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Commentary on John 6 verses 15–21
Here is, I. Christ's retirement from the multitude.
1.Observe what induced him to retire; because he perceived that those who acknowledged him to be that prophet that should come into the world would come, and take him by force, to make him a king, Joh 6:15. Now here we have an instance,
(1.)Of the irregular zeal of some of Christ's followers; nothing would serve but they would make him a king. Now, [1.] This was an act of zeal for the honour of Christ, and against the contempt which the ruling part of the Jewish church put upon him. They were concerned to see so great a benefactor to the world so little esteemed in it; and therefore, since royal titles are counted the most illustrious, they would make him a king, knowing that the Messiah was to be a king; and if a prophet, like Moses, then a sovereign prince and lawgiver, like him; and, if they cannot set him up upon the holy hill of Zion, a mountain in Galilee shall serve for the present. Those whom Christ has feasted with the royal dainties of heaven should, in return for his favour, make him their king, and set him upon the throne in their souls: let him that has fed us rule us. But, [2.] It was an irregular zeal; for First, It was grounded upon a mistake concerning the nature of Christ's kingdom, as if it were to be of this world, and he must appear with outward pomp, a crown on his head, and an army at his foot; such a king as this they would make him, which was as great a disparagement to his glory as it would be to lacquer gold or paint a ruby. Right notions of Christ's kingdom would keep us to right methods for advancing it. Secondly, It was excited by the love of the flesh; they would make him their king who could feed them so plentifully without their toil, and save them from the curse of eating their bread in the sweat of their face. Thirdly, It was intended to carry on a secular design; they hoped this might be a fair opportunity of shaking off the Roman yoke, of which they were weary. If they had one to head them who could victual an army cheaper than another could provide for a family, they were sure of the sinews of the war, and could not fail of success, and the recovery of their ancient liberties. Thus is religion often prostituted to a secular interest, and Christ is served only to serve a turn, Rom 16:18. Vix quaritur Jesus properter Jesusm, sed propter aliud - Jesus is usually sought after for something else, not for his own sake. - Augustine. Nay, Fourthly, It was a tumultuous, seditious attempt, and a disturbance of the public peace; it would make the country a seat of war, and expose it to the resentments of the Roman power. Fifthly, It was contrary to the mind of our Lord Jesus himself; for they would take him by force, whether he would or no. Note, Those who force honours upon Christ which he has not required at their hands displease him, and do him the greatest dishonour. Those that say I am of Christ, in opposition to those that are of Apollos and Cephas (so making Christ the head of a party), take him by force, to make him a king, contrary to his own mind.
(2.)Here is an instance of the humility and self-denial of the Lord Jesus, that, when they would have made him a king, he departed; so far was he from countenancing the design that he effectually quashed it. Herein he has left a testimony, [1.] Against ambition and affectation of worldly honour, to which he was perfectly mortified, and has taught us to be so. Had they come to take him by force and make him a prisoner, he could not have been more industrious to abscond than he was when they would make him a king. Let us not then covet to be the idols of the crowd, nor be desirous of vainglory. [2.] Against faction and sedition, treason and rebellion, and whatever tends to disturb the peace of kings and provinces. By this it appears that he was no enemy to Caesar, nor would have his followers be so, but the quiet in the land; that he would have his ministers decline every thing that looks like sedition, or looks towards it, and improve their interest only for their work's sake.
2.Observe whither he retired: He departed again into a mountain, eis to oros - into the mountain, the mountain where he had preached (Joh 6:3), whence he came down into the plain, to feed the people, and then returned to it alone, to be private. Christ, though so useful in the places of concourse, yet chose sometimes to be alone, to teach us to sequester ourselves from the world now and then, for the more free converse with God and our own souls; and never less alone, says the serious Christian, than when alone. Public services must not jostle out private devotions.
II. Here is the disciples' distress at sea. They that go down to the sea in ships, these see the works of the Lord, for he raiseth the stormy wind, Psa 107:23, Psa 107:24. Apply this to these disciples.
1.Here is their going down to the sea in a ship (Joh 6:16, Joh 6:17): When even was come, and they had done their day's work, it was time to look homeward, and therefore they went aboard, and set sail for Capernaum. This they did by particular direction from their Master, with design (as it should seem) to get them out of the way of the temptation of countenancing those that would have made him a king.
