Jesus, Lord over Nature!




John’s Gospel chapter 6 records our Lord walking on the Sea of Galilee, walking toward the disciples who were huddled in side their fishing boat trying to ride out a terrible storm!

Just one disciple (Peter) will step out and walk toward Jesus on the waves!

Take a long moment and concentrate on the above image. If you were to describe what your seeing what words come to mind?

Miraculous...

In control...

Jesus the Lord of nature!

The Sea of Galilee is fed by the Jordan River, rainfall and springs on the northern side.  More properly designated a lake, the Kinneret (the OT and modern name) is 13 miles wide and 7 miles long. 

At its deepest point the lake is only 150 feet deep. 

The rabbis said of it, "Although God has created seven seas, yet He has chosen this one as His special delight."

On board their fishing craft, the disciples clothes are damp, their hair blowing in the wind, enduring the teeming waves, the disciples are about to experience a phenomenon they had never seen before!

In a time of serious distress they will learn something that God would remind us all of today!

"When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness had already set in, but Jesus had not yet come to them.

Then a high wind arose, and the sea began to churn. After they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea. He was coming near the boat, and they were afraid.     20 But He said to them, "It is I. Don't be afraid!" 21 Then they were willing to take Him on board, and at once the boat was at the shore where they were heading."
(John 6: 16-21).

1.Following Jesus does not mean we escape trouble.

2.Following Jesus does not mean that sometimes we won’t be afraid.

3.Following Jesus means He will get us to the shore safely!


These violent storms are unpredictable and spontaneous, rising suddenly and instantaneously.

Consequently, the disciples got out into the middle of the Sea and were overwhelmed by the violence of the storm – as professional fisherman, they couldn’t maneuver their boat.

The Lord directed them straight into a test whereby they were given an opportunity to demonstrate their faith in crisis.

The easy way of life is not always God’s way – at times, obedience to the will and word of God will take a believer straight into the jaws of a storm.

Following Jesus does not mean we escape trouble!

Jesus did not come to keep us out of trouble but to get into trouble with us!


*Four Resources to Help Us Deal With Our Fears

1. Jesus moves us toward our fear. When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. John 6: 17-18

2. Jesus enters into our fears. (John 6:19) When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water....... (NIV)

3. Jesus calls us to trust Him with our fears. (John 6:20-21) But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, (NIV)

4. Jesus moves us away from our fears. (John 6:21) Then they were willing to take him into the boat and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. (NIV) *From “How to handle fear” By Pastor David Brown

No matter the severity of your life storm, remember Jesus is the Lord over all, including nature!

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