The passage we just read is preceded by the familiar story of Christ feeding the 5000. It is at the climax of Christ's popularity as a preacher. At this point, multitudes are flocking to Christ, hoping to either have a miracle performed for them, or else, at least, to see a miracle performed by Him. John 6:2 says a GREAT MULTITUDE followed Him. John 6:15 says they were going to attempt to force Him to become their king. He was VERY popular. But, by the time this chapter is finished, the popularity is over. No one, except the disciples were left to follow Christ. Popularity is a fleeting thing! If you base your life on the popular thing, guaranteed, you will be in for a roller coaster ride! In our passage today, we have the account of one of the very last events in the life of Christ, while He was still considered popular to the multitudes. However the focus isn't on the multitudes, but the disciples. They had grown a bit cold toward the Lord and His miracles.
MR 6:52 FOR THEY CONSIDERED NOT THE MIRACLE OF THE LOAVES: FOR THEIR HEART WAS HARDENED. Jesus withdrew Himself from the multitudes and the disciples, not arbitrarily, but for a purpose. His purpose was to teach a lesson of great importance. This is what I want us to consider this morning: the importance of His presence.
I. The Nature of Storms and Trials
A. They can come up unexpectedly.
1. The geographical location of the Sea of Galilee makes it a likely place for sudden storms.
2. Had there been a raging storm, it is unlikely that the disciples would have entered into the ship and try to sail through it.
3. The same is true with our lives…no one really looks for trouble or difficulties in their lives, but it will come!
JOH 16:33 THESE THINGS I HAVE SPOKEN UNTO YOU, THAT IN ME YE MIGHT HAVE PEACE. IN THE WORLD YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION: BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.
B. They can frustrate us.
1. The disciples were counting on the ship and on their own abilities to get them across the sea.
2. But the ship was tossed about like a cork on the sea.
3. The winds that usually carried them along, now are contrary and intensified their predicament.
4. They were strong, experienced fishermen and they were toiling and rowing, but they were not getting anywhere.
5. How frustrating that must have been for them.
6. We all experience a certain level of that frustration when we find ourselves in the midst of a trial that we cannot control!
C. They are God-directed.
MR 6:46 AND WHEN HE HAD SENT THEM AWAY, HE DEPARTED INTO A MOUNTAIN TO PRAY.
1. It was Jesus who sent them…
2. Remember, nothing ever just occurs to God…He is omniscient!
3. When we understand that He is in control…even when it looks like He isn't!
4. Then we can begin to understand a bit more about His sovereignty!
5. The Lord directed them into this for His purpose! And for their benefit.
RO 8:28 AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.
6. Realize today that trials are NOT just God-directed for others.
7. But they are for US also!
II. The Nature of the Savior
A. Jesus Came Right on Time.
1. The disciples thought they were alone in the midst of this storm.
2. But He has promised to never forsake us!
3. He never lost sight of them…
MR 6:48 AND HE SAW THEM TOILING IN ROWING; FOR THE WIND WAS CONTRARY UNTO THEM: AND ABOUT THE FOURTH WATCH OF THE NIGHT HE COMETH UNTO THEM, WALKING UPON THE SEA, AND WOULD HAVE PASSED BY THEM.
4. One of the things about going through a trial is that we often thing we are all alone, but if we know Jesus as our Savior, He is never far away!
B. Jesus Came at the Darkest Hour.
1. Both Matthew and Mark that Jesus showed up around the fourth watch of the night…this was between 3-6am.
2. Someone has said, "It is always the darkest before the dawn".
3. The disciples had exhausted all of their resources…and the storm continued to rage on.
4. They simply couldn't make it alone…and neither can we!
5. The world says, "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on."
6. I say, "When we come to the end of our rope we need to reach out for the Savior!"
7. At the darkest hour of the night Jesus made His presence known to His disciples…remember He was always nearby watching…but now He reveals Himself to them.
C. Jesus Came to them with Comfort.
1. Note: He did not come to stop the storm; He could have done that anytime.
2. He didn't come to criticize or rebuke them as He previously had done.
MT 8:26 AND HE SAITH UNTO THEM, WHY ARE YE FEARFUL, O YE OF LITTLE FAITH? THEN HE AROSE, AND REBUKED THE WINDS AND THE SEA; AND THERE WAS A GREAT CALM.
3. But this time He came to bring them comfort and reassurance in the midst of the storm.
III. The Nature of His Presence
A. His presence removes all fear.
JOH 6:20 "… IT IS I; BE NOT AFRAID."
1. With those words all of their fears melted away.
2. David rejoiced when he remembered God in the night watches.
PS 63:5-6 MY SOUL SHALL BE SATISFIED AS WITH MARROW AND FATNESS; AND MY MOUTH SHALL PRAISE THEE WITH JOYFUL LIPS: WHEN I REMEMBER THEE UPON MY BED, AND MEDITATE ON THEE IN THE NIGHT WATCHES.
3. His presence melts away our fears in the midst of the storm…remember there is no guarantee that He will calm the storm, but He will be with us in the darkest hour!
4. And His presence will remove all fear!
B. His presence is never forced.
JOH 6:21A THEN THEY WILLINGLY RECEIVED HIM INTO THE SHIP:
1. The disciples didn't seem to be too concerned about the lack of His presence when the weather was fine,
2. But when the storm came they willingly received Him!
3. That has to be one of the biggest understatements in the Bible!
4. The Lord promises that He will draw near to us if we draw near to Him!
JAS 4:8A DRAW NIGH TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU.
5. But He will not force Himself upon us.
C. His presence changes everything.
JOH 6:21 THEN THEY WILLINGLY RECEIVED HIM INTO THE SHIP: AND IMMEDIATELY THE SHIP WAS AT THE LAND WHITHER THEY WENT.
1. Matthew and Mark tell us that as soon as Jesus stepped into the ship the storm stopped.
2. John here tells us that immediately the ship was at land.
3. The last time we had a fix on their position they were in the midst of the sea and in the midst of the storm.
4. Now everything changes because of the presence of Jesus!
5. Both the ship and the storm had served their purpose…they helped teach the disciples the importance of His presence.
6. Our trials and difficulties will not end until God has fulfilled His purpose through them in our lives.
7. His presence removes all fear, His presence is never forced, and His presence changes everything!
Do you know His presence this morning? First of all have you placed your faith in the finished work of Christ on Calvary? If not, the invitation is for you to come now and trust in Him. Only then can you know the blessings of His presence in your life.
Christian, have we taken Him for granted? Like the disciples, have we grown a bit indifferent toward Him and the importance of His presence? Reach out to Him today. Do we find ourselves in the midst of a trial or storm? Seek the Lord and His presence will make all the difference in the world!