2.Here is the stormy wind arising and fulfilling the word of God. They were Christ's disciples, and were now in the way of their duty, and Christ was now in the mount praying for them; and yet they were in this distress. The perils and afflictions of this present time may very well consist with our interest in Christ and his intercession. They had lately been feasted at Christ's table; but after the sun-shine of comfort expect a storm. (1.) It was now dark; this made the storm the more dangerous and uncomfortable. Sometimes the people of God are in trouble, and cannot see their way out; in the dark concerning the cause of their trouble, concerning the design and tendency of it, and what the issue will be. (2.) Jesus was not come to them. When they were in that storm (Mat 8:23, etc.) Jesus was with them; but now their beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone. The absence of Christ is the great aggravation of the troubles of Christians. (3.) The sea arose by reason of a great wind. It was calm and fair when they put to sea (they were not so presumptuous as to launch out in a storm), but it arose when they were at sea. In times of tranquillity we must prepare for trouble, for it may arise when we little think of it. Let it comfort good people, when they happen to be in storms at sea, that the disciples of Christ were so; and let the promises of a gracious God balance the threats of an angry sea. Though in a storm, and in the dark, they are no worse off than Christ's disciples were. Clouds and darkness sometimes surround the children of the light, and of the day.
3.Here is Christ's seasonable approach to them when they were in this peril, Joh 6:19. They had rowed (being forced by the contrary winds to betake themselves to their oars) about twenty-five or thirty furlongs. The Holy Spirit that indicted this could have ascertained the number of furlongs precisely, but this, being only circumstantial, is left to be expressed according to the conjecture of the penman. And, when they were got off a good way at sea, they see Jesus walking on the sea. See here, (1.) The power Christ has over the laws and customs of nature, to control and dispense with them at his pleasure. It is natural for heavy bodies to sink in water, but Christ walked upon the water as upon dry land, which was more than Moses's dividing the water and walking through the water. (2.) The concern Christ has for his disciples in distress: He drew nigh to the ship; for therefore he walked upon the water, as he rides upon the heavens, for the help of his people, Deu 33:26. He will not leave them comfortless when they seem to be tossed with tempests and not comforted. When they are banished (as John) into remote places, or shut up (as Paul and Silas) in close places, he will find access to them, and will be nigh them. (3.) The relief Christ gives to his disciples in their fears. They were afraid, more afraid of an apparition (for so they supposed him to be) than of the winds and waves. It is more terrible to wrestle with the rulers of the darkness of this world than with a tempestuous sea. When they thought a demon haunted them, and perhaps was instrumental to raise the storm, they were more terrified than they had been while they saw nothing in it but what was natural. Note, [1.] Our real distresses are often much increased by our imaginary ones, the creatures of our own fancy. [2.] Even the approaches of comfort and deliverance are often so misconstrued as to become the occasions of fear and perplexity. We are often not only worse frightened than hurt, but then most frightened when we are ready to be helped. But, when they were in this fright, how affectionately did Christ silence their fears with that compassionate word (Joh 6:20), It is I, be not afraid! Nothing is more powerful to convince sinners than that word, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; nothing more powerful to comfort saints than this, "I am Jesus whom thou lovest; it is I that love thee, and seek thy good; be not afraid of me, nor of the storm." When trouble is nigh Christ is nigh.
4.Here is their speedy arrival at the port they were bound for, Joh 6:17. (1.) They welcomed Christ into the ship; they willingly received him. Note, Christ's absenting himself for a time is but so much the more to endear himself, at his return, to his disciples, who value his presence above any thing; see Sol 3:4. (2.) Christ brought them safely to the shore: Immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. Note, [1.] The ship of the church, in which the disciples of Christ have embarked themselves and their all, may be much shattered and distressed, yet it shall come safe to the harbour at last; tossed at sea, but not lost; cast down, but not destroyed; the bush burning, but not consumed. [2.] The power and presence of the church's King shall expedite and facilitate her deliverance, and conquer the difficulties which have baffled the skill and industry of all her other friends. The disciples had rowed hard, but could not make their point till they had got Christ in the ship, and then the work was done suddenly. If we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, have received him willingly, though the night be dark and the wind high, yet we may comfort ourselves with this, that we shall be at shore shortly, and are nearer to it than we think we are. Many a doubting soul is fetched to heaven by a pleasing surprise, or ever it is aware.
