In Matthew 14, we see the miracle of the 5,000 men plus the women and children.
Right afterwards, Jesus constrains his disciples to go into a ship to the other side as He dispersed the multitudes and went into the mountain to pray. Jesus sent them to the ship.
Read what happens next:
“24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.”
The disciples were sent straight into a storm. They suffered most of the night in this storm, likely fearing for their lives. Where was Jesus? Had He forgotten them? He sent them to the other side even in the midst of this storm. The first, second, and third watches of the night came and went, but no Jesus.
It wasn’t until the fourth watch of the night that Jesus came, came in a way they never would have suspected. In fact, the disciples were afraid when they saw Him.
“26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”
Jesus immediately told them to be cheerful as it was Him. He told them not to fear.
This passage is something I want to remember as we walk through another week this week. There is much to unpack in these few verses. Jesus sent the disciples into what was a storm, allowed them to stay in it awhile, and then came to them in His timing and in His way.
Wow. How that can apply to the trials we go through. What a wonderful God we serve!
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