The Significance of Jesus Walking on Water in Scripture

Take a few minutes and prayerfully read John 6:16-21?

That evening, Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon, a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but He called out to them, “Don’t be afraid, I am here!” They were eager to let Him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination. John 6:15-21 NLT.

Why did Jesus walk on the water?

Let’s contemplate that question for a minute. It wasn’t to feed the hungry, heal the sick, or even cast out a demon. It wasn’t to show off or give another sign that He is the Son of God.

When He fed the five thousand, He knew what He was going to do (John 6:6). Did He know what He was doing here as well, and why did He walk on the water?

Good question.

Let’s see the full account in Scripture

So, I chose to dig deeper into Scripture. Matthew and Mark mention this incident. Luke does not. Yet, they all remember the personal nature in seeing Jesus walk on water (Matt 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52).

When I first read John’s account, I honestly thought that those disciples had gone into the boat because they thought the feeding of the five thousand was Jesus’ swan song. I remembered how, after He had fed the five thousand, they were ready to force Jesus to be their political pawn. But I learned Jesus released the crowd and went up on the mountainside to pray.

The Holy Spirit reminded Matthew that Jesus had sent them on ahead and that He would meet them on the other side later. Mark said the same thing. John remembers only that Jesus was not with them.

The absence of Jesus was keenly felt.

Here, the disciples faced a windstorm that prevented them from reaching their destination safely. It was dark, and Jesus wasn’t with them.

Can you feel their fear?

Let’s put this in perspective. In a windstorm, their boat was facing extreme stress from the high winds and waves. The risk was real because of structural damage or capsizing.

Waves can crash over the deck while winds, often exceeding hurricane speeds, threaten to rip the vessel apart. All efforts to move the boat ashore were in vain.

This is the water Jesus was walking on.

Jesus was walking toward them on the troubled sea. Not knowing it was Him, they thought He was a ghost. They knew and understood that others had perished at sea in such a windstorm.

Now they were even more terrified.

Jesus is the Son of God. He could have calmed the wind and waves, or let them reach their destination and walked along the shore to meet them on the other side.

Jesus comes to them

No. He walked on the troubled waters in the biting wind. Jesus spoke to them relieving their fears.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matt 14:27 CSB.

Because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately, He spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:50 CSB.

But He said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” John 6:20 CSB.

Only at the sound of His voice did they believe and willingly let Him into the boat. Their fears and doubts were real. At no time did He rebuke them for their doubts or get upset for their fear.

Willingly Accepting Jesus.

Matthew remembers how Peter doubted Jesus enough to ask to walk on water, too. In what happens next, we learn much about Peter and even more about Jesus.

The wind is still raging, and the waters are rough. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he could walk on water too. As soon as he looked away from Jesus, he feared for his life, then he sank.

Only the hand of Jesus could save him.

Many a teacher and preacher uses this incident to show that faithfulness in Jesus makes a difference. Me? For the first time, I see the scene with fresh eyes. Accepting Jesus wholeheartedly changes everything.

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matt 14:32-33 CSB.

Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. Mark 6:51 CSB.

They were willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. John 6:21 CSB.

Personal and Intimate.

So, have you thought about the original question: why did Jesus walk on the water?

I hope so. I believe it was both personal and intimate. This recorded event encourages me. When the disciples willingly welcomed Jesus, the wind calmed, and they were where they were supposed to be.

The storms of life are real, and the world is out to capsize our boat and significantly harm us. Doubt always brings fear. The absence of Jesus makes all our efforts pointless. Willingly letting Him in makes all things right.

Even in the storm, He sees us and walks toward us to be with us. The need is great, and He is sufficient in every felt need.

This sign was not for the crowd, but for His own treasured disciples.

Doubts and fears are real.

Have you ever doubted, tried to move against the relentless winds of adversity? Have you felt the storm clouds of problems and fear? Have you ever tried doing it yourself?

Who hasn’t?

Well, trust me when I say, “Jesus is still Jesus.” When we hold Him at arm’s length, we either do not willingly let Him in when we’re fearful.

He’s coming toward you, even in your storm, to see you intimately. Even if He has to walk on water.

“It is I; do not be afraid.”

Call to Action

Let Him in.

Jesus sees you. He comes not to see what He can do, but to do what needs to be done.

The “with God” life is not always easy. Storms come, the winds blow, but He who calms the sea can calm your soul. A life without God tragically fills us with doubt and fear.

Everyone who is willing lets Jesus in and allows Him to remain has never regretted it.

The “with God” life is meant for you. Become a stranger to the life “without” God.

Do I have a witness?

Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the LORD for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them… Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD. Ps 107:26-30 & 43 NLT.