John 6:15-21

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 6: 15-21, LEB) 15 Then Jesus, because he knew that they were about to come and seize him in order to make him king, withdrew again up the mountain by himself alone. 16 Now when evening came, his disciples went down to the sea. 17 And getting into a boat, they began to go to the other side of the sea, to Capernaum. And it had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 And the sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 Then when they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were afraid. 20 But he said to them, “It is I! Do not be afraid!” 21 So they were wanting to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat came to the land to which they were going.

Observation

• Again, Jesus is in control of the time. He will not be forced to take his position as king before it is time. His time. 

• John explains that Jesus withdrew “up the mountain” and he was “alone.”

• According to the distance, the disciples were about halfway to the destination (Capernaum) when the sea stirred and winds became very strong. 

• I notice that Jesus came to them walking on water. John tells us that the disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus walking on water towards them. Other gospels tell us they thought he was a ghost. Perhaps this is why they were afraid. 

• Jesus tells them to not be afraid. He assures them that he is not a ghost but Jesus. 

• Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t get in the boat. They come to land, and Jesus walks from the water onto the land.

Application

• Withdrawing from the crowd is essential for healthy living in God’s kingdom. 

• Gaining perspective in God’s presence keeps us from being led astray by the group. 

• The crowd’s agenda isn’t always God’s agenda.

• When I am afraid, Jesus is with me.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for setting the example for healthy living. Help me to regularly withdraw from the crowds so I can commune with you. When I set this time, please, fill it with your presence. I need more of your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen!

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