John 6:16-21 NRSVue
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.
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Reflection on John 6:16-21
Inspiration from 2026-04-18 Daily Prayer
The line that is particularly striking today is, ‘They were terrified’. It was a natural enough reaction. The disciples felt deserted, alone and vulnerable. But were they really alone? Had Jesus really no idea they were in peril? The passage indicates that he was aware of their stress and peril and came with reassurances. ‘Do not be afraid.’
Can I recall moments when I, too, felt abandoned?
Further reflection
Jesus has gone up a mountain to pray while the disciples row across the lake. He does not forget them, but from his high ground keeps an eye on their plight. All the time they are struggling with the waves, Jesus has his eyes on them.
Lord, I am written in your heart. Even when I forget you in my struggle to survive, you do not forget me.
These words of Jesus about fear can be a mantra or a chorus of our lives. In all the different anxieties, they are spoken to us. The disciples heard them and remembered them on many occasions. These words, ‘It is I, do not be afraid' are words which Jesus is speaking to each of us, all of the time.
Why did the disciples go on ahead, not waiting for Jesus to come with them? How often do I live my life like that, depending on myself, without reference to the Lord? And what happens when I do?
Jesus echoes the Passover again as he crosses the sea by his own mysterious power. Once the disciples want him with them again on their journey, the storms around them subside and they get safely to their destination. I ask him to be with me and to master the storms around me or within me, which sometimes threaten to engulf me.