We were filled with bitter disappointment and boiling hatred as we marched towards the sea of Tiberias for a ship towards Capernaum. It was spring and the Passover feast was a few days away. Millions of worshippers had come from all over the world to sacrifice and worship at Jerusalem, and many came to the desert to hear and see the young Rabbi. John the Baptist had just been beheaded by Herod and his disciples were with us at a desert in Galilee, for rest and instruction…
On that day, more than 5000 men, not counting women and children, had gathered on the hills on the grassy plains to hear the Rabbi, who was moved with compassion over them. When evening came, he fed the whole multitude with five loaves of bread and two fishes! We were so awed and nonplussed that we decided to forcibly take Him and pronounce Him King….but He foresaw it and dismissed us all to go home…
With anger and bitter disappointment over His unwillingness to claim the throne of David, we boarded a ship and headed towards Capernaum. The night was calm, and the sea was silent, but suddenly, a strong wind from nowhere troubled the sea and we battled for dear life [Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21]. With all our efforts and experience, we tried unsuccessfully to overcome the gale; our death was certain!
When we gave up on life, a gleam of light revealed a mysterious figure approaching us upon the water. We thought the evil spirits and ghosts of the sea were coming for our lives! Terror overpowers us and we cried for fear. The hands that had grasped the oars with muscles like iron let go their hold. The boat rocks at the will of the waves; all eyes are riveted on this vision of a man walking upon the white-capped billows of the foaming sea.
As the phantom got closer and appeared to pass us, we recognized Him, and cried out, entreating His help: Jesus! The beloved Master turns, His voice silences our fear, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” Oh, blessed assurance! How calming was that voice and comforting were those words! Peter was almost beside himself with joy, he cried out, “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come.”
Looking unto Jesus, Peter walked securely until in self-satisfaction, he glanced back towards us in the boat, losing sight of the Saviour. The wind was boisterous. The waves rolled high and came directly between him and the Master; fear gripped him. For a moment Christ was hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talked with death, Peter lifted his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cried, “Lord, save me.” Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
Immediately Jesus sat in the boat, the tempest ceased, and we suddenly reached the shore! The night of horror was succeeded by the light of dawn. We all bowed at the feet of Jesus with thankful hearts, saying, “Of a truth Thou art the Son of God! Peter was now subdued and silent, for through unbelief and self-exaltation, he had very nearly lost his life. When he turned his eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost, and he sank amid the waves.
I then learnt a wonderful lesson, that no matter the situation or trouble, if we look up to Jesus away from ourselves, He will come to us in our hour of need and drive us through the tempest to shore. Blessed are those who have not seen, but yet believe! Happy Sabbath!!