(Hom. xlii. 3) See what the belly can do. They care no more for the violation of the Sabbath; all their zeal for God is fled, now that their bellies are filled: Christ has become a Prophet, and they wish to enthrone Him as king. But Christ makes His escape; to teach us to despise the dignities of the world. He dismisses His disciples, and goes up into the mountain.— (Hom. xliii. 1). These, when their Master had left them, went down in the evening to the sea; as we read; And when even was now come, His disciples went down unto the sea. They waited till evening, thinking He would come to them; and then, as He did not come, delayed no longer searching for Him, but in the ardour of love, entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. They went to Capernaum thinking they should find Him there.
(Hom. xlii. 1) The mention of the time is not accidental, but meant to show the strength of their love. They did not mate excuses, and say, It is evening now, and night is coming on, but in the warmth of their love went into the ship. And now many things alarm them: the time, And it was now dark; and the weather, as we read next, And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew; their distance from land, So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs.
(Hom. xliii. 1) And at last He appears quite unexpectedly: They see Jesus walking upon the sea, drawing nigh. He reappears after His retirement, teaching them what it is to be forsaken, and stirring them to greater love; His reappearance manifesting His power. They were disturbed, were afraid, it is said. Our Lord comforts them: But He saith unto them, It is I, be not afraid.
(Hom. xliii. s. 1) He appeared to them in this way, to show His power; for He immediately calmed the tempest: Then they wished to receive Him into the ship; and immediately the ship was at the land, whither they went. So great was the calm, He did not even enter the ship, in order to work a greater miracle, and to show his Divinity more clearlyg.
(Hom. xliii. 1) Jesus does not show Himself to the crowd walking on the sea, such a miracle being too much for them to hear. Nor even to the disciples did He show Himself long, but disappeared immeditately.
(Hom. xliii. 1) Or take another explanation. This miracle seems to me to be a different one, from the one given in Matthew: for there they do not receive Him into the ship immediately, whereas here they doh: and there the storm lasts for some time, whereas here as soon as He speaks, there is a calm. He often repeats the same miracle in order to impress it on men's minds.
Christ provideth for the good of his disciples not only when He is present in the body, but also when far away; for having abundance of means and of skill, He effecteth one and the same end by contrary actions. Observe, for instance, what He hath done here. He leaveth His disciples, and goeth up into a mountain; and they, when even was come, went down unto the sea. They waited for Him until evening, expecting that He would come unto them; but when even was come, they could no longer endure not to seek their Master; so great a love possessed them. They said not, "It is now evening, and night hath overtaken us, whither shall we depart? the place is dangerous, the time unsafe"; but, goaded by their longing, they entered into the ship. For it is not without a cause that the Evangelist hath declared the time also, but by it to show the warmth of their love.
Wherefore then doth Christ let them go, and not show Himself? And again, wherefore doth He show Himself walking alone upon the sea? By the first He teacheth them how great an evil it is to be forsaken by Him, and maketh their longing greater; by the second, again, He showeth forth His power. For as in His teaching they heard not all in common with the multitude, so in the case of the miracles they saw them not all with the mass of people, since it was needful that they who were about to receive in charge the presidency of the world, should have somewhat more than the rest.
He allowed the storm to arise, that they might ever seek Him; He stilled the storm, that He might make known to them His power; He went not up into the ship, that He might make the marvel greater.
The circumstances of their journey drive the disciples to a more intense search for the Savior. For the deep darkness of the night troubles them, hovering like smoke on the raging waves and taking away any ability for navigation. The fierce winds, riding on the waves with a rushing sound that raises the billows high above their heads, had to trouble them more than a little bit. Yes, and through all of this, John records, "Jesus was not yet with them." This was the real danger, and Christ's absence from these voyagers was making their fear grow more and more.Those who are not with Jesus are in a fierce tempest of a storm. They are cut off from him or at least seem to be absent from him because they have departed from his holy laws. Because of their sin they are separated from the one who is able to save. If then it is overwhelming to be in such spiritual darkness, if it is oppressive to be swamped by the bitter sea of pleasures, let us then receive Jesus. For this is what will deliver us from dangers and from death in sin.
