Echoes
by Rachael Stelzer
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‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world’ (John 6:14).
In looking at John’s account of Jesus walking on water, I was tempted to compare it to Matthew’s account (see Sunday’s devotion). But, as usual, John packs an extra layer into his text.
First, Jesus feeds more than 5000 at Passover time, which reminds the Israelites of Moses’ provision of manna and quail for the people. The people respond, ‘Surely this was the prophet that is to come …’ So they claim that Jesus is equal to the great prophet and leader, Moses.
Like Moses, Jesus goes up a mountain to speak to God by himself.
Then he goes out onto the sea when his disciples are miles out. This isn’t an equivalent act to Moses’ parting of the Red Sea – there is no staff-waving here. This act defies every law of nature. And this man affects the wind and waves without words. Who is this guy? As in Matthew’s Gospel, and as in the story of Moses, we hear again the echo, ‘It is I’ or ‘I AM’.
Then, when the people around the sea realise that Jesus has left the place where he fed them, the ‘exodus’ begins. Some are in boats, and some are on foot, but all are hungry for more of this great prophet. Yet for them, Jesus represents a political or military revolution, not a visible manifestation of God. He has something far greater in mind, something that will reveal his greatest glory – our redemption.
How often do we look for a Jesus who will serve our purposes, rather than choosing to align ourselves to his will? The One who walks on water, who feeds our souls, who stills wind and waves, who desires our trust and allegiance, who has gone the way of the cross to bring us home – let’s joyfully recognise that Jesus!
Lord Jesus, you are worthy of all honour and glory. Send your Spirit to grow our faith and trust in you. Feed our souls. Heal us in body and heart. Open our eyes to see your divine love. Help us to follow in your way, to the glory of your name. Amen.
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