You Don’t Understand THIS Story About Jesus (Dr. Brant Pitre)
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The Astonishing Encounter on the Sea of Galilee
In a small fishing village by the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the water. The air was thick with anticipation as fishermen prepared to set out for another night on the water. Among them were a group of men who had become known as disciples, followers of a remarkable teacher named Jesus. They had witnessed countless miracles—healings, feedings of thousands with just a few loaves and fishes, and profound teachings that stirred their hearts. But nothing could prepare them for what was about to unfold that fateful evening.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the disciples climbed into their boat, eager to return home after a long day. The Sea of Galilee, despite its serene beauty, could quickly turn treacherous. It was approximately seven miles wide at its widest point, and the winds could whip up the waters into a frenzy. That night, however, the sea was deceptively calm as they set out, the gentle lapping of the waves providing a false sense of security.
As darkness enveloped the sky, a sudden storm arose. The wind howled, and waves crashed against the sides of their boat, threatening to capsize them. The disciples, seasoned fishermen, found themselves in a battle against nature’s fury. Fear gripped their hearts as they struggled to keep the boat afloat. They shouted to one another, trying to maintain their composure, but the panic was palpable.
Meanwhile, on the shore, Jesus watched. Alone, He stood on the land, His heart heavy with compassion for His friends. He could see their distress, their frantic efforts to row against the wind. It was then that He decided to intervene. With a resolve that spoke of divine authority, He began to walk across the tumultuous waters toward them.
As He approached, the disciples, exhausted and terrified, caught sight of a figure moving toward them across the waves. Their minds raced, and fear morphed into terror. “It’s a ghost!” they cried out, their voices trembling in the chaos. They had heard tales of spirits haunting the waters, and in their panic, they could hardly grasp the reality of what was happening.
But then, amidst the storm, Jesus called out to them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” The words “It is I” echoed in the night, resonating with a profound significance. In that moment, He was not just identifying Himself; He was invoking the divine name. The Greek term “ego eimi” carried weight beyond mere identification—it was an assertion of His divine identity, a claim that only God could walk on the sea.
The disciples, still shaken, began to process His words. They remembered the ancient scriptures, the words of Job, who had proclaimed that only God could walk upon the waters. In that instant, they realized they were not just in the presence of a great teacher; they were face-to-face with the divine.
Peter, ever the bold one, called out, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus simply replied, “Come.” With a mixture of faith and fear, Peter stepped out of the boat, his feet finding footing on the waves. For a brief moment, he walked toward Jesus, the impossible made possible by faith. But as the wind howled and the waves crashed around him, doubt crept in. He began to sink, crying out, “Lord, save me!”
Instantly, Jesus reached out His hand, grasping Peter and pulling him up. “O you of little faith,” He said gently, “why did you doubt?” They climbed back into the boat together, and as soon as Jesus entered, the wind ceased. The sea became calm, and the disciples were left in awe.
They fell to the ground, worshiping Him, recognizing that they were in the presence of the Son of God. “Truly, you are the Son of God,” they proclaimed, their hearts filled with reverence and wonder. They understood that this was not just a man; this was the divine made flesh, the embodiment of God’s power and love.
The storm had not only tested their faith but had also revealed the depth of Jesus’ identity. In that moment on the Sea of Galilee, they experienced a theophany—a direct encounter with the divine. This revelation would change them forever, deepening their understanding of who Jesus was and solidifying their commitment to follow Him.
As the boat drifted toward the shore, the disciples were transformed. They had witnessed something extraordinary, a miraculous display of power that transcended their understanding. The fear that had once gripped them was replaced by a profound sense of peace and purpose. They knew they were called to share this incredible story, to tell others of the One who walked on water and calmed the storms of life.
In the days that followed, they would reflect on that night, the lessons learned amidst the chaos. They would remember the way Jesus had reached out in their moment of need, how He had identified Himself not only as their teacher but as the very God who had authority over the elements. This encounter would serve as a cornerstone of their faith, a reminder that even in the darkest storms, they were never alone.
Thus, the story of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee became a powerful testament to His divinity, a narrative that would echo through the ages. It would inspire countless others to seek Him, to find hope in the storms of their own lives, and to recognize that the One who walked on the water is always present, ready to calm the fears that threaten to overwhelm us.
