Engage The Scripture Podcast
Welcome to the Engage the Scripture Podcast, where the Bible is explored through its original historical, cultural, and literary context."
Engage The Scripture Podcast
Ep. 31 Walking on Chaos: Jesus Meets Us in the Storm
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
- In this episode, Jesus sends His disciples straight into a violent storm — then walks on the chaotic sea to meet them. Discover how obedience can lead into hardship, what it means when Jesus says “It is I,” and why this miracle is far more than just power — it’s a powerful revelation of who He really is.
To learn more, visit our website as engaged scripture.com.
SPEAKER_01Welcome to Engage the Scripture Podcast. We're glad you're with us. Today we'll begin our Gospel of John today, and John's text started 16 to 21. Last week we ended with Jesus feeding to 5,000, and afterwards the crowd wanted to take Jesus by force to make him keep. That line mattered. Let me say this. The crowds wanted to make Jesus keen. But instead of accepting the spotlight, Jesus withdrew to avoid becoming a public spectacle. In our culture today, we often taste followers, likes, and attention. As if our worth is measured by how many people notice us. So this is a good reminder today to seek God's approval, not the crowd praying, even when they try to give you a crown. So last week we saw that Jesus refused that spotlight from the crowd. He then sent his disciples away and went up onto the mountain to pray. Hey Britt, glad to be back with you today. If you will, please go ahead and pick up reading in verse 16 and 17, and I'll make a few comments to get us started.
SPEAKER_02Okay, here we go. 16 and 17. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
SPEAKER_01Just a few quick notes to set this scene here. First, the other gospels add a couple of important details. Mark and Matthew tell us Jesus deliberately sent the disciples away and then went up the mountain to pray by himself. Mark even says Jesus was watching them from the hillside and saw them struggling on the water. John condenses it, but the basic movement is the same. The disciples head out across the sea without Jesus. Second, pay attention to the time and place. It's evening, that time between late afternoon and full darkness. They launched from the eastern shore and were crossing toward Capernaum. The synoptics add that Jesus first sent them towards Bethsaida, which shows that they were not just hugging the coastline. They were committed to crossing the open water. These guys were almost certainly in a fishing boat, and that matters because they were experienced fishermen. They knew how to handle a boat. John also really emphasizes that it was already dark. The disciples were well out on the lake when night fell. In John's gospel, darkness isn't just physical, it often signals spiritual exposure as well. They are exposed, literally and spiritually. And finally, notice the key line: Jesus had not yet come to them. He's not with them, and that absence creates tension and sets the stage for what's coming next.
SPEAKER_02Very good. Then verse 18 and 19. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.
SPEAKER_01John gives us three tight, straightforward facts in this scene. First, the disciples are about three or four miles out on the water. Second, a strong wind is blowing. And third, they see a figure walking on the sea. So let's take them one at a time. The Sea of Galilee is roughly eight miles across at its widest. So three or four miles out puts the disciples towards the middle of the lake, far from the shore and fully committed to the crossing. They can't just turn back easily. Second, there was a strong wind. Out there on the Galilee, cold air could rush down from the surrounding hills and create sudden violent squalls. So a normal night crossing like this one could turn dangerous very quickly. And notice it says they were rowing the boat. This was most likely a standard fishing boat, the kind these guys would have used every day. Several of the disciples were experienced fishermen, so they knew exactly how to handle it. But even for seasoned pros, it would be a completely different story in total darkness, with strong winds, waves, and probably rain. Yeah, it's easy to see how they could lose their bearings and start struggling. Exactly, Brent. They're already fighting the storm, but the real fear hits when they suddenly see Jesus walking on the water, coming near the boat. They were frightened. And that's an understatement. In fact, the Gospel of Mark tells us they thought it was a ghost and cried out in panic. When you picture it, exhausted, wet, disoriented in the dark, and then this figure appears walking on the waves, their reactions make total sense.
SPEAKER_02Imagine if you're out there on a boat and see a figure coming towards you in the dark, three or four miles out on the lake and heavy winds in a storm. That would definitely be a scary thing to see. I can understand their panic for sure.
