Matthew 14:24-25: The disciples’ struggle against the wind and waves emphasizes their need for Jesus.
– Mark 6:47-48: Details the disciples’ strenuous rowing and Jesus seeing them, reinforcing His watchful presence even when not physically with them.
Catholic Teachings:
The journey across the sea in darkness represents the spiritual journey of the faithful through life’s trials without the immediate, tangible presence of Christ. This scenario teaches reliance on faith and trust in God’s providence, especially when He seems absent. The mention of darkness not only sets the physical scene but also symbolizes a period of spiritual testing and absence.
Additional Context from Matthew and Mark
Matthew and Mark provide additional context to this event. According to Mark, Jesus “made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side towards Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray” (Mk 6:45-46). Bethsaida is en route to Capernaum on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The disciples might have been excited about the multiplication of the bread and fish feeding a large crowd, agreeing with the crowd about making Jesus the king of the Jews for their benefit as well.
Jesus wanted to exclude all people so He could be alone on the mountain for prayer. When Jesus compelled the disciples to go by themselves across the sea, they were reluctant to leave Him alone in the evening. They knew the Master was tired after a long day of preaching and had no means to follow them across the lake. However, Jesus had His own plans to reach them.
Reflection:
This passage reminds us that even when we feel alone or in darkness, Christ is never truly absent from our lives. Just as Jesus was watching over His disciples from the mountaintop, He watches over us in our daily struggles. The journey of faith often involves moments where we must trust in God’s presence, even when we cannot immediately perceive it.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, like Your disciples crossing the dark sea, we sometimes feel alone and uncertain in our journey of faith. Help us to trust in Your constant presence, even when we cannot see You. Grant us the courage to continue forward, knowing that You are always watching over us. May we, like the disciples, be ready to welcome You into our lives, especially in moments of darkness and doubt. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
John 6:18 “The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.”
John 6:18 is set against the backdrop of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus’ disciples find themselves caught in a storm. This passage follows the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, highlighting a sequence of events that reveal Jesus’ divine authority and power over nature.
Geographical and Historical Context:
The Sea of Galilee, also known as “The Sea of Kinneret” (Num 34:11, Deut 3:17, Josh 11:2), “The Lake of Gennesaret” (Lk 5:1), and “The Lake of Tiberius” (Jn 6:1), is not a sea but a lake. It is pear-shaped, approximately 21 km long and 13 km wide at its broadest point. With a circumference of 53 km and a maximum depth of 43 meters, it is the lowest freshwater lake on earth, situated 700 feet below sea level.
The lake is prone to sudden and violent storms due to its unique geographical location. Cold winds descending from the eastern mountains clash with the warm air above the lake, creating turbulent conditions. These storms were well-known to the experienced fishermen of the region, making the disciples’ struggle against the strong wind in John 6:18 a relatable scenario.
Divine Authority
In John 6:18, the rough sea and strong wind symbolize the chaotic forces of the world. Jesus’ act of walking on water (Jn 6:19-21) demonstrates His divine authority over these forces, reassuring His disciples of His power and presence. This miracle serves as a sign of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, who commands all creation.
Old Testament Foreshadowing:
– Psalm 107:28-30: “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”
– Job 9:8: “He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.”
These references highlight God’s power over nature, which is fulfilled in Jesus’ actions.
Synoptic Gospels:
– Matthew 14:24-33: Highlights Peter’s attempt to walk on water towards Jesus, illustrating the necessity of faith.
– Mark 6:47-52: Reinforces Jesus’ mastery over nature and His divine identity.
Faith and Trust in Divine Providence:
The storm represents the trials believers face in life. Jesus’ presence on the water signifies His omnipresence and His offer of peace amidst adversity (CCC 688).
Reflection
John 6:18 invites us to recognize the storms in our lives, whether personal struggles or societal issues. The rough sea symbolizes the inevitable challenges we face. Jesus walking on the turbulent sea teaches us that amidst our greatest fears and uncertainties, Christ is with us, offering His peace and reassurance. By recognizing Jesus’ divine authority and trusting in His presence, we can find solace and strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Your Son’s divine nature through His miracles. As we face the storms and challenges of our lives, help us to remember that Jesus is with us, offering His peace and guidance. Strengthen our faith in His divine power and presence, especially as we partake in the Eucharist. May we always trust in Your love and find comfort in Your Word. Amen.
John 6:19 “When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.”
