20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
6:20
But He said to them, “It is I;
The phrase is literally “I am” (Jn 8:58). Probably the meaning here is simply that Jesus identified who He was in His humanity. However, there are strong arguments for this passage conveying the great “I am” idea of His deity (Ex 3:14).
do not be afraid.”
The presence of Christ dispels fear. Jesus makes Himself real in times of trouble.
6:21
Then they willingly received Him into the boat,
The fear of the disciples now changed to wonder. Matthew 14:33 indicates that the disciples ratified Jesus as God’s Son after He got on board the boat.
and immediately [suddenly] the boat was at the land where they were going.
This was another miracle whereby they reached their destination quickly.
PRINCIPLE:
We can count on Jesus’ presence in the storms of our life.
APPLICATION:
The miracle of walking on water shows that Jesus is sovereign in the material realm. Jesus’ presence brings peace to our soul. Jesus gives powerful assurance of His presence in times of trouble.
Note Hebrews 13:5, where five times in the Greek God says He will never leave us:
He 13: 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never [ever, ever, ever, ever] leave you nor forsake you.”
