Monday 14 July 2014

Background

This passage follows the feeding of the 5,000 (John6:1-15) which had led to the crowd seeking to crown Jesus king.Jesus retreats alone to the mountains to avoid the crowd'sattempted enthronement; the time to be hailed king is not yet.

As evening encroaches the disciples set out to cross the lake byboat only to be caught in a sudden storm. Their fear is increasedby the figure approaching their boat. Jesus and the disciples havespent months together so it would be surprising if they do notrecognise him, yet they are terrified at the sight of Jesus. Onlyas Jesus addresses them, 'It is I; do not be afraid', are theyreassured.

The next day when some of the crowd that had wanted to crownJesus find him again, Jesus appears to question their motivation inseeking him out: "You are looking for me not because you saw signs,but because you ate your fill of the loves" (v. 26). Thus begins aseries of misunderstandings through which we learn more of whoJesus may be. People are foolishly concerned not with the truth,but with food for their bodies; they must learn that there is abread that nourishes not earthly but eternal life.

To Ponder

• Why do you think the disciples were initially terrified by thesight of Jesus approaching them? And why did Jesus not get in theboat with them?

• When has misunderstanding led you to discover truth?