This story continues with Jesus sending His disciples ahead, instructing them to cross the lake without Him. They were undoubtedly tired, and this must have seemed like a perfect opportunity for a brief respite. As they set off, perhaps they thought this crossing would provide some much-needed rest before facing the crowds again.
Meanwhile, Jesus went up the mountain to pray. He always found time alone to seek solitude with God. On a side note, do we do this to regain our strength before the next challenge? The Word and prayer are fundamental spiritual disciplines, essential for growing as Christians.
As evening came, Jesus saw the disciples straining at the oars. This indicated they hadn’t made much progress from the shore. It wasn’t until the fourth watch (between 3-6 AM) that Jesus went out to them. Depending on when the sun set, this could have been anywhere from 6 to 12 hours later. Jesus did not immediately go to their aid.
Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that God sometimes allows us to experience trials to develop our character. Jesus saw His disciples struggling against the wind, already tired and nearing exhaustion. He understood that sometimes we need to be left in our struggles to learn and grow. This helps us become more aware of our own limitations and our need for help, whether from others or a higher power.
Jesus rescuing them highlights His divine strength over all creation and exposes human weakness. We shouldn’t grow bitter with God if He doesn’t immediately save us from a trial (again illustrated in the story of His friend Lazarus). Just as Jesus was nearby and ready to help the disciples when it was best for them, God is also near us during our trials and will step in when we truly need Him, though not
necessarily when we want Him to.
Instead of blaming God or becoming impatient or angry during our trials, we should reflect on what lessons we can learn. Perhaps we need to be more dependent on God, more patient, more faithful. Sometimes, not stepping in to help is a sign of discernment, not apathy.