Walking on the water
STARTER
Have you ever been in a situation where you have been terrified? What was the situation and how was it resolved?
Some background notes – use as appropriate
This story is also told in Mark and Matthew. The disciples are alone in the boat, in the darkness, when a storm blows up – frequent event on Lake Galilee. The fact that “it was dark” is probably significant – Jesus was not with his disciples on this occasion. It was stormy, the disciples were making little headway and it was “dark”. Suddenly a figure (who?) seems to be approaching them, walking on the water (19). And the disciples are terrified at this extraordinary event – indeed they are more afraid of the person walking toward them than they are of the storm. As soon as Jesus got into the boat the disciples find themselves at their destination (21). “One can scarcely imagine, indeed, that after an act of power so magnificent and so kingly as Jesus walking on the waters he should have seated himself in the boat and the voyage have been laboriously continued by the stroke of an oar. At the moment Jesus set foot on the boat he communicated to it the force victorious over gravity and space, which had just been so strikingly displayed in his own person.” (F L Godet)
The Sea of Galilee is known for its rough water, especially at night. It is almost 700 feet below sea level. Cooler air from the northern mountains and south eastern tablelands rushes down into the lake and displaces the warm moist air, causing a violent churning of the water.
The church as a boat is a very traditional picture so spend some time drawing out the parallels with this story as it sums up the situation faced by the church in many parts of the western world (even if not in Ashtead!) – a small group of people, remote from the land where most people live their lives, irrelevant to many of the issues confronting the world. The “church” is tossed about by the winds of secularism and controversy (both within and without) and seemingly uncertain as to its future; uncertain as to its destination. Its members are straining away at the oars of good works and ministry, but make no apparent progress. There is no great conviction that Jesus is the Head and Lord of the church. “It is dark”.
(For some years I was Diocesan Adviser in Mission & Evangelism in a Diocese of over 350 parishes. At that time almost 25% of them had an average Sunday congregation of 10 or less – and almost all were of retirement age).
You might like to consider what are some of the internal controversies facing the Church of England at this time?
Some scholars, who struggle with the miraculous, say the Greek (19) could be translated “by the water” rather than “on the water”. What does the group think about that? Can the miracle stories be explained away? Why would the disciples be so terrified if Jesus was just by the water? Why include such a story if it did not happen? The ambiguity in the meaning does not arise in the other gospel accounts (Matt 14.245; Mk 6.48).
Why do you think the disciples were terrified (19)? Was it that they had no idea that it was Jesus? Were they more terrified that someone was walking on the water than of the storm?
There are occasions when Jesus’ presence seems to intensify our struggles – why is this so? Some examples – Peter’s failure (21.15ff); Paul responding to Christ’s call (Acts 16.9,22-24).
How does Jesus still the disciples’ fear? Has this been your experience?
In other contexts “It is I” is translated “I am”. Reflect on the significance of this in Johns Gospel. The Israelites left Egypt, under the leadership of Moses, and had to cross the Red Sea, a demonstration of God’s majesty (cf Psalm 77.16,19). Now Jesus is seen as Lord of the waves and the sea.
Do you think the arrival of Jesus is another miracle (21)?
“Christ’s presence brings renewed hope and power to his dispirited church, and, where needed, to individual lives. The last word does not lie with the world, no matter how threatening its manifestations. Jesus still comes walking upon the waves, and in a recovered experience of his presence, the church, for all its internal failings, may yet sweep upon its way, and at the last be carried by its triumphant Lord on to that ‘eternal shore’ for which we are destined.” (Bruce Milne).
Do you find these words comforting? True in your own experience? Does this mean we should not be worried about climate change etc?
After this we read that the crowd go “in search of Jesus” (24) and that sets the scene for the long discourse in which the mystery of Jesus’ person is further explored. But that’s another study . . .
PRAYER
We are now well into the season of Lent. Group members might like to share what they are doing to draw closer to God at this time – church programme; personal devotions etc. And then pray that for each one Lent this year may be a time of learning more about God.
These notes were written several weeks ago, so you might like to reflect upon (and pray) for the current situation regarding Covid-19 both in the UK and throughout the world.
And an opportunity to pray for any matters which individuals might like to share at this time.