SPEAKER_01Totally. And to really understand this scene, we have to step into their worldview. In the Bible, the ancient world, the sea wasn't just water. It's a symbolic domain of chaos, uncontrollable disorder, threat, and hostile spiritual powers. Only God is shown mastering the sea, taming its waves, or walking upon the water. Yahweh alone subdues the sea and its monsters. So when the biblical authors show Yahweh or God's agents walking on or calming the sea, they're signaling God's victory over chaos. Seeing a man walking on the water would immediately make them think of that kind of powerful divine imagery. In the Old Testament, mastery of the sea, especially walking on or subduing its chaotic waters, was consistently portrayed as an act reserved for God alone. This background comes from several key passages. In Genesis 1, the creation accounts begin with darkness over the deep, an untamed chaotic realm, and God brings order out of those waters. Also in Psalms, they frequently celebrate God's rule over the sea. Psalm 74 describes him crushing the heads of sea monsters, and Psalms 89 portrays him ruling the raging sea and stealing its waves. Then in Job, Job 26, it says that by God's power he steals the sea and pierces the fleeing serpent. Then we can look at Daniel 7, where you have these beasts rising from the sea, which is symbolizing chaotic and evil kingdoms. So you have all these symbolic languages in the Bible. And then there's another passage that we're going to come back to in a moment. That would be Exodus 14 and 15. Surrounding the Exodus Passover event, Yahweh dramatically defeats the forces of chaos at the Red Sea, delivering his people safely through the waters. All of these Old Testament patterns make this side of Jesus walking on the sea far more than surprising. It carries profound theological weight, rich symbolism, and deep themes of God's victory over chaos.
SPEAKER_02Man, that makes the symbolism come alive.
SPEAKER_01Yes. Oh, and hey, just a quick note that may help our listeners with this concept. Even though the Sea of Galilee is technically a freshwater lake, the Bible and the Jewish people of Jesus' day still called it a sea. That was the normal way they spoke about it. They inherited the term straight from the Old Testament, which already called it the Sea of Kinneret. By keeping the word sea, the gospel writers weren't making a geographical mistake. They were deliberately using the language that carried all that Old Testament fright of chaos, danger, and divine victory. So when Jesus walks on the sea, it echoes loudly with everything the scriptures had already taught about who alone rules the chaotic waters.
SPEAKER_02That puts the whole scene in a completely different light. They're not just scared of a ghost, they're seeing powerful divine imagery straight out of the Old Testament, playing out right in front of their eyes.
SPEAKER_01Exactly. And remember the timing John gives us. This whole scene takes place during Passover season, that festival that remembers the Exodus when God led Israel through the Red Sea. Many interpreters understand the Red Sea crossing as a return to the waters of chaos, and God brought his people through what looked like certain death into new life. That's powerful imagery. So, with all the Passover imagery in the air at this moment, notice how John carefully places this sign after the feeding of 5,000 and just before Jesus' teaching on the bread of life. He's intentionally framing these events to echo the Passover celebration. Remember, the feeding in the wilderness recalls the manna God provided after the first Passover. And now Jesus walking on the sea like Yahweh did at the Red Sea. Picture the parallel. Just as the Israelites were trapped with their backs against the sea, terrified as Pharaoh's army closed in, here the disciples are caught in the middle of the lake, helpless, afraid, and tossed by the storm.
SPEAKER_02I see it. You have raw human panic on the water, and then a divine ordering of the deep chaotic sea.
SPEAKER_01That's right. The Gospels are not just reporting these miracles by Jesus. They are making a profound theological claim. The one who controls the chaotic waters is acting like Yahweh Himself. Jesus stepping into the storm meets them in their fear and brings them safely to the other side.
SPEAKER_02That's powerful. Jesus isn't just rescuing them from the storm. He's showing them who he really is by doing what only God could do at the Red Sea.
SPEAKER_01That's it. You got it. It's fascinating to see these Old Testament patterns and themes find their fulfillment right here in the New Testament. Okay, Brent, we better keep moving forward. Verse 20.
