David Bahn – Reflections

Sometimes we have a picture of Jesus that is shaped only by our immediate desires and personal sensibilities. We love the baby Jesus. We yearn for the Good Shepherd Jesus. But there’s more to Jesus than a manger and a shepherd’s staff.

Matthew 14:22-27

Immediately [Jesus]  made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,  “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Consider the various aspects of Jesus’ human nature shown in these few verses. He is a rabbi, sending his disciples away in the boat. He is in control of the crowd, dismissing them to their homes. He is a man of God, alone and in prayer. He is also the one who walks on water!

I can’t even imagine what that looked like: walking on water! Did his feet touch the water? Did they go 3 or 5 inches into the water? Was the water as solid as the earth under his feet? Did the waves hold still as he walked across the swells?

The disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus. I would have been with them in fear. But Jesus’ primary purpose is not to cause them to fear. He is coming to bring comfort and courage. He is also saying that he is with them in the face of any challenge his calling may bring. He did send the disciples on this adventure! But where Jesus leads us he is also present with us.

Where has God sent you today? Wherever that may be, Jesus is with you. Whatever danger you may face, we can take heart in his presence and power over all things.