“They were willing to take him into the boat.” (John 6:21)

Most of us have gleaned great takeaways from sermons about Jesus walking on water toward storm-battered disciples. I’ve even jotted them down:

• When storms buffet my boat, keep rowing.

• Obeying Jesus doesn’t mean “smooth sailing”; Jesus sent the disciples into the storm.  

• Jesus will come; it may be in the ninth hour, but He comes walking on the very thing that scares me. 

As I wade past my margin notes, though, and dig into the passage, one word strikes me: “willing” (6:21). On Jesus’ instruction, the disciples have rowed three+ miles across the lake, fighting wind and waves, in the dark. Jesus comes to them, walkingon the water, terrifying them. When Jesus says, “It is I,” they “were willing to take Him into the boat.” 

Why that word willing? Are they hesitant? What would stop them from wanting Jesus in the boat with them? I do understand their fear: it’s dark; people don’t walk on water. But once they realize it’s Jesus, they’re willing to let Him come aboard? I’d be hauling Him into the boat. After all, they’ve just seen him feed 5,000+ people with the tiniest of lunches; they know His power.

I know His power, too, so why am I hesitant to let Jesus into my situation, my boat? Is it because I’ve been working through difficulties and making progress enough to think: I got this; it’s tough, but I’m managing (rowing) on my own. Do I wonder if letting Jesus in means I’ll have to row His way, follow His path, surrender the “oars,” and let Him take full control? 

Yes, I think that’s it. I’m reluctant, fearful even, to relinquish control. But here’s the gracious part. Jesus won’t take control until I’m ready to let go, to let Him in. How utterly gracious of Him not to force His way into the disciples’ boat, telling them, “I got this.” (Because, of course, He does.)

When will I learn this lesson: Jesus doesn’t stand passively by on the periphery of my life, a spectator to my troubles. He will come to me, will meet me in my pain or frustration when I let Him in. It’s so clear: release control, let Him in, let Jesus go through the difficulty with me. I may even make it through my storm quicker with Him in the boat: “immediately the boat reached the shore” (6:21, italics mine). 

So, no more hesitation. No more can-do spirit. I’m resolving to haul Jesus into my boat.

Where have you been holding too tightly to the “oars,” confident in your own strength? Would you be willing to let go a little? If that feels like weakness, it isn’t. Isn’t walking in faith more like dependent weakness than independent strength?

If you’d like to read or re-read the overview/summary of this week’s passage, you can find it here.