One of the most famous biblical stories is the account of Jesus traveling across the water in the boat. This story has been shared across countless sermons and bible studies all across the globe and throughout time. But often when I’ve heard the story of Jesus crossing the water being mentioned, particular details are usually missed, ignored, or skipped-over.

These details are important, because they show us things about Jesus, and His character, and how He deals with us also.

Most people I’ve spoken with struggle to receive the promises of God, not because they don’t believe the promises are real or true, but because they don’t think they deserve them; and much of this doubt can be traced back to an erroneous estimation of God’s character in how He treats us.

So, today I’d like to share with you some of the things that God has revealed to me in the story of Jesus crossing the water.

Let Us Cross Over

The scripture account is found in Luke chapter 8 starting at verse 22. And immediately we can see something interesting:

“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said to them, Let us go over to the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.”

Jesus said to His disciples, Let us go over to the other side. What I find fascinating about this, is that He knew what was going to happen, He knew about the coming storm; yet He also declared what the outcome would be. They were going to cross over. Take a few seconds to process that statement. Before the journey even began, Jesus stated the outcome. Keep this fact in mind as we continue.

In verse 23, we see that as they were traveling across the water, Jesus fell asleep. We see that the winds increased and the waves surged. The boat began taking on water. Verse 23 specifically says that they were in danger. The threat was real; the disciples weren’t imaging the storm. The storm was real, and they were frightened — but they forgot Jesus’ words at the outset of the journey. Forgetfulness, especially of Jesus and His words can have dangerous and deadly consequences, because the enemy’s one and only tactic is to pull our attention and focus off of Jesus, and that is when we are vulnerable.

Understanding God’s Character

Several of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen and skilled on the water, they knew how to sail and how to survive in the deep. They were able to assess the situation as precarious, but as I mentioned, they forgot the words of Jesus, which had already guaranteed their safety. They weren’t going to drown halfway through the journey, they were going to cross over, all the way to the other side, because that’s exactly what Jesus said.

The disciples, however, did not yet have a solid understanding of Jesus’ nature or His character. Notice what they cried in verse 24, Master, master, we are perishing! And in Mark 4:38, the parallel account, we can see they actually accuse Jesus, saying Don’t you care that we are perishing?

They understood Jesus, as a master, teacher, and Lord — and indeed, He is all of those things… but they didn’t understand His heart of love and care for them.

Your Response Matters

Jesus’ response to their cries is remarkable! He immediately rebuked the wind and the waves, commanding with divine authority that the storm cease. Then, Jesus turns to His disciples and says, Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?

You see, Jesus already gave them the information about their successful journey. He gave them the faith (information) before they even set out. He told them they would cross over to the other side… the storm ultimately didn’t matter. What mattered was their response to the storm in light of what Jesus said. Why did you doubt? As if to ask, why did you doubt what I told you in the beginning?

Each of us has been given faith. Each of us has been given information by God, regarding His promises of protection, healing, provision, and so much more. But to receive those, and act appropriately, we must first know His character and love for us.

There’s so many examples of Jesus’ character and love in the scripture. And we’ve studied and will continue to study them.

For know I hope that this has encouraged you today, and I look forward to thriving with you again.

Be blessed.