Contextual Background:
The Sea of Galilee, at its widest part, spans about 13 kilometers (approximately 8 miles) from east to west. In this passage, the disciples had rowed about five to six kilometers (three to four miles) from the shore, placing them roughly in the middle of the sea. They were battling a heavy storm, making their rowing uncontrollable.
Event Description:
The disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the sea, an unprecedented sight. Despite having seen Jesus perform various miracles, they had never seen Him defy natural laws in such a manner. Typically, Jesus followed the natural order, especially for His own needs. Given that Jesus was alone on the east coast of the Sea of Gennesaret with no boat or assistance, the disciples did not expect Him to cross the sea. They likely planned to return the next day to bring Him to Capernaum.
Disciples’ Reaction:
When they saw Jesus approaching, they were terrified, mistaking Him for a ghost. Their fear stemmed from several factors:
1. The unexpected whirlwind occurred while they were about five to six kilometers from the shore.
2. It was the “fourth watch of the night” (3 am to 6 am).
3. The sky was dark due to thick clouds or a new moon.
4. They were struggling to control the boat against the strong wind.
5. Seeing a figure walking on the water in the darkness, they assumed it was a ghost, crying out in fear.
Catholic Teaching:
In Catholic tradition, Jesus’ miracles are profound revelations of His divine authority. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 548 explains that miracles invite belief in Jesus and confirm His divine mission. Jesus walking on water is a testament to His divinity, paralleling Old Testament passages where God alone treads upon the sea (Ps 77:19, Job 9:8). This miracle underscores Jesus’ command over creation, affirming His identity as the Son of God.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
1. Divine Presence in Trials: The disciples’ fear and struggle against the storm symbolize the trials and tribulations believers face. Jesus’ approach on the water reassures us of His presence in our most challenging times. His words, “It is I; do not be afraid,” echo His divine name “I AM” (Ex 3:14), offering comfort and peace.
2. Faith and Trust: This miracle calls for faith and trust in Jesus. The disciples’ initial fear transforms into recognition of Jesus’ divine power. Similarly, Catholics are invited to trust in Jesus, especially during life’s storms, believing He will guide and protect us.
3. Eucharistic Connection: This passage can also be seen in light of the Eucharist. Just as Jesus comes to the disciples in their time of need, He comes to us in the Eucharist, offering His real presence to nourish and strengthen us.
Reflection
In our lives, we often encounter turbulent situations, much like the disciples on the stormy sea. It is during these moments that we need to remember Jesus’ words, “It is I; do not be afraid.” His presence brings peace and calm, transforming our fear into faith. This miracle encourages us to recognize Jesus’ divine authority and to trust in His providence.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who walks with us through the storms of life. Help us to trust in His divine presence and to find peace in His words, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Strengthen our faith, especially in times of trial, and guide us safely to the harbor of Your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
John 6:20 “But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.'”
In John 6, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5,000, demonstrating His divine power and foreshadowing the Eucharist. After this, He withdraws to a mountain to pray, and the disciples set out across the sea. When a storm arises, Jesus walks on the water towards them. The disciples are terrified, thinking they see a ghost, but Jesus reassures them with the words, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Jesus grasped the fear of the disciples on the boat. He consoled them, proving He was not a ghost, and revealed Himself. A comparable situation occurred on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. While the disciples were discussing in Jerusalem Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus, He appeared in their midst. “They were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost” (Lk 24:37).
The third person of the Most Holy Trinity has been known as the Holy Ghost or the Holy Spirit. Ghost means “breath” or “spirit.” “Giving up of the ghost” means death. Hence, seeing a ghost means seeing the spirit or the soul of a deceased person. Since a human cannot walk on water, when they saw Jesus doing so, they mistook Him for the treacherous ghost of a deceased person or an evil spirit approaching to attack them.
Theological Significance
This passage underscores several key theological points:
1. Divine Presence and Reassurance: Jesus’ presence brings peace and dispels fear. This aligns with numerous biblical assurances where God tells His people not to be afraid (Isa 41:10, Josh 1:9). Jesus, as God incarnate, continues this divine reassurance.
When Jesus told the disciples not to fear, He was reminding them of what God spoke to Israel through Isaiah: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isa 41:10). This gave them the courage that even in the physical absence of Jesus with them, He would be at their rescue when needed. He might even break the natural law for divine intervention.
