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“Signs Done Well - VI”
Before the day was over on which Jesus had fed the masses, he performed another amazing sign. His disciples began their trip back across Lake Galilee to their home base at Capernaum, but the Lord was not with them. They had traveled between three and four miles in the boat when suddenly Jesus caught up to them, not in another boat, but walking upon the water.
This defies all we know about science and physics and natural laws – thus the miraculous sign. It was such a violation of these things that when the men who loved Him most saw him approach, they were very frightened. Jesus assures them it is him, and that they need not fear (John 6:16-21).
When Jesus says “It is I” in verse 20, he kicks off a series of these “I Am” statements in the rest of the chapter (e.g. verse 35). This is a statement, a claim, of divinity. Only God says “I Am” in this way in the Bible. Jesus is, subtly in one sense, not so subtly in another, claiming to be God. This makes sense. Only God could do what Jesus did in this sign.
Another important link that would have been apparent to the disciples and especially to John as author later on is how this sign hearkens back to the words of Psalm 107. That psalm begins “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.” The psalmist then goes on and recalls various types of desperate situations the people of God have gotten into, and how God delivered them. One of them was danger at sea – a deep-seated fear for all the ancients. In verses 23-31 of Psalm 107, listen to the parallels with John chapter 6:
Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;
they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.
For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.
They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight;
they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men!
Wondrous indeed are His mighty works! His signs show us the way.
