Jesus Feeds Over Ten Thousand and Walks on Water

When Jesus came out of the boat, there they all were waiting for Him. Jesus was moved with compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He spoke to them about the Kingdom of God and many other things and healed many if them who were afflicted by disease and disability.

When it grew late in the day the disciples came to Him and said, "This is a deserted place; send the people away so they can go to nearby villages and get food and lodging."

Jesus replied, "You give them something to eat."

Philip said, "Even two hundred dollars would not but enough bread to feed them!"

Andrew said, "There's a little boy here with five barley loves and two small fish; that's enough for him but not this whole crowd. There are five thousand men here and at least as many women and children."

Jesus commanded the people to sit down on the grass in groups. When they were assembled and quiet, He blessed the food and distributed it to everyone through the disciples, giving to everyone as much as they wanted. When everyone had eaten and were full, the disciples collected twelve baskets full of the leftovers.

Jesus told the disciples to get on the boat and go ahead of him to Capernium while He sent the people home.

Some of those who had seen this said, "This must be the messiah who was prophesied to come into the world."

Jesus perceived that they were going to seize Him and force Him to become king so He went up on a mountain by Himself.

After the crowd had disbursed, Jesus went down to the shore and saw that the boat was out in the middle of the sea making no headway and being tossed to and fro by the winds that were against them. So Jesus walked out on the water and just before dawn He overtook them and would have passed them. The disciples saw Him and yelled in terror because the thought it was an apparition.

When Jesus used the term I AM here and at other times in His ministry the people all knew immediately that He was claiming to be the God of the Old Testament, whom He indeed was. The term refers to the name God gave Moses at the burning bush, Exodus 3:14, "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."

But he immediately spoke to them, "Have courage, don't be afraid, I AM!"

Peter, who was ever bold and brash called out to Jesus, "If it is you, Lord, command me to come out to you on the water."

Jesus said "Come!"

Peter climbed over the side of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But just like the man who wanted his son healed said, "I believe, help my unbelief!", Peter became aware of the wind whipping about him and the tumultuous waves underfoot and his faith began to waver. As his faith slipped he began to sink and he yelled, "Lord, save me!"

Jesus reached out and grabbed him and said, "You who have little faith, why did you let your thought waver?" When they returned to the boat the wind immediately stopped blowing and everyone in the boat came and worshipped Jesus and said, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

Life of Christ Part Twenty-One - Jesus Tells People He is the Bread of Life

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