Teaching Library
The Expulsive Power of New Affections
The story of Jesus walking on water is well known, but have you considered it's historical and theological implications? Why would Jesus do such a miracle with only his disciples to see? In this teaching, Pastor Nathan walks through the details of the narrative and then looks at the deeplly practical implications alongside the eternal truths embedded in this historical moment.
The Narrative: Jesus Walks on Water
In John 6:16-21, after feeding the 5,000, Jesus sends his disciples ahead by boat while he retreats to a mountain to pray. As evening falls, the disciples find themselves struggling against strong winds on the Sea of Galilee.
Between 3-6 AM, after hours of fighting the storm, the disciples see Jesus walking on the water toward them. Terrified, they cry out. Jesus responds, "It is I; do not be afraid." When they invite him into the boat, the storm ceases, and they immediately reach their destination.
Jesus Retreats to Pray
After feeding thousands, Jesus seeks solitude on a mountain
Disciples Face the Storm
The disciples struggle against wind and waves all night
Jesus Walks on Water
Between 3-6 AM, Jesus approaches, walking on the stormy sea
Immediate Arrival
Once Jesus enters the boat, they immediately reach Capernaum
The Purpose: What Jesus Taught His Disciples
This miracle, witnessed only by the disciples, was specifically designed to build and shape their faith. Unlike the feeding of thousands, this intimate demonstration revealed profound truths about Christ's nature and power.
Divine Identity
Jesus revealed himself as truly the Son of God with authority over creation itself
Peace in Storms
By living in the truth of who Jesus is, we can have peace even amid life's storms
Fear Displaced
The presence of Christ in our lives displaces fear with gladness and confidence
The Expulsive Power of a New Affection
The central message of this passage reveals how a more powerful desire can expel an old one. When Jesus entered the boat, the disciples' fear was replaced with gladness. This principle, drawn from Thomas Chalmers' famous sermon, shows that sin and fear are not merely removed but replaced.
Darkness Without Christ
In His absence, darkness and chaos fill the void
Misplaced Affections
Fear reveals what we truly love and depend on
Looking to Jesus
Seeing Christ shifts our perspective away from storms
Christ in the Boat
Inviting Jesus into our lives expels fear completely
Replacing Sin with Something Greater
Sin is not so much purged as it is replaced. Nature abhors a vacuum, and simply removing sin without filling that space leads to other sins taking its place. The Christian life isn't just about getting rid of sin but being filled with Christ.

Living Water
As Christ fills us, sin is naturally displaced

New Desires
The Spirit gives us new affections that overcome old ones

God's Word
Scripture gradually fills our hearts, pushing out sin

Community
Fellowship reinforces our new affections in Christ
A New Exodus
This miracle connects to significant biblical themes, particularly the Exodus. Just as God led Israel through the waters, fed them with manna, and brought them to the Promised Land, Jesus demonstrates he is fulfilling these patterns at a higher level.

Feeding the Multitude
Jesus provides a new kind of manna from heaven
Walking on Water
Jesus demonstrates mastery over the waters of chaos
Safe Arrival
Jesus brings his people safely to their destination
Unlike Moses who merely led people through parted waters, Jesus walks on the waters themselves. He doesn't just go before his people; he enters their boat and journeys with them, pointing to a greater intimacy with God.
A Picture of the Cross
Ultimately, this miracle foreshadows the cross. Just as Jesus entered the storm to rescue his disciples, at the cross he enters the storm of God's wrath against sin to save us.
Entering Our Storm
Jesus enters the chaos of our sin and suffering
Stilling the Storm
Jesus quiets God's wrath through his sacrifice
Safe Arrival
Jesus guarantees our arrival in heaven
By no rowing or work of our own, Jesus guarantees our safe passage to heaven's shore.
It is his work alone that saves us, just as the disciples didn't row to reach Capernaum—they simply invited Jesus into their boat.
Is Jesus in Your Boat?
Have you trusted in Him? Are you living with Him daily, allowing His presence to displace your fears and anxieties?
Trust Christ
Invite Jesus into your life through faith
Live with Him
Allow His presence to fill your daily experiences
Replace Fear
Let Christ's love expel anxiety and worry
Reach Shore
Trust His power to bring you safely home
Will you allow Him to take full control of your life? Whatever your fears may be, allow Him into the boat and walk with Him day by day. May the affection of Christ fill up and displace the affections of the flesh.