Meaning of John 6:20

This verse, John 6:20, captures a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals himself to his disciples on the Sea of Galilee, appearing to them walking on the water. The disciples, having just witnessed the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and now being tossed about in a storm, are understandably terrified by the apparition. Jesus' immediate response, "It is I; don't be afraid," serves not only to alleviate their fear but also to assert his divine identity and authority over the natural elements. It is a declaration of his presence and his power to overcome their anxieties, a recurring theme throughout his ministry.

Context and Background

The preceding narrative in John 6 describes Jesus feeding over five thousand men with a few loaves and fish (John 6:1-14). Following this miracle, Jesus withdrew to a mountain alone, while his disciples got into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. A strong wind arose, and the boat was being battered by the waves. It was during this perilous situation, likely in the fourth watch of the night (between 3 and 6 AM), that the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, approaching their boat. Their initial reaction was one of profound fear, mistaking him for a ghost or a spirit.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme here is divine presence and reassurance. Jesus' words, "It is I" (ego eimi, the same declaration he uses in John 8:58 when referring to his pre-existence), are a powerful self-identification. He is not merely present; he is the one who is present, claiming a divine identity. This is immediately followed by the command, "don't be afraid." This highlights Jesus' role as the one who dispels fear, offering peace and security in the midst of turmoil. The verse also underscores Jesus' mastery over nature, as he walks on the water, a phenomenon impossible for humans, demonstrating his divine authority.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this encounter offers profound encouragement. It speaks to the reality that even in our most challenging storms, when we feel isolated and overwhelmed, Jesus is present. His presence is not always immediately recognizable in the way we expect, and sometimes he appears in ways that initially cause us to fear. However, his promise is that he is with us, and his word is a direct antidote to fear. We are called to trust in his presence and his power to calm the storms in our lives, both internal and external. The application lies in learning to discern his presence in difficult times and to hold onto his assurance that he is with us, not to harm, but to save and to bring peace.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's consistent presence with his people. From the pillar of cloud and fire in the wilderness to the Emmanuel ("God with us") prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, God has always sought to assure his people of his closeness. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, embodies this divine presence in a unique and personal way. His walking on water is a demonstration of the power attributed to God in the Old Testament, such as in passages like Job 9:8 where God alone stretches out the heavens and walks on the waves of the sea.

Analogies

One analogy for this experience is a sailor caught in a fierce storm. The waves are crashing over the deck, the wind is howling, and the boat is being tossed violently. In the darkness, a figure appears on the water, seemingly impossible. The sailors might initially cry out in terror, thinking it's a phantom. But when the figure speaks, identifying himself and calming the storm with his presence, the fear dissipates, replaced by relief and awe. Another analogy is a child lost in a dark forest who hears a familiar voice calling their name. The initial fear of being alone gives way to immense comfort and security upon recognizing the parent's presence.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse has significant connections to other biblical passages.

• Matthew 14:27 and Mark 6:50 record very similar accounts of this event, emphasizing Jesus' reassurance to his disciples.
• Isaiah 43:1-2 speaks to God's presence with his people through trials: "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'" This resonates with Jesus' immediate calming of the water.
• John 14:27 where Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." This echoes the essence of his words in John 6:20.
• Hebrews 13:5-6 assures believers of God's unfailing presence: "...for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'"