Jesus Walked on the Water
Jesus walked on water to strengthen the weak faith of His disciples. The following passage from the classic book “The Desire of Ages” describes best this unique experience:
After the miracle of feeding thousands of people, “In their enthusiasm the people are ready at once to crown Him king…Consulting together, they agree to take Him by force, and proclaim Him the king of Israel. The disciples unite with the multitude in declaring the throne of David the rightful inheritance of their Master…
They eagerly arrange to carry out their purpose; but Jesus sees what is on foot, and understands, as they cannot, what would be the result of such a movement… Calling His disciples, Jesus bids them take the boat and return at once to Capernaum, leaving Him to dismiss the people…
When left alone, Jesus “went up into a mountain apart to pray.” For hours He continued pleading with God. Not for Himself but for men were those prayers. He prayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission, that Satan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment…
They (disciples) murmured because they had not been permitted to proclaim Him king. They blamed themselves for yielding so readily to His command. They reasoned that if they had been more persistent they might have accomplished their purpose. Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love of honor had blinded them…
A violent tempest had been stealing upon them…In storm and darkness the sea had taught them their own helplessness, and they longed for the presence of their Master…
Jesus had not forgotten them. The Watcher on the shore saw those fear-stricken men battling with the tempest. Not for a moment did He lose sight of His disciples. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed the storm-tossed boat with its precious burden…
When their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in humility they prayed for help, it was given them. At the moment when they believe themselves lost, a gleam of light reveals a mysterious figure approaching them upon the water… Their beloved Master turns, His voice silences their fear, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
