Read
Jesus Walks on the Water
(Matthew 14.22-33; John 6.15-21)
45At once, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and start back across to Bethsaida. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. 46Then he told them goodbye and went up on the side of a mountain to pray.
47Later in the evening he was still there by himself, and the boat was somewhere in the middle of the lake. 48He could see that the disciples were struggling hard, because they were rowing against the wind. Not long before morning, Jesus came toward them. He was walking on the water and was about to pass the boat.
49When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought he was a ghost, and they started screaming. 50All of them saw him and were terrified. But at this same time he said, “Don't worry! I am Jesus. Don't be afraid.” 51He then got into the boat with them, and the wind died down. The disciples were completely confused. 52Their minds were closed, and they could not understand the true meaning of the loaves of bread.
Jesus Heals Sick People
(Matthew 14.34-36)
53Jesus and his disciples crossed the lake and brought the boat to shore near the town of Gennesaret. 54As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus. 55So they ran all over that part of the country to bring their sick people to him on mats. They brought them each time they heard where he was. 56In every village or farm or marketplace where Jesus went, the people brought their sick to him. They begged him to let them just touch his clothes, and everyone who did was healed.
Reflect
Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? You are given a clue which will direct you to the next clue, which directs you to the next clue until finally, you put it all together and you have discovered a treasure!
This is what we see Jesus doing throughout the Gospels. He gave clues to his identity. Jesus knew his disciples were well acquainted with the Old Testament. He knew they understood some things about who God was. God’s character and power had been revealed throughout creation and in miraculous interventions throughout history. For example, they knew that God was the One with power over all nature, over all sickness, over all things.
Jesus revealed something of his identity as Messiah, the Son of God, God incarnate, by displaying his power in ways that would help the disciples see with their own eyes that he was, indeed, God.
So he healed the sick. He fed the hungry. The clues were stacking up, yet the disciples still hadn’t seen or understood his true identity. So he controlled the weather.
The disciples saw the clues, but hadn’t yet put them together. This is why they were so confused. The true meaning of the loaves of bread was not only that Jesus could feed many people, but that Jesus was God. That he could calm the wind was just one more clue.
Jesus is leaving clues for you and me today, just like he did for those first disciples. Some will be found around us in the everyday workings of our lives. Some are within the pages of the Bible, and others show up in the testimony of his saints. Jesus continues to mark out clear paths for us to find and get to know him, the true Treasure.
Respond
Creator God, who has formed all things with your hand, who commands the weather, who heals diseases and forgives sin, guide me into all truth and life as I follow your Son, finding in him eternal treasure that I might then lead others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Carla Anne Coroy
Carla Anne Coroy is a Christian Life Coach, speaker, and award-winning author of Married Mom, Solo Parent. She ministers with CBMC Canada a group facilitator of The Way (Church Renewal). She is passionate about mentoring and spiritual growth. She is a gifted communicator who is motivated to see others reach their full potential, and live passionately and intimately with Jesus. She founded Refinery Transformation Solutions as a business dedicated to serving men and woman through coaching. Carla Anne is continually developing materials and resources for those she mentors, coaches and trains. Her goal is to live each day with the joy of Christ and her eyes set firmly on eternity. She shares her home with many others from various stations in life, and savours time with her adult children and 6 grandchildren. Publications: Married Mom, Solo Parent (Kregel Publications, 2011)