Like a pilot steering a boat through the waves, one should hold to the course, guided by grace. Keeping his attention fixed within himself, he should commune with God in stillness, guarding his thoughts from distraction and his intellect from curiosity.In storms and squalls we need a pilot, and in this present life we need prayer, for we are susceptible to the provocations of our thoughts, both good and bad. If our thought is full of devotion and love of God, it rules over the passions.
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SUMMARY
John 6:17 describes the disciples' journey across the Sea of Galilee after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Having embarked on a ship towards Capernaum, the narrative highlights two critical conditions: the onset of night, signifying deep darkness, and the deliberate absence of Jesus, who had withdrawn to a mountain. This verse serves as a pivotal transition, setting the stage for the dramatic and revelatory events that follow, where the disciples face a challenging situation without their Lord's immediate physical presence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: John 6:17 is strategically placed within a sequence of profound events in John's Gospel. It immediately follows Jesus's miraculous feeding of over five thousand people with five barley loaves and two small fish, an event that profoundly impacted the crowd, leading them to attempt to seize Jesus and make Him king by force (John 6:15). In response, Jesus withdrew to a mountain alone to pray, while instructing His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. This verse thus marks the beginning of the disciples' journey, characterized by the absence of their Master and the onset of challenging conditions, directly preceding the awe-inspiring account of Jesus walking on water to meet them amidst a storm. It transitions the narrative from a public display of power to a more intimate, testing experience for the disciples.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias, was a vital body of water for fishing and travel in ancient Israel. It is geographically situated in a basin surrounded by hills, making it susceptible to sudden, violent storms due to cold air descending rapidly. Travel by boat was common, and nighttime journeys, while perhaps less frequent for long distances, were not unheard of. Capernaum, the disciples' destination, was a significant hub for Jesus's ministry, serving as a sort of "headquarters" where He often taught and performed miracles, as evidenced in Matthew 4:13 and Mark 2:1. The journey across the sea, especially at night, would have been a common, though potentially perilous, undertaking for experienced fishermen like many of the disciples.
Key Themes: John 6:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Discipleship and Obedience, as the disciples embark on this journey at Jesus's instruction, even in His physical absence. Their obedience in challenging circumstances foreshadows the trials and faith required of all who follow Christ. Secondly, the phrase "it was now dark" introduces the theme of Spiritual and Physical Darkness. In John's Gospel, darkness (Greek: skotia) often carries symbolic weight, representing not just literal night but also spiritual ignorance, opposition to Christ, or periods of trial and uncertainty, contrasting sharply with Jesus as the Light of the World. Thirdly, the explicit statement "Jesus was not come to them" underscores the Temporary Absence of Christ, a deliberate withdrawal that tests and refines the disciples' faith, preparing them for a deeper revelation of His power and sovereignty. This perceived isolation sets the stage for Divine Intervention, demonstrating Jesus's ability to transcend natural limitations and provide for His followers even when He seems distant, a theme echoed in His promise to be with His disciples always.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
John 6:17 employs several potent literary devices. Symbolism is prominent, particularly with the mention of "darkness." While literally describing the physical night, "darkness" (Greek: skotia) in John's Gospel frequently symbolizes spiritual ignorance, moral opposition to God, or periods of trial and despair, contrasting with Jesus as the light. Here, it creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and foreboding, hinting at the spiritual and physical challenges the disciples would encounter. The verse also utilizes Foreshadowing, as the conditions described—darkness, the disciples' isolation, and Jesus's absence—build dramatic tension, preparing the reader for the subsequent miraculous appearance of Jesus walking on water amidst a storm. This sets up the divine intervention that will reveal more of Jesus's identity and power. Furthermore, there is a subtle element of Dramatic Irony at play. The disciples perceive Jesus's absence as a lack of immediate help, yet the reader understands that Jesus's withdrawal is purposeful, allowing for a greater demonstration of His divine sovereignty and care through His supernatural arrival.