John 6:17

John 6:17

Note here

I. Christ's thoughts about His disciples. (1) He leaves men, whether the world in general or His own people in particular, for a time in fear and danger. The text records an isolated act, but it is an act in the government of the Unchanging One. The principle of that act runs through all His administration. (2) His delay is not a proof of neglect. He yearns over a sinning, suffering world, and regards His own with more than a mother's love. His delights were with the children of men before His abode was among them. The visions which godly patriarchs saw were glimpses of His countenance, as He bowed His heavens in longing anticipation before the fulness of time. (3) Never and nowhere do they who wait upon the Lord wait in vain. Although to weary watchers the time seemed long, the coming was sure. He took our nature and dwelt among us. He followed these frightened Galileans over the troubled waters, and found them in the dark. Faithful is He that promised; He also will do it. To them that look for Him He will yet come, dispelling by His presence a thicker darkness, and calming a more terrible tempest by His word.

II. The disciples' thoughts about Christ. The storm and darkness made their hearts grieve; and all the more surely, therefore, did these hearts turn and point toward the mountaintop where Jesus, the Daysman, stood laying His hand upon God. They think not, they say not, If the moon should rise if the gale should moderate if the harbour were at hand; but if Jesus were here. Such single-eyed, artless truthfulness is sweet to His taste. The example of these Galileans is shown here as in a glass, that every mourner may thereby be encouraged to long for the presence of the Lord. When a deeper sea is heaving underneath and a thicker darkness closing round you, let your heart go out in truthful, fond desire to the Intercessor who trod then upon the mountain, and stands now on the steps of heaven's throne. He cannot withstand your appeal; He will come and will not tarry. Over these waters He will walk until He reach you. When Jesus has come, you are at the land. The moment that the Master comes, the disciples are at home.

W. ARNOT, Roots and Fruits of the Christian Life,p. 268.

References: John 6:17. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. ii., p. 446; W. H. Jellie, Christian World Pulpit,vol. vi., p. 216; T. T. Lynch, Ibid.,vol. xxii., p. 206.