Section 74
Walking on the water during a storm on the lake
On the Sea of Galilee
| Matthew 14:24-33 | Mark 6:47-52 | John 6:16-21 |
|---|---|---|
| 24Meanwhile, the boat was already in the middle of the sea, being tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. | 47When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48He saw the disciples straining as they rowed, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and intended to pass them by. 49But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. 50aFor they all saw him and were terrified. | 16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17and after getting into the boat, they started going across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness had already set in, but Jesus had not come to them. 18Then the sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea, and they were afraid. |
| 27But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I0x3B do not be afraid.” 28In response Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29So he said, “Come.” Then Peter got down from the boat and walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” | 50bBut Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid.” | 20But he said to them, “It is I0x3B do not be afraid.” |
| 32And when they had gotten into the boat, the wind ceased. 33Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” | 51Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly and completely amazed and in awe0x3B 52for they did not understand the significance of what had happened with the loaves, because their hearts were hardened. | 21Then they were willing to receive him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land where they were heading. |
Notes
Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is a beautiful blue freshwater lake. Because it is shaped like a harp, it is called Yam Kinneret (Numbers 34:11) in Hebrew, from the word kinnor, which means “harp.” It was also known as the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1) after the large city, built by Herod Antipas, which is located on its shores. It was also called Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1)
The Sea of Galilee is fed by the Jordan River, which brings water from the melting snows of Mount Hermon to the north. Additional water comes from the numerous springs around the lake, many of which are hot springs. The hot water from these springs allows even tropical fish to thrive. The very high rate of evaporation from the lake raises the humidity to an average of 65% in the area over and around the lake; such an environment also enables tropical plants and fruit to grow.
The lake is now 12.5 miles long and 7 miles wide, with a circumference of 32 miles. It may have been slightly longer in Jesus’ time, since the lake may have receded somewhat in the north near Bethsaida. The surface of the lake is about 700 feet below sea level.