April 6, 2023
Four Miracles, One Story
“So, they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” John 6:21 (NASB)
I have never witnessed a supernatural miracle which I can recall, outside of the salvation of a sinner who comes to faith in Jesus. I have seen extraordinary events which I can give God the glory He deserves though. The examples for today’s reading should allow each of us to see the wonderous works of our God, Who has power and authority to do all He desires. He is God!
Throughout this story, four miracles have occurred. Some are noted in John’s gospel, some in others. We see Christ walking on water toward the disciples in this gospel (6:19). His arrival at first brought terror until they identified the source. Upon their recognition, “they were willing to receive Him into the boat.” Their first fears were now being converted into wonder and delight of His presence. The disciples were disappointed Jesus separated from them before they got into the boat to cross. John 6:19 records the first miracle, “they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat.” He appeared walking on the sea to them and they were happy to see Him. The second miracle (found in Matt. 14:22-32) occurred when Peter walked on water, at least for a short time. Matthew 14:28-29 records, “Peter said to Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. And He said, Come! And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me!” The third miracle is recorded in Matthew 14:32 “When they got into the boat, the wind stopped,” and Mark 6:51 “Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped.” When a soaking wet Peter got back into the boat, the wind suddenly ceased. Finally, John records when Jesus got aboard the boat, they suddenly arrived at the other shore. “So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” All these actions by Christ, should leave the believer astonished.
Miracles like these give insight in the deity of Jesus Christ. These didn’t start here though. Jesus is found all the way back to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The word, “God,” is Elohim, which is a plural form of “El” (being singular). Our God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are from eternity past, present, and eternity future. They created all which we can and cannot see. Surely, at this point when Jesus walked on the water, He was able to control it. He created it, and therefore all creation is subject to Him. Jesus can walk on water because the water existed because of Him. It is subject to His commands. Peter walked on water, until his faith failed. Jesus allowed him to perform something mankind could never accomplish. Jesus also created wind. It is subject to His command. He can call it to cease anytime He chooses. He can also change time and distance by His own command. He allowed the disciple’s boat to reach the other side of the sea without them realizing it occurred. Jesus can suspend or advance time if He chooses. He can also move objects at His will to anywhere He chooses. Jesus Christ is God!
The observations for today should leave anyone with an amazing conclusion. God in all He is, chose you and I to enter a relationship together. Think about the immense power and authority He has, and yet He chooses us. He is also able to save us from our own eternal destiny. He can change our eternal timeline from Hell to Heaven. There should be no doubt of His love for you.