John 6:16-21
Jesus Walks on Water
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 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. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

1) Alone and afraid.
John 6:16-17
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

The disciples perceived themselves to be alone in their struggle, it was dark, it was stormy, and they had left Jesus on the other side of the sea…our struggles seem greater when we feel “alone” or separate from Christ.

2) Past the Point of no return
John 6:18-19
18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 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.

In the Middle of the Sea—they were past the point of no return

When we feel like we have past the point of no return (whether in our lives or in our sin) God makes a way.

3) Christ over Chaos
John 6:20-21
20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

It is I”…better translation “I am” (he)—this fits within John’s consistent message proclaiming the “I am” of Jesus—which also allude to the “I am” of God’s interaction with Moses (the burning bush).

Questions:
1) What are the places within your life that most commonly lead you to feel alone and afraid? What are the results of these moments?
2) When you feel alone and afraid what brings you back to your senses (especially relating to your faith)?
3) What are the places in your life that have left you feeling like you were “past the point of no return?” How did you respond? What part did Christ, and your Christian community, play in encouraging you?
4) Within scripture, and throughout the cultures of the Ancient Near East, water has always been understood as chaos (See Gen. 1:1-2; Job 9:8; Proverbs 30:4). When Jesus walks on the water He is proclaiming that he is (I am) greater. If Jesus is in charge of the waves and the wind then why do we worry about his ability to be in control of our lives?
5) What part (chaos) of your life do you need to submit to Jesus’ authority?
6) What happens when Jesus enters the boat? (Answer: The storm stops and the boat has immediately reached the shore).
7) How does this free you to respond when you are alone and afraid, beyond the point of no return?