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We are in John Chapter 6 at verse 16, where Jesus Christ had just miraculously and supernaturally fed that massive crowd with provisions which appeared inadequate, but in His capable and able hands everyone was fed and satisfied.

That evening, the disciples sailed off across the lake without Jesus Christ.

Now that is always a dangerous thing to do – to move off and away without Jesus.

It was dark, and on that lake, some 13 miles by 8 miles, a storm arose, and they are in danger of losing their lives. These tough seasoned fishermen were only three miles or so from the shore, right in the middle of the lake. They are worn out, weary, and getting nowhere, when they see a figure walking on the water and coming towards them, and they are terrified.

Sail away from Jesus and when He comes for you and to you, it can be a frightening and terrifying experience.

A familiar voice calls out, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” They willingly welcomed Jesus into the boat, and soon they are safely on the shore.

We see some wonderful lessons when we read these verses in John Chapter 6 – things that should be seen in the body of Christ today – in the Church of Jesus Christ – in our lives.

1 – His knowledge of people. Jesus knew they were hungry. Jesus knows when we are hungry and in need. He knew His disciples were in danger.

He knows too when we are afraid, or when we are about to fail, or when we are lonely or insecure, or in danger. Jesus always knew what was wrong with people. Jesus knows you and me inside out. We cannot kid him on that all is well, when it isn’t. Jesus knows when we are hungry, or desperate, for love, for help, for healing, for rescuing, for guidance, for assurance, for safety.

2 – We see his concern for people. He not only knows our need but He cares. That is why God the Father sent Him into the world – because God cared – and was concerned and acted.

3 – We see His Authority over people. Jesus took command of the situation when the crowd was hungry. Sit down. Give them this bread and fish to eat. Gather up all the leftovers. Jesus is in charge.

How did Jesus separate that little lad from what he was holding onto? Jesus did it!

4 – Look at his abundant generosity. Jesus just gives and gives until the need is met, and until people are fed and filled and satisfied. He is so generous, but not extravagant.

5 – He demonstrates His commitment to people, and also his freedom from people, and both are necessary. This is not an easy balancing act for us at times. Jesus knows when to serve people and when to walk away from people.

Use your sanctified imagination. “Father is this what You want for me – to become King? No, Son.” So He slips away. Jesus would not be shaped and influenced and moulded by what man expected of Him or wanted Him to do.

Within a few days Jesus Christ could have been on a throne, wearing a crown, but Jesus knew that it had to be a crown of thorns on a Cross.

We too have to be free from the wrong demands and expectations of people. That can be costly, but following Jesus Christ usually is. But look at what happens when someone does give everything to Jesus Christ, no matter how insignificant it might at first appear.

Here we see care and concern, and an eagerness to minister and serve and feed and say “YES”, but also that ability to say “NO”, and slip away.

Jesus knew when it was essential to slip away, and also to realise when it was essential to approach disciples who were in great danger.

This is the Jesus we are called and privileged to follow and obey. It is this authoritative, loving, concerned, generous, caring Christ, who chooses and calls us, and who uses and guides, and who comes to rescue and protect.

He is King, not because men made him so, but because God the Father appointed Him, and before His throne we bow in praise and adoration and worship.

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

God And Our Circumstances