Matthew 14:22-27…“But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’” vs.27
As Matthew tells the story, after the feeding of the 5000, Jesus had stayed behind for much needed prayer and meditation, and had sent the disciples back across the sea by themselves. When the winds increased and their boat was being battered by the waves, the disciples saw Jesus in the darkness walking toward them, and, thinking it was a ghost, they were terrified. Seeing their fear Jesus says “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
The Greek words that Matthew uses, “It is I,” can be translated literally as “I am,” and immediately remind us of the self-identifying words Moses heard from the Lord at the burning bush, “I am who I am.”
If in our lives in this terrifying world we need a word of consolation and assurance from Jesus we need look no further. The simple phrase “I am” immediately connects Jesus with the Divine Presence and reminds us that in every situation, no matter how dreadful or disconcerting, Jesus is as near as our breath and as real as our beating heart. Even if a tsunami of bad luck or depressing news washes over us, and if we wonder if God is only a mirage or a fanciful hope, there is no reason to be afraid. Jesus is! And that’s all we need to know!
Thought for the Day: When am I most likely to feel alone?
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