공동체와 양육

Where Feet May Fail (John 6:16~21)

2015.11.29Daniel Park

Jesus sends us out onto the deep waters of life, where trials are normal, but in the storm he is present with us, strengthening our faith and making us mature in dependence on him.

Jesus calls us out upon the waters (16-17)

The disciples left the shore in the evening because Jesus sent them ahead, even though they knew the sea would become rough. We naturally prefer safety and avoid risky things, but Jesus does not call us to stay where we are. Our faith is tested in the going, and like the disciples, we must move in response to his will. Life is not fully within our control, yet Jesus still sends us into deep waters so that we may grow in faith and trust in him.

Trials are normal, refine our faith, and keep us dependent on God

Trials are normal, because life is not under our control and this fallen world is not at peace with those who follow Christ. Trials also refine faith, as 1 Peter 1:7 says that tested faith, like gold purified by fire, brings praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed. Trials keep us humble, and James 1:2-3 teaches us to consider them pure joy because perseverance makes us mature and complete. Growth means learning to depend on God more, not less.

Jesus' grace abounds in the deepest waters (19-20)

Jesus came to the disciples walking on the water, and they were afraid because they saw their situation without him. His words, 'It is I, do not be afraid,' echo the 'I am' God spoke to Moses, and they assure us that Jesus is present in the storm. Isaiah 43 promises that God is with us when we pass through the waters, and that we are precious, honored and loved in his eyes. Jesus' presence in the trial is itself an opportunity to experience his power.

Jesus' presence strengthens our faith (21)

When the disciples welcomed Jesus into the boat, they immediately reached their destination, because his strength became their strength. This was not a formula or magic, but the power of Jesus, who has all ability within himself. The key is not to ask Jesus for this or that, but for Christ to reside in us completely, with less of me and more of you, Lord. His word pierces through darkness, confusion and fear, so we must become familiar with it and be strengthened by it.

God meets our real need: to grow in him

Jesus waited until the third watch of the night, when the disciples were exhausted and nearly sinking, and came at the right time of need. The need God focuses on is not our circumstances or possessions but us, so that we may grow and have faith in him. Like a wise parent who does not give everything before a child can learn, God wants us to mature. So we keep rowing, even in the storm, trusting that Christ is over our entire lives and knows the plan he has for us.

Apply to Life

  • Let us not shrink back from the going to which Jesus calls us, but step out in obedience onto the waters.
  • Let us see our trials as normal and as the means by which God refines and tests our faith.
  • Let us depend on God rather than our own strength, and grow humbly in him through every storm.
  • Let us read God's word daily and learn and grow together with fellow believers.
  • Let us ask Christ to dwell in us fully, saying, less of me and more of you, Lord.

This summary was made automatically from the sermon's captions and may differ from the sermon.

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