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NASB | John 6:19 Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they *saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 6:19 Then, when they had rowed three or four miles [and were near the center of the sea], they saw Jesus walking on the sea and approaching the boat; and they were [terribly] frightened. |
Bible Question: Everything Jesus did was pregnant with meaning.What significance is there in Jesus walking on water?Is there an old testament prophecy fulfilled in this action?Is there anything of significance for believers, apart from a dramatic demonstration of his ascendancy over physical laws. |
Bible Answer: Cephas, would you believe that I'd meant to post this very question on the Forum today but got sidetracked and never got back to it? Now I'm on the "answering" side and will do my best. First, I certainly agree with you that Jesus never did anything by chance. I personally believe that every minute detail of His life on earth was planned before the foundation of the world. Now to your question. One of the comments on this verse that I like very much is given by John MacArthur (The MacArthur Study Bible, Word Publishing): "The Son of God who made the world was in control of its forces, and in this case He suspended the law of gravity. The act was not frivolous on Jesus' part, for it constituted a dramatic object lesson to the disciples of Jesus' true identity as the Sovereign Lord of all creation." Cephas, this verse has a special meaning for me. When I was about 12 years old I went to a summer camp at a large lake near Chattanooga, Tennessee, where I grew up. One day I ventured too far out into deep water and, not being much of a swimmer, almost drowned. Had it not been for one of the camp directors, I probably would have drowned. The camp director kept my head above water, brought me safely ashore, and saved me. Two years later I became a Christian. Jesus saved me and kept me from drowning in my sins. The camp director kept me from dying a physical death, but Jesus keeps me from dying a spiritual death. Whenever I read about Jesus walking on water, I cannot help but think of the terror I felt when I thought I was going to drown. But I came to know a Savior who walked on water. He has sustained me, comforted me, and kept me safe in the deep, stormy waters of life for 52 years, and I am confident that He will sustain me for all eternity. Thanks for asking this fine question, Cephas, and I hope the answer will, in some small measure, give glory to the Man of Galilee who walked on water. --Hank |
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Questions and/or Subjects for John 6:19 | Author | ||
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Cephas | ||
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Hank | ||
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Cephas | ||
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orthodoxy | ||
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Cephas | ||
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orthodoxy |