2. Revelation of Divinity: The phrase “It is I” (Greek: ‘ego eimi’) is significant. It echoes God’s self-identification to Moses in the burning bush (Ex 3:14), where God says, “I AM WHO I AM.” By using this phrase, Jesus is not only calming their immediate fears but also revealing His divine identity. He is the same God who has power over nature and can bring peace amidst chaos.
When Jesus referred to Himself as “I” or “I AM,” it was the revelation of His divinity. When Moses asked God for His name at Mount Sinai, He revealed “I AM” as His name (Ex 3:13-14). Through Isaiah, God implied the same name associated with the Saviour: “You are my witnesses – oracle of the LORD – my servant whom I have chosen. To know and believe in me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, and after me there shall be none. I, I am the LORD; there is no saviour but me. It is I who declared, who saved, who announced, not some strange god among you; You are my witnesses – oracle of the LORD. I am God, yes, from eternity I am he” (Isa 43:10-13a). On a different occasion, when Jesus used “I AM” for Himself, the Jews attempted to stone Him (Jn 8:56-59) because they understood Jesus as making Himself equal to God. So, the disciples got a better understanding of Jesus from His words and His walking on the lake.
3. Faith and Trust: The disciples’ fear and subsequent reassurance by Jesus highlight the importance of faith. Trusting in Jesus, even in the midst of life’s storms, is a central tenet of Christian life.
4. Eucharistic Foreshadowing: The context of John 6, which includes the Bread of Life discourse, ties this event to the Eucharist. Just as Jesus physically comes to the disciples in their time of need, He comes to us in the Eucharist, offering His real presence to strengthen and sustain us.
Reflection
As Christians, we often face storms in our lives – moments of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. John 6:20 reminds us that Jesus is always with us, offering His divine presence and peace. Just as He calmed the fears of His disciples, He calms our fears and invites us to trust in Him. This passage encourages us to recognize Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, where He continues to say, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who reveals Your divine presence and brings peace to our troubled hearts. Help us to trust in Him, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. May we always recognize His presence in the Eucharist and draw strength from His words, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Strengthen our faith, and help us to live with courage and trust in Your divine providence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
John 6:21 “They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.”
John 6:21 is part of the narrative where Jesus walks on water. This event occurs right after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and serves as a profound demonstration of Jesus’ divine authority and power over nature. The interpretation of this passage can be understood in several layers:
1. Divine Presence and Assurance: When Jesus approaches the disciples walking on water, their initial fear is calmed by His words, “It is I; do not be afraid” (Jn 6:20). This assurance signifies Jesus’ divine presence and His ability to bring peace amidst chaos and fear. The disciples’ willingness to take Him into the boat symbolizes their acceptance of Jesus and trust in His divine power.
2. Immediate Arrival: The phrase “immediately the boat reached the shore” signifies the miraculous nature of Jesus’ intervention. It highlights that with Jesus, the impossible becomes possible. This immediate arrival can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of Christians – when we accept Jesus into our lives, He guides us safely to our destination, often in ways that surpass our understanding.
3. Eucharistic Connection: This passage also prefigures the Eucharist. Just as Jesus provides physical sustenance through the multiplication of loaves, He provides spiritual sustenance through His presence. The boat reaching the shore immediately can be seen as a symbol of the transformative power of the Eucharist, bringing us closer to our spiritual destination – the Kingdom of God.
Glad to Take Him into the Boat
When Jesus identified himself for real rather than as a ghost, the disciples’ fear turned to joy. They were glad to welcome Him into the boat in their midst. John does not specify whether Jesus entered the boat. However, He must have done so, as documented by Matthew and Mark in their description of the same event (Mt 14:32; Mk 6:51). The sea became calm suddenly with the divine intervention of Jesus.
Reaction of the Disciples
Though John does not present the reaction of the disciples at the end of the event, Matthew and Mark mention how the disciples expressed to Jesus their faith and devotion. According to Matthew, when Jesus and Peter got into the boat, “the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God’” (Mt 14:32-33). Mark presents the scene differently – “He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded” (Mk 6:51). According to Mark, this miracle of Jesus’ walking on the water was more convincing to them with regard to His divinity than the multiplication of the bread and fish that He had performed the previous day – “They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened” (Mk 6:52).
COMPARISON OF THE BOAT AND THE CHURCH
Why did Jesus let the disciples undergo such a frightening experience with a joyful ending? What did the disciples learn from that event? What should we understand on the basis of this narrative?
