Welcome Valley Bible Studies

Lesson 20: John 6:16-21

John 6:16–21
And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. 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. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

Background Information
The word furlong is an older English term representing the Roman stadian. It was a measure of 606 feet. Hence the 25-30 furlongs mentioned here would be a distance of about three miles or five kilometers.

You will see the word ship used several times in the story of Jesus. The term is used as it was long ago. Today, we would call the “ships” that Jesus and His disciples used small boats.

The sea in this text is the Sea of Galilee, a large lake that many people still visit.

Related Scriptures
Matthew 14:22-32 (The same incident with more details.)
Mark 4:35-41 (A different instance involving Jesus and a storm.)
Mark 11:12-14
Mark 11:20-24

Questions

1. In our text and in the Related Scriptures, what does Jesus show His power over?
2. Does such power belong to man or to God?
3. Based on what they knew of Jesus, should they have been startled or even frightened a. when Jesus came across the sea on foot? b. when Peter started to sink?
4. How did Jesus respond to their fears?
5. How does He respond to people’s fears today?
6. What way do we have of finding God’s power for our needs today?

This study is in the public domain and may be copied and distributed freely.