Trampling Upon the Sea / John 6:16-24

JOHN 6:16–21
     When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Finding Hope in the Midst of Chaos

In the ancient world, the sea was a symbol of evil, chaos, and darkness. For the Hebrew people, it was the abyss—a place of monsters and a symbol of everything beyond human control. We see this imagery throughout scripture. Job speaks of God who “treads on the waves of the sea” (Job 9:8), demonstrating divine authority over this chaos. Later, in the Gospels, Jesus does precisely this—he walks on the chaotic waters of the Sea of Galilee (or the Sea of Tiberias) and calms his frightened disciples.

But this story is not just about a miraculous event on a stormy night. It is also a profound statement about who Jesus is. When the disciples are terrified, he calls out, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (John 6:20). In that moment, the raging chaos has no power over them, because Jesus is present.

The use of the name “Sea of Tiberias” in this story is significant. Tiberias was a Roman emperor, a reminder of the oppressive political power of Rome, which loomed over the early Christian community. For John’s readers, this sea represented not just natural chaos, but also the oppressive force of political power and spiritual darkness they faced daily. Yet, even here—on waters renamed for a Roman emperor—Jesus walks, unbothered, untouchable by the forces that terrify his followers.

In our lives, the storms can take many forms—fear, anxiety, political turmoil, spiritual doubt, or even a profound sense of loneliness. We may try to navigate these waters on our own, just as the disciples did when they left without Jesus. But the truth remains: without him, we are overwhelmed.

Charles Spurgeon once said that “If you have no Christ, you have no compass, no chart, no harbor.” This is a spiritual reality. When we try to steer through chaos without him, we are left without direction, hope, or peace.

But there is a different way. When the disciples are finally willing to invite Jesus into the boat, they immediately reach the shore. In Matthew’s account of the same story, Peter steps out onto the water, walking toward Jesus. For a moment, he rises above the chaos. But when fear overtakes him, he begins to sink—until Jesus reaches out to save him.

Johns Gospel reminds us that when we keep our eyes on Christ, we rise above the chaos. When fear distracts us, we begin to sink. But even then, his hand is always there to pull us up.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sea in this story symbolizes chaos, darkness, and evil. What are the “seas” in your life that make you feel overwhelmed or afraid?

2. The disciples left without Jesus, thinking they could navigate the storm alone. In what ways do we sometimes attempt to handle our struggles without relying on Christ?

3. John calls the water “The Sea of Tiberias,” directly referencing Roman oppression.
   Are there forces in our world today that make us feel spiritually or morally oppressed?
   Are there any steps we can take to join Jesus and walk above them?

4. Peter walks on water but begins to sink when he is distracted by fear.
   What are the greatest sources of fear that keep us from fully following Jesus today?

5. What does it look like in practical terms to “invite Jesus into the boat”?
   How can we practice this daily?