SPEAKER_02Verse 20. Jesus said to them, It is I, do not be afraid.
SPEAKER_01Notice the phrase, it is I. In the Greek, that's egoamine. Literally, it reads, I am. That phrase would have immediately rung a bell for any first century Jew. In the Old Testament, I am is how God revealed his personal name to Moses at the burning bush. That name is written with four Hebrew letters, Y-H-W-H, called the Tetragrammaton. Now, we're not 100% sure how God's name was pronounced in ancient times, but most mainline scholars believe Yahweh is the closest reconstruction we have. It's the sacred covenant name of God, often shown in capital letters L-O-R-D, Lord, in our English Bibles. The I am statement also connects directly to the other I am statements Jesus makes in the Gospel of John. I am the bread of life, I am the light of the world, I am the way, and so on. But here in this moment on the sea, I am is functioning on two levels at once. To the terrified disciples in the boat, it's simply reassurance. Basically, hey, it's me, don't be afraid. It's the familiar voice of their teacher calming their fear. But to anyone who knows the scriptures, it carries a much deeper backdrop. The same divine name and authority we see in Exodus and the Psalms, where God alone rules over the chaotic waters.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that's wild. On one level, Jesus is basically saying, Hey, it's me. Don't be afraid. But on another level, he's standing on the water declaring, I am. Verse 21. Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
SPEAKER_01This little detail is powerful. Once the disciples welcome Jesus into the boat, the crisis is over, just like that. The storm, the fear, the exhaustion struggling against the wind, it all ends with his presence. Now, John doesn't give us the technical details of exactly how it happened. Some scholars suggest this may have been a second miracle. The boat was suddenly at the shore. Others believe the wind simply died down and they covered the remaining distance quickly. But what John really wants us to see is this wonderful reality of rescue. Jesus meets them right in their fear, steps into their chaos, and brings them safely to the destination they could never have reached on their own.
SPEAKER_02That's encouraging. So Jesus meets them right in their fear. But I also noticed in Mark 6.45 that it was actually Jesus who sent them off in the boat in the first place. Good point.
SPEAKER_01Mark 6.45 actually says Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side while he dismissed the crowds. This is a great detail to notice, Brent. Obedience to Jesus doesn't always mean an easy or comfortable journey. Sometimes doing exactly what he says can put us right in the middle of a storm. And it doesn't always mean we've done something wrong or stepped outside of God's will. It can actually mean we're right in the middle of God's will. But here's the encouraging part. When we choose to obey, we often get to see the glory and power of God in ways we never would have seen from the safety of the shore. Jesus didn't abandon them in the storm. He was watching them the whole time, reference Mark 6.48. And he came walking right into their struggle on the water. He met them there, calmed their fear, and brought them safely to the other side.
SPEAKER_02If you're obeying Jesus and you find yourself rowing hard against the wind and the waves, don't assume you miss God's plan. You may be exactly where he wants you, right in the place where he's about to show you more of who he really is.
SPEAKER_01So true. If you're following Jesus, it doesn't always mean smooth sailing. Sometimes obedience leads straight into the storm. But the good news, we're never alone in it. And he comes to us right in the middle of the waves.
SPEAKER_02Amen. He is always faithful. Jeff, is there anything else you want to add to this before we start closing?
SPEAKER_01Yes, there is a couple more details I want to mention before we stop today. In Mark's Gospel, and only in Mark, we read that as Jesus was walking on the sea toward the disciples, he meant to pass them by. At first that sounds strange. Why would he plan to walk right past them? But in the Old Testament, when God passed by someone, like Moses or Elijah, it was a moment when he revealed his glory. So right in the middle of the storm, Jesus does the same thing. He basically says, Look at me, you know who I am, right? So he walks on the chaotic sea, something only God does in the Bible. This isn't just a rescue. Jesus is intentionally revealing, passing by, to show who he really is, the divine son with authority over chaos and fear. And when he passes by, he is inviting us to trust him more deeply.
SPEAKER_02I think it's wild how different authors have different details about the same story. What about Matthew? Anything to notice there?
