John 6:16-24

1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)

2) Scripture Reading: John 6:16-24

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, ¹⁷ where 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. ¹⁸ A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” ²¹ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

 ²² The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. ²³ Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. ²⁴ Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.

3) Questions to Consider and Devotional Thought:Would you be “willing to take Him into the boat” or would you ask Him to pass by?
If Jesus suddenly appeared to you as He had to the disciples in this passage, what would you do?

The disciples often get criticized  for their lack of faith in this passage. After all, many people have suggested to me that fear is the opposite of faith and the disciples were frightened. However, the disciples welcome Jesus into the boat knowing that He is the solution to their difficult circumstances, not a threat to their well being.

Jesus often appears to me by the power of the Holy Spirit, especially as I read His Word or when I am praying. I know it is Him because the passage or message is so clear to me. Sometimes, I am not willing to take Him into my life when He speaks to me. I say to myself, “This is not the Lord, it must be something else.” This is my typical reaction when I already have my own plans or if what Jesus is asking me to do is difficult. In essence, I ask Jesus to pass by rather than asking Him to join me.

Jesus never forces Himself on us. In fact, He is very polite. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says,  “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Did you notice that Jesus does not barge in? He politely knocks on the door of your heart and waits for you to answer. He wants us to ask Him into our lives and to allow us to join Him in His work. And when we do, we realize our real purpose for being drawn into a personal relationship with Jesus. Never forget that God chose us for a purpose. Without joining Jesus when He call to us, we will never know what that purpose is.

4) Prayer: Lord, speak to me and give me the courage to answer “yes” to what you ask of me, Amen.

5) Conclude with Silence (2 min)