HIS GOSPEL IS PEACE DAY 10

 

 

December 10, 2024

 

Mark 6:49-51

But when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said,“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded.

 

The story of Jesus walking on water would serve as an excellent opening to any suspence movie, don't you think? Think about it for a moment: the disciples are fighting strong winds as they try to make their way across the Sea of Galilee. Out of the darkness, they see something, moving above the water toward them. Not hovering, not gliding, not floating, but walking on a surface that should not be able to bear any weight. The only conceivable conclusion is that what is approaching is a spirit, a ghost, something or someone not human. And this unknown being is heading straight for them. I guess given all these details about this experience, terrified really is the only appropriate response.

Indeed, the disciples are experiencing something profoundly supernatural. The figure they initially perceive as a ghost is not only divine but also fully human.

And yet, the disciples know this God-man, Jesus. Jesus, who is both their God and their friend. It is true, they have already seen him perform miracles of healing, but they have also seen him eat and drink and do the things we all do. They know he was born in a small town to an ordinary couple. They’ve heard his voice teach, drive out demons, and forgive sins. They know his voice. And they trust his words because what he proclaims is truth.

It’s Jesus’ voice, his proclamation of who he is, that calms the disciples’ fears. Do you know what? His voice still speaks today as he comes to us in the most astounding ways. Jesus loves nothing more than to continue to announce himself to us: “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Jesus speaks to calm our fears and give us the truth that we know him and we also know we are his.

In moments of uncertainty, fear, or the unknown, listen closely and we will hear the comforting voice of God and our friend, Jesus saying "Take heart. It is I".