15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. 16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, 17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. 18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. 19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. 21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. (John 6:15-21 KJV)
Jesus Walks on the Water
Christ withdrew from the crowd because he realized that those who recognized him as the prophet who was to come into the world intended to take him by force and make him king (John 6:15).
This shows the misguided zeal of some of his followers. They wanted to make him king as a way of honoring him, especially since the religious leaders had rejected him. Since the Messiah was to be a king, and Jesus had just miraculously fed thousands, they believed he fit the role. If they couldn’t crown him on Mount Zion, a Galilean hill would do. Their thinking was: if he has fed us, let him also rule us.
But their zeal was misdirected. First, they misunderstood the nature of Christ’s kingdom, thinking it was worldly and political, involving visible power and grandeur. This idea of a worldly Messiah actually dishonored Christ more than it helped. Second, their excitement was stirred by self-interest; they wanted a king who could feed them without labor. Third, they hoped to use Jesus to free themselves from Roman rule. If he could feed an army as easily as he had fed the crowd, then they believed they had a political advantage.
Religion, here, was being used for selfish, earthly purposes (Romans 16:18). As Augustine said, “Jesus is usually sought for something else, not for his own sake.” Fourth, their actions bordered on sedition. Forcing a man into political leadership would stir unrest and draw Rome’s attention. Fifth, it directly opposed Jesus’s own will—they intended to crown him king against his wishes. Forcing any honor on Christ that he does not ask for is actually a dishonor.
In contrast, we see Christ’s humility and self-denial. When they tried to make him king, he withdrew, quashing the plan. This demonstrated his complete rejection of worldly ambition. Had they come to seize him and make him a prisoner, he would not have fled more quickly. We should not desire to be idols of the crowd or chase after empty glory.
It also showed his opposition to political unrest and rebellion. By rejecting the offer to become king, Jesus demonstrated that he was not an enemy of Caesar and did not intend for his followers to be. His ministers must also avoid anything that even looks like rebellion and focus only on their divine mission.
Jesus went back up the mountain—the same one where he had earlier preached (John 6:3). After coming down to feed the people, he returned alone to spend time in private. Though useful in public ministry, he valued solitude, showing us the importance of withdrawing from the world at times to engage with God and reflect inwardly. As one wise Christian once said, “Never less alone than when alone.” Public service must not push out private devotion.
That evening, the disciples went down to the sea, boarded a boat, and set off for Capernaum (John 6:16-17). Likely acting under Jesus’s direction, they were probably being kept away from the temptation to support the crowd’s political intentions.
While they were on the sea, a storm arose. They were following Jesus’s instructions, and he was on the mountain praying for them, yet they still faced danger. Even when we are in God’s will, we may face trials.
It was dark, which made the storm worse. God’s people are sometimes in situations where they can’t see their way out—uncertain of the cause, purpose, or outcome of their suffering. Jesus was not yet with them. Unlike a previous storm (Matthew 8:23), Jesus was not physically present. His absence heightened their distress.
The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. It had been calm when they set out—they were not reckless—but the storm caught them off guard. Even in peaceful times, we must stay prepared for trouble. When believers find themselves in stormy seasons, they are in good company; Christ’s disciples experienced the same. Clouds and darkness sometimes surround even those who walk in the light.
After rowing about twenty-five or thirty furlongs (John 6:19), they saw Jesus walking on the sea. This shows Christ’s power over nature. Heavy bodies sink in water, but Jesus walked on it as on solid ground—greater even than Moses parting the Red Sea.
Jesus approached the boat because he cared for his disciples. He was drawn to them in their distress, just as God comes near when his people are in need (Deuteronomy 33:26). Whether they are banished or imprisoned, he can reach them.
At first, they were terrified, thinking he was a ghost. Often, our real troubles are made worse by imagined fears. Even when help is near, we may not recognize it, and our fear can increase. But Jesus calmed them with his words: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20). That assurance—“It is I”—is enough to bring peace. Just as he told Saul, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,” he tells his people, “I am Jesus who loves you; don’t be afraid of me or the storm.” When trouble is near, Christ is near too.
They welcomed him into the boat (John 6:21), and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were headed. The disciples gladly received Jesus. His brief absence made his return all the more precious. As in the Song of Songs 3:4, when the bride found her beloved again, she would not let him go.
Jesus brought them safely to land. The church, like the disciples’ boat, may be battered by storms, but it will not be lost. Though tossed and troubled, it will reach its destination. The presence and power of Christ can accomplish what human effort cannot. The disciples had rowed hard without success, but once Jesus was in the boat, they reached the shore at once.
If we have truly received Christ, even in the dark and stormy night, we can be assured that we are closer to the shore than we think. Many a doubting soul reaches heaven in a joyful surprise.