John 6:16-21
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Reflection
John continues to draw connections between Jesus and the exodus story. In the first exodus, God’s people faced a crisis at the Red Sea that required supernatural deliverance (Ex. 13:17–14:29). God miraculously brought Israel to safety on the other side. In a similar way, Jesus miraculously rescues the disciples from a dangerous situation, walking to them on the Sea of Galilee and safely delivering them to the other side. Jesus is more than a teacher, a leader, or even a miracle worker. Here he demonstrates his equality with the very God of Israel.
Hebrews 2:1-4
2: Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Reflection
These verses build on chapter 1. If Jesus surpasses the Old Testament prophets (Heb. 1:1–2) and even the angels (1:4–14), then we must pay closer attention to the message delivered by him than to the ones they delivered (2:1). When did angels bring a message? The Bible tells us that the Ten Commandments were “delivered by angels” (Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19). Because Jesus is better, we “must pay much closer attention” (Heb. 2:1) to his message than to the Ten Commandments. We cannot neglect the great salvation that has been declared to us in the gospel (v. 3)—it is the word of life (John 6:68).
Psalm 119:25
25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
The “word” of the gospel brings life to the soul. Refresh your heart today by remembering the message of Christ’s grace, and ask God to fill your soul with a deep desire to share that news with others.