SPEAKER_01Yes, and that's where I want to go next. Look at what the Gospel of Matthew adds to the story. This is where the familiar account of Peter walking on the water comes in. When Jesus approaches the boat, Peter calls out and asks to come to him on the water. He actually gets out of the boat and starts walking toward Jesus. It's a bold, impulsive moment. But as soon as he takes his eyes off of Jesus and focuses on the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Jesus, of course, reaches out and saves him. But here in John's gospel, that whole part is missing. John goes straight from the disciples seeing Jesus walking on the water and being afraid to Jesus saying, It is I, do not be afraid. Then the disciples take him into the boat and the boat immediately reaches the shore. That's it. No walking on the water story. Yeah, that's a big detail to leave out by John. Why is that? Yes, John is very intentional with the seven signs he records in his gospel. His main goal in this chapter is to reveal who Jesus is, the divine Son of God who rules over creation and chaos, the great I am who meets us in our storms. Including Peter's attempt to walk on the water would shift the spotlight onto Peter's faith or lack of it. John keeps the focus laser sharp on Jesus himself, as the one who alone walks on the sea, like only God does in the Old Testament. It's a theophany, a clear revealing of his glory.
SPEAKER_02I'm sure some people hear the different accounts in Matthew, Mark, and John, and they're probably saying, see, the stories aren't exactly the same. That's why you can't trust the Bible.
SPEAKER_01I've actually heard people say that, and it's a common objection, but it actually misses how the Gospels work. They're not trying to give us a minute-by-minute police report. In Bible scholarship, we learn that each gospel writer is highlighting different aspects of the same event from important theological reasons. Matthew includes the story of Peter walking on the water because it's powerful, shows both the strength of faith and what happens when we take our eyes off of Jesus. John, however, leaves that part out completely. John is laser focused on one main thing, Jesus, and revealing who he really is. Different details, same miracle, same Jesus.
SPEAKER_02Hmm, that's a great answer. And that's exactly why I wanted to bring this up on the show today. I have to be honest, when I first noticed the stories don't match up exactly in places, they raise questions for me too.
SPEAKER_01Yes, and I'm glad you brought it up, because I am sure that a lot of people have those same doubts when they spot the differences. So it's good that we are talking about it here. In Bible scholarship, we've learned that these variations from gospel to gospel are actually what we would expect from honest, independent eyewitness accounts. We would not expect four identical copies. If all four gospels told the story exactly the same way, that would actually make us more suspicious. It would look like they were coordinating their stories or even fabricating them. Instead, the differences show they weren't trying to create a perfectly polished narrative. Each writer is highlighting different aspects of the same real event for theological reasons. Matthew focuses on the power and fragility of faith through Peter. John zeros in on Jesus revealing his divine identity with the I am statement and the immediate rescue. So, far from undermining trust, these differences actually strengthen it. They give us real, multiple perspectives on the same miracle.
SPEAKER_02Awesome. Thanks for clearing all that up. I guess that's going to about do it for this episode. So next week we will continue the story looking at the bread of life discourse.
SPEAKER_01Yes, and what makes that so powerful is the timing. Remember, at the beginning of chapter 6, John tells us that Passover was near when Jesus fed the 5,000. Passover was all about God delivering his people, the blood of the Lamb that saved them from death, and the manna, bread from heaven, that sustained them in the wilderness. Next week we will see that Jesus takes all of that and says, I am the true bread from heaven. He is declaring that he is the greater Passover lamb. His body will be given and his blood will be shed so that anyone who believes in him can have eternal life. That's why next week's episode is so important. It forces a real decision about who Jesus really is. Trust me, there's some powerful, soul-nourishing truth coming next week that you guys don't want to miss.
SPEAKER_02That's gonna be a good one for sure. And that will do it for today. Thanks for being here on Engage the Scripture Podcast.
SPEAKER_01Until next week, let me leave you with this. Even when obedience leads us straight into the storm and the waves feel like they might think of it, Jesus still comes to us. You may not always feel tight, but you are never at it.