Bible Study Notes - John 6:16-24

Bible Study Notes - John 6:16-24

This is another biblical story that arrested my childhood imagination as I envisioned this scene from the disciples’ perspective.  Similar to Jack and Annie, the main characters in the children’s series, The Magic Tree House, I wanted to join Peter and the others in the boat.  I desired to witness an actual miracle hoping this direct and incontrovertible experience would solidify my faith.  Had I watched the Lord walk on water, I would never doubt.  Plus, I would have bragging rights about watching the supernatural suspension of gravity and divine manipulation of physics to accomplish a greater purpose.  As I mature as a disciple of the Lord Jesus, I more humbly and greatly appreciate the miracle of this brief passage is the disciples’ growth in faith as they realize God’s unquestionable faithfulness despite the abrupt, untimely and inexplicable storms of life.

Following the miraculous feeding of five thousand men in addition to women and children when dusk gave way to darkness and early evening began, the disciples left the mountainside and went to the lake.  Interestingly, two or more experienced fishermen who knew this lake dwell amongst the disciples.  Possibly, an abrupt storm should hardly frighten them.  Yet, they are startled by the storm and seemingly believe that the Lord abandons them to nature’s unrelenting wrath.

It was dark.  Jesus had not joined them as He had withdrawn previously to the mountainside to escape the schemes of an overzealous crowd.  This apparently minor detail hints toward bleak periods in a disciple’s life when the thorough negativity, cynicism and adversity of cumulative circumstances combine to eclipse the Lord’s presence.  It is as if one lives perpetually during the fourth watch of the night when pervasive darkness surrounds everything; only extraordinary light reveals a path leading to Him.  In this story, the disciples’ progressive faith equates with a flashlight.  Howard Thurman parallels faith in difficult times with the bright headlights of an automobile on a lonely road without street lighting.  “Faith is going without knowing but having assurance that God’s presence will lead you safely.” 

As you study and reflect upon this text, consider the following questions and ideas.

• ·         The fierce wind and rough waves which undoubtedly batter the boat represent the intractable and complex challenges we face periodically. 
• ·         Nonetheless, they row persistently for four miles.  Then, they see Jesus walking on the water.
• ·         Perhaps, they fear for their lives.  Understandably, they are tired given the timeframe of the previous miracle.  Emotionally, they are already overwhelmed as they were still mentally digesting the miraculous feeding of more than fifteen thousand persons with two fish and five loaves of bread.  To their utter amazement, it appears to their natural senses that they are seeing Jesus walking on the water without sinking.
• ·         The combination of their physical, mental and emotional bewilderment convinces them they are seeing a ghost although it is the Lord.
• ·         Have you had times of testing and trial when you did not see the Lord’s handiwork even though it was right in front of you?  Did you explain it away?  Did you digress to self-reliance?  Did you utilize the scientific method and other empirical formulas to explain your predicament?
• ·         In their fear, the disciples shrink from the Lord.  After He greets and reassures them, they willingly take Him into the boat.
• ·         Likewise, our fears sometimes become larger than life itself.  They overpower our understanding of the Lord’s power and abilities.  Then, He lovingly and reassuringly greets us with the gracious words, “Don’t be afraid.  It is I.”  Upon hearing them, we like the disciples then welcome Him into the muck and mire of our circumstances.
• ·         With His presence in the boat, they immediately transcend the threats of nature and arrive safely on shore. 
• ·         We find resolution, restitution and reconciliation when we seek the Lord’s counsel and demonstrate the willingness to heed it.
• ·         The next day, the crowd eventually realizes that both the disciples and Jesus have left them on the mountainside.  They only recall the departure of the disciples.  They do not remember seeing Jesus leave; they assume He is still with them.  Upon realizing He is not, they depart in pursuit of Him.
• ·         The crowds commandeers as boats that had recently arrived near the Sea of Tiberias and leave for Capernaum in search of Jesus.
• ·         Were we to apply this detail to contemporary disciples, we would leave corporate worship with a renewed commitment to find Jesus and daily strengthen our relationship with Him.
• ·         What does fascinating miracle mean to you?  How will you apply its teaching and central truths to your walk of discipleship?  Will you enable it to challenge you to trust more reliably in the Lord’s enduring promise never to leave or forsake you?
• ·         Finally, how would you explain the essence of the story to a kindergarten student?