Advent Day 10

But when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded. (Mark 6:49-51)

The story of Jesus walking on water would serve as an excellent opening to any horror film. Think about it for a moment: the disciples are fighting strong winds as they try to make their way across the Sea of Galilee. Out of the darkness, they see something–– smaller than a boat but larger than a fish––moving above the water toward them. Not hovering, not gliding, not floating, but walking on a surface that should not be able to bear any weight. The only conceivable conclusion is that what is approaching is a spirit, a ghost––something or someone not human. And this unknown being is heading straight for them. Terrified really is the only appropriate response.

Of course, there is something very supernatural to what the disciples are witnessing. But it’s supernatural because the form they mistake for a ghost is not just fully divine but also fully human.

And yet, the disciples know this God-man, Jesus. Jesus, who is both their God and their friend. Yes, they have already seen him perform miracles, but they have also seen him eat fish, hammer wood, and laugh at their jokes. They know he was born in a small town to ordinary folk. They’ve heard his voice teach, drive out demons, and forgive sins. They know his voice. And they trust his words because what he proclaims is truth itself.

It’s Jesus’ voice, his pronouncement of who he is, that calms the disciples’ fears.

His voice still speaks today as he comes to us in the most astounding ways. Jesus loves nothing more than to continue to announce himself to us: “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Jesus speaks to calm our fears and give us the truth that we know him and are his.

When what you see is uncertain, unknown, or downright terrifying, trust your ears. They will lead you to the voice of our God and our friend, Jesus.

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