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:17 offers profound theological insights into the nature of discipleship, divine providence, and the testing of faith. The disciples' journey into darkness without Jesus's immediate presence mirrors the experiences of believers throughout history who face trials and uncertainties where God's presence feels distant or His plan unclear. This verse underscores the reality that God often allows His people to enter challenging circumstances, not out of neglect, but to deepen their faith, reveal His power in unexpected ways, and prepare them for greater understanding of His sovereignty. The "darkness" and "absence" are not indications of abandonment but rather a setup for a more profound manifestation of Christ's sustaining power and unwavering care, demonstrating that His watchful eye is always upon His own, even when they are in the midst of life's storms.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:17 offers a poignant reflection on the Christian journey, reminding us that periods of perceived divine absence or overwhelming darkness are often integral to our spiritual growth. Just as the disciples were on a commanded journey toward Capernaum, believers today are called to walk in obedience, even when the path ahead seems obscured by uncertainty and the Lord's immediate presence is not tangibly felt. This verse encourages us to persevere in faith, recognizing that our "dark nights" are not signs of God's abandonment but often precursors to a deeper revelation of His power and faithfulness. It teaches us to trust in His unseen hand and perfect timing, knowing that He is sovereign over every storm and that His ultimate purpose is always to draw us closer to Himself, transforming our fears into profound encounters with His sustaining grace. Our obedience in the face of perceived absence is a testament to our trust in His unwavering presence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus send His disciples alone into the dark and then not join them immediately?
Answer: Jesus's actions were deliberate and multifaceted. After the feeding miracle, the crowd wanted to make Him king by force (John 6:15), which was not His immediate purpose. He withdrew to a mountain to pray (John 6:15), demonstrating His dependence on the Father and His rejection of worldly kingship. Sending the disciples ahead into the dark and then delaying His arrival served several purposes: it tested their faith, allowed them to experience their vulnerability without His immediate physical presence, and set the stage for a dramatic revelation of His divine power as He walked on water to them (John 6:19). This experience was a crucial lesson in trusting His sovereignty even in the midst of fear and apparent abandonment.
What is the significance of Capernaum as their destination?
Answer: Capernaum was a significant base for Jesus's ministry in Galilee. It was often referred to as "His own city" (Matthew 9:1) and was the home of several of His disciples, including Peter and Andrew. Jesus performed many miracles and taught extensively in Capernaum (Matthew 11:23). Their journey toward Capernaum indicates a return to a familiar place of ministry and community, highlighting that even in their perilous journey, they were moving towards a divinely appointed destination, not merely aimlessly adrift.
Does the "darkness" in this verse have a symbolic meaning beyond just literal night?
Answer: Yes, in John's Gospel, "darkness" (Greek: skotía) often carries profound symbolic weight beyond its literal meaning. While it certainly describes the physical night, John frequently uses darkness to represent spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, the realm of evil, or the absence of God's truth and light. For instance, John 1:5 states that "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." In John 6:17, the literal darkness heightens the sense of vulnerability and fear, subtly hinting at the spiritual challenges and the perceived absence of the "Light of the World" (John 8:12) among the disciples, setting the stage for His miraculous appearance as the one who dispels all darkness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:17, with its depiction of the disciples' journey into darkness and perceived isolation without Jesus, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the broader Christ-centered narrative of redemption. The "darkness" that enveloped the disciples on the sea is a potent symbol for the spiritual darkness that enshrouds humanity, a world separated from God by sin. Jesus's deliberate, temporary "absence" from His disciples, followed by His miraculous appearance walking on the water, serves as a profound metaphor for His redemptive work. He allowed humanity to experience the depth of its spiritual plight before intervening decisively. His coming to them across the turbulent waters, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation, points directly to His divine nature as the Son of God, who alone can calm the storms of life and overcome the chaos of sin and death. This event anticipates His ultimate intervention for all humanity through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, where He seemingly "departed" from His disciples (Acts 1:9-11), yet promised His abiding presence through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18) and His eventual return. Thus, John 6:17 is not merely a historical account but a vivid illustration of Christ as the ever-present Lord who comes to His people in their darkest hours, bringing light, peace, and salvation, proving Himself to be the resurrection and the life for all who believe.