During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. Matthew 14:25 (NIV)
In the fourth watch of the night, when the disciples were feeling exhausted, Jesus gave them a glimpse of His glory. The Son of God, who holds the planets on their courses, suspended the laws of gravity and walked over the water.
It is not surprising that the disciples were terrified. It never occurred to them that the figure on the lake was Jesus, and there’s a good reason for that. They knew Jesus was flesh and blood. And what’s more, they had just eaten a filling meal of fish and bread with Jesus and about 5,000 other people. They knew Jesus was a man.
When they saw a figure walking on the water, they didn’t say, “Oh, this must be Jesus,” they said, “This must be some kind of ghost!” They were terrified. But, right away, Jesus reassured them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Mat. 14:27).
Suddenly, the disciples caught another glimpse of the glory of Jesus. They had seen Him stop the wind, heal the sick, and spread a feast for thousands of people with five loaves and two fish. Now they saw Him suspend the laws of gravity as He walked out to them over the lake.
You find this pattern in the Gospels: however much the disciples have learned about Jesus, He is always more wonderful, glorious, and powerful than they had grasped. That’s how it is for us too. However much we have grasped of His greatness and glory, there’s always more.
There is more to Jesus than you realize. How does this encourage you specifically today?
