| 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Immediately Jesus made (invited, strongly urged) his disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now (many furlongs away from the land) in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubles, saying, “It’s a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediatelyJesus spoke to them, saying, “(take courage) Be of good cheer! I (am) It is .I Do not be afraid.” |
This is such a great story! We have all heard this story our entire lives – the miracle of walking on the water in verse 25! But what happened in the hours before that? What is this “fourth watch” about and what does it have to do with this story?
It looks like the disciples set out by ship, under the direction of Jesus, to cross the Sea of Galilee without Him: He would join them on the other side. No one really knows exactly what time the disciples set sail, but it was certainly during daylight. The Bible says that after Jesus sent them away, THEN He sent the multitudes away. THEN He went up on the mountain to pray alone. THEN evening came.
There was a storm out on the water that lasted well into the night. Jesus waited until the 4th watch – between 3am and 6am – to go to them. He was well aware that there was a storm. He was well aware that they were afraid and that even though they were experienced fishermen, they were struggling against this storm. What should have taken only a few hours (they probably should have landed on the other side before nightfall) was taking much longer! According to John they were about 3/4 way across when Jesus came to them (the Sea is about 5 miles wide).
This is when we all know the story. Jesus called to Peter and Peter walked on the water with Jesus, but then took his eyes of Jesus and realized the waves were big and he began to sink – and Jesus saved him. This was a huge miracle, but I want to know why Jesus waited so long? Why didn’t He come until the 4th watch?
Many commentators agree that Jesus waited because He wanted to build their faith. He could see them all along although they couldn’t see Him. Jesus waits… He waits until they have begun to despair. Until they are exhausted from rowing against the winds and waves. Until they surely think He has forgotten them. Then He suddenly appears! Suddenly they are encouraged. Suddenly the wind and waves abate. Suddenly they are brought to the other side.
Do you feel like Jesus has forgotten you? Do you feel like you are in a terrible storm and cannot see it letting up? Are you exhausted? Ready to give up? It may be the 4th watch! Look up, child! You are not alone. You are not at the end. Keep your eyes on Jesus, rather than your storm. Invite Him to come to your rescue. Seek Him. He wants to be your refuge. Your safe place!
Father God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to rescue us. Thank You for perfect timing that allows our faith muscles to build. Help us to remember that You are smarter than we are. Help us to trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
- Kimberly Schroeder