Though the people who benefited from Jesus’ multiplication of the bread and the fish attempted to make him king, He declined their offer. The disciples also might have wished the same so they could enjoy a higher position with Jesus in His earthly kingdom. Hence, Jesus wanted them to separate themselves from the crowd by sending them across the lake.
Though the disciples wished to stay with Jesus, or they wanted Him to sail with them, Jesus compelled them to sail by themselves to give them the understanding that after His departure from them, they would lead the Church themselves in the world. Hence, the boat stands for the Church; the sea, the world; the thick darkness of the night along with the mighty storm, the adverse periods of Church history.
The apostles waited for Jesus until sunset. However, they noticed He was on the mountain in prayer for a long time. His climbing atop the mountain and conversing with the Father was symbolic of His ascension to heaven. When they started sailing in the Sea of Galilee, the sea was calm. Their destination was Capernaum, which stands for heaven, the final destination of the Church.
Though the sea was calm at the beginning, a sudden whirlwind came against the boat, making the sail uncontrollable. The boat was tossing about and was about to sink. The Church has throughout its history faced similar situations. Sometimes the Church was at peace. Other times, crises like persecution, disputes, division, or scandals shook it. The people involved in the crises felt like the Church was facing destruction. The leaders became helpless.
Jesus, though physically invisible, is the head of the Church. Parents generally keep watch over their children even when they are at a distance from them and intervene to save them in the event of a crisis. Similarly, Jesus is monitoring the Church and its members from heaven and intervenes in instances of danger at His own time. The conversion of Emperor Constantine in 312 AD, leading to the end of persecution and the beginning of the Christianization of the Roman Empire, was such an experience. It was a miraculous intervention after an extended period of Church persecution. However, the Church endured that terrible period with trust in God.
The frightening appearance of Jesus, like a ghost walking over water, is like His second coming on the clouds to rescue the faithful from evil, to destroy Satan forever, and lead His faithful to the fullness of the Kingdom of God. The mysterious arrival of Jesus made the disciples joyful, the sea calm, and reaching destination instant. The faithful followers of Jesus would enjoy the same at Jesus’ second coming after their hardships in this world.
Reflection
Reflecting on John 6:21, we see a powerful message about trust and divine intervention. The disciples, amidst their fear and uncertainty, are calmed by Jesus’ presence. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives and the moments when we face storms and challenges. It reminds us that Jesus is always with us, ready to calm our fears and guide us to safety. When we invite Him into our “boat,” we can trust that He will lead us to our destination, often in ways that defy our expectations.
Like the disciples who were in the boat, every Christian might face challenges in the practice of faith. We should realize that the Church will survive every storm in the world. Jesus would intervene in the crisis directly or through others to save the Church. He will come again to bring an end to all crises and lead His faithful disciples to the final destination. As followers of Jesus, let us trust in God and in His Son, Jesus. While doing our part to defend ourselves from the evil influences of the world, let us invoke the help of Jesus and accept His will in our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who walks with us through the storms of life. Help us to recognize His presence and to trust in His divine power. May we always be willing to invite Him into our lives, knowing that with Him, we will reach our spiritual destination safely. Strengthen our faith and grant us the courage to face our fears with the assurance that Jesus is with us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, John 6:16-21 provides a profound lesson on the divine authority and comforting presence of Jesus. The disciples’ experience of fear and struggle on the stormy Sea of Galilee is transformed by Jesus’ miraculous approach, demonstrating His mastery over nature and His readiness to come to their aid. His words, “It is I; do not be afraid,” serve as a powerful reminder of His ever-present help and reassurance during life’s most turbulent moments. This passage encourages believers to trust in Jesus’ sovereignty and to seek His presence, knowing that He brings peace and guidance even in the midst of our fears and uncertainties.
Furthermore, the immediate calm of the sea and the boat’s sudden arrival at its destination symbolize the transformative power of inviting Jesus into our lives. This miracle illustrates not only Jesus’ divine nature but also the spiritual truth that with Him, we can navigate through life’s storms and reach our ultimate spiritual destination. The narrative underscores the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, reminding us that His presence brings solace and strength, assuring us that we are never alone in our journey of faith.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who walks with us through the storms of life. Help us to trust in His constant presence, even when we cannot see Him. Grant us the courage to continue forward, knowing that You are always watching over us. May we, like disciples, be ready to welcome You into our lives, especially in moments of darkness and doubt. Strengthen our faith and help us to live with courage and trust in Your divine providence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.