Thursday – April 14

¹⁶ When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷ got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. ¹⁸ The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. ¹⁹ 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. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” ²¹ Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. (John 6:16-21)

One summer day my nephew stood looking at a toy floating in the middle of the pool. He said, “I wish I could walk out on the water and get that toy.” This prompted me to tell him about the time Jesus and Peter walked together on the water. Immediately, both nephews began to reenact the story in the pool—climbing aboard a pool float “boat” and screaming with delight as I rocked it and splashed them in a mock “storm.” At the height of the “storm,” the younger nephew pointed and yelled: “Ahhhh! It’s a ghost! No wait, it’s JESUS!” Then his brother climbed off the raft, begin walking across the pool, held his nose, and sank below the surface of the water. 

But as he went down, his free arm was up, anticipating what he knew was coming—Jesus was going to rescue him! Even as a young child, he’d already learned an important truth. Jesus is the rescuer! When the storms of life hit hard and threaten to pull us under, we have a Rescuer! Jesus is the One who saves. Jesus is the One who can calm the storm. Jesus alone is worthy of our worship! 

As you read this incredible Bible story, may it come alive and point you to the wonder of who Jesus is! 

People followed Jesus everywhere He went. After a long day of teaching, healing the sick, and feeding the 5,000 near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus said goodbye to the crowds and sent His disciples ahead of Him in a boat. Then He went up on a mountain to pray.

Late at night, the disciples’ boat was far from shore. The winds began to blow and the water grew rough and choppy. The waves beat against their boat. They were frightened.

Read aloud more of this exciting story in Matthew 14:22-33.

After Jesus rescued Peter, they got back into the boat. Immediately the wind stopped. Everything was calm. Not only could Jesus walk on water, He could control the wind and the waves! The disciples were amazed. They worshiped Jesus and said, “It’s true! You really are the Son of God!”

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