SERMON SUMMARY
We are looking at the miracles recorded in the gospel of John in an attempt to better understand who Jesus is. John says that these miracles reveal his great power and identity. In John 6:14-25, we see the disciples caught up in a violent storm. This miracle demonstrates (1) Jesus’ infinite, uncontrollable power, (2) his wonderful counsel, and (3) his costly salvation.
[1] Jesus’ power is uncontrollable. Jesus has just miraculously fed 5,000. Jews would have immediately connected this with Moses miraculously feeding a multitude in the wilderness. Moses was their greatest leader, and so they wanted to make Jesus king (John 6:14-15). Jesus’ primary purpose in coming was not to deal with Israel’s economic, political, and social problems. All these problems derive from one problem: alienation from God. Jesus said: “I’m the bread of life; my body is going to be broken to pay for sins, so that you can be reconciled to God and to one another.” But the crowds thought: “He solved the food problem—he can solve the Rome problem!” Jesus wanted them to know that they couldn’t control him like that—so he called up a storm! Storms, especially over water, are among the most chaotic, terrifying situations. John reported that Jesus casually came strolling across the lake in the midst of this intense storm. Amid this chaos, here comes Jesus strolling along. “Hey guys, what’s up? Mind if I join you?” Jesus got in the boat and immediately it was at land! Jesus not only fed people as Moses did, he also showed his power over water (see Psalm 77:13-19). Jesus was saying, “I’m greater than Moses! I’m the one who parted the Red Sea for Moses! I am the infinite, uncontrollable force. I’m the untamed Lord of the universe!” We try to control God in subtle ways: “God if you will fix my marriage/my cancer/my life, I’ll start going to church/read my Bible/put money in the offering plate!” In other words, “God, I’ll serve you if you/as long as you (fill in the blank).” But whatever comes after the “if,” or the “as long as,” is your god— and for you, God is just a means to an end. But Jesus is an infinite, uncontrollable force.
[2] Jesus’ counsel is tender and wonderful. Remember—Jesus’ miracles are never simply displays of power. They are ways that he lovingly ministers to hurting people. Jesus saw the disciples struggling in the storm, and he wants to be our refuge in the midst of our storms. Jesus comes to his disciples in their time of need, and he is tender with them. He doesn’t say, “Why didn’t you check the weather report?” Instead, he says, “Don’t be afraid. I’m with you now. I’ve got this!” When we combine (1) Jesus’ infinite, uncontrollable power, with (2) his wonderful, tender counsel, think of how that can comfort you! But there are two storm stories in the New Testament. One time Jesus speaks, and the storm goes away. The other time he doesn’t stop it, he brings them through it. Sometimes, Jesus helps you in a storm by taking it away. Other times, he walks through the storm with you. Either way, you have access to his infinite power and tender counsel!
[3] Jesus’ divine fellowship is available. The disciples were frightened by the storm, but they were terrified when they thought Jesus was a ghost (Matthew 14:26-27)! But Jesus said, “I am; do not be afraid.” (John 6:20). This is a claim to be Yahweh, the God of the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). “I am God, do not be afraid. I am going to get in the boat with you and bring you safely through this storm. I want to protect you. I want to have fellowship with you, despite your sin and unworthiness.” That thought is both comforting and frightening, isn’t it? God who knows everything about you—your secret thoughts and secret sins, your virtues and your vices, he want to draw close to you in the time of your greatest need. In Jesus, holiness and grace meet. And he died on the cross to make fellowship with God possible. He has already met your greatest need—forgiveness of sin. If he loved you enough to die for you, surely he loves you enough to meet you in the storms of life.
APPLICATION / CHALLENGE
- Draw upon Jesus’ inexhaustible resources.
- Feed on Jesus daily by reading his Word; discover his tender and wonderful counsel.
- Enjoy fellowship with Jesus. He wants to spend time with you. He wants to reveal himself to you
TAKE ONE STEP
Each week, write down one doable concrete step of obedience, small or large, that you will put into practice this week. (James 1:22: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”)