John 6:20-21, “But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Once the disciples knew it was Jesus, and heard Him say, “Don’t be afraid,” they overcame their fear and welcomed Him into the boat. Although He didn’t say, “I’m here with you,” that was the effect of His words. When we are being tossed to and fro by the storm winds of life, feel the terror of being out of control and imagining things we can’t explain and that make no sense, and are enveloped in darkness, Jesus’ words of comfort are, “I am with you; don’t be afraid.” This is our confidence as we live to love with Jesus in all circumstances.
I’m reminded of many times when God’s people were in dire straits and God spoke these words of comfort and encouragement.
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”
Jeremiah 1:8 “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.
Matthew 17:7 And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”
In the moment that they knew it was Jesus with them, their fear turned to comfort and their long, arduous night of rowing in the storm ended. Once He got in the boat, John said they were immediately at the shore in Capernaum. Our confidence as we walk through each day to love whoever God puts in our paths in whatever circumstances He orchestrates is that He is with us to help us. He’s in our boat, we are brought through the storm, and that’s what mattered. It’s interesting that John didn’t record any conversation between the disciples and Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I would like to know what Jesus had to say to them. However, apparently what John wanted to communicate was that once Jesus was with them, the storm had served its purpose and so had His midnight hike on the sea. We are meant to be encouraged by this one great reality: Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God who gives life to all who believe. Those who have Him in their boat don’t need to be afraid, and can be assured that they will arrive at their final destination safely. So be it!
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