Read John 6:16-24
Where is Waldo!
Jesus sent his disciples on a boat to cross over to Capernaum. Jesus stayed so he could pray on the mountainside. It was dark and a strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. After the disciples had rowed three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat while he walked on water. They were frightened and Jesus said, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” In the Greek, this literally means, “It is I AM; don’t be afraid.”
After their fear diminished they were willing to take Jesus into the boat. It was then they immediately reached Capernaum.
When morning came, the crowd that stayed with Jesus, realized he was gone but was not sure how or where he went since he had no boat. Later, some boats arrived from Tiberius and many people got on the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
This passage shows a lot of confusion going on as people try to figure out where Jesus is, kind of like when people try to figure out where Waldo is. In the meantime, some miracles occur.
1. Jesus walked on water to his disciples.
2. After Jesus got into the boat, they immediately reached the other side.
Does life ever get scary or confusing, and you wonder where Jesus is? You search for him and it seems he is nowhere to be found. Jesus said, “If you seek me, you will find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” It is then that he would say to you “It is I AM; don’t be afraid.” It is then that he would remind you that he is God, omnipresent.
QUESTION: When you seek Jesus, what is your motivation? The crowd wanted to see Jesus – the Miracle Worker. They wanted him for his miracles and for what he could do for them versus on what they could do for Jesus. They wanted the simplicity of life without the challenges. Is your relationship with Jesus one-sided with you on the throne; or is your heart broken as you humbly approach Jesus because of what you can do for him? Is he on the throne of your heart? Is it all about you? Or is it all about him?
