“That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. 17But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. 18Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. 19They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrivedat their destination!” —John 6:16–21 (NLT)
Miracle Receivers:
- Obey Jesus (verses 16-17)
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. —Mark 6:45 (NLT)
- See Jesus (verses 19-21)
Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. —Matthew 14:33 (NLT)
Miracle Givers:
- Make Time for God (verses 16-17)
After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. —Mark 6:46 (NLT)
- Minister Peace (verses 19-21)
About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” —Mark 6:48–50 (NLT)
Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. —Matthew 14:33 (NLT)
The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. —John 20:30-31 (NLT)
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Connect
- How do you respond in a crisis? Jump into action immediately? Stop everything and assess? Duck and run for cover? Look for help?
Let’s Talk About It
God intends that we should be both recipients and distributors of miracles. All of us will face times of challenge, trial, and crisis when we need a miracle. How do we position ourselves to be recipients of miracles like the disciples? At the same time, people all around need a miracle. What does it take to minister or distribute miracles to those in need? This miracle of Jesus walking on water and calming the storm is found in three of the four Gospels, so we know it is important. These different accounts teach us to receive miracles like the disciples did and minister miracles as Jesus did.
John 20:30-31; John 6:16-21; Mark 6:45-50; Matthew 14:33
- Which part of the message impacted and challenged you?
- Read Mark 6:45 and John 6:16-17. From these scriptures it appears the disciples didn’t immediately “get back into the boat and head across the lake” as “Jesus insisted.” Instead, they waited until “darkness fell”. Why do you think they waited? Do you tend to obey God immediately or wait?
- Read John 6:19-21. What changed the disciples from being “terrified” at seeing Jesus to being “eager to let him into the boat”? How can you prepare your heart to be ready to welcome Jesus into the difficult situations in your life?
- Read Mark 6:46. How do you make time for God in your life?
- Read Mark 6:48-50. Jesus saw the disciples were in “serious trouble” and went to them. Do you take the time to recognize when others are in need, and do you step out to minister to them?
Take a Step
- What step(s) can you take this week to be more receptive to the work of God in your places of need and moments of crisis? What steps can you take to minister to those more effectively who need a miracle?
Here’s My Prayer
Father, thank You for the miracle of salvation and the many other miracles You do every day. Help me to get better at hearing Your voice and obeying Your commands. Help me also to recognize the needs of those around me and boldly step up and minister to them in a way that not only meets their needs but helps them to see You as the Messiah and the Son of God. Amen.