John 6:20 – “But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.'”

Extended Explanation

This verse captures a powerful moment in the story of Jesus walking on water. The disciples were in a storm, rowing against strong winds and rough waters (John 6:18-19). Then, in the middle of their struggle, Jesus appeared, walking on the sea.

Instead of feeling relieved, they were terrified (John 6:19). But Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

These words are simple, but they hold deep meaning.

• “It is I” – In Greek, this phrase is “Ego eimi,” which means “I AM.” This is the same phrase God used to describe Himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). Jesus wasn’t just saying, “Hey, it’s me.” He was revealing His divine identity.
• “Don’t be afraid” – Throughout Scripture, when God reveals Himself, He often tells people not to be afraid (Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10). Fear is a natural response to God’s power, but He calls us to trust Him instead of being afraid.

Jesus didn’t just calm the storm—He calmed their fears first. His presence is greater than any storm.

Historical Context

The Sea of Galilee was known for sudden, violent storms, and Jewish tradition often associated the sea with chaos and danger. Many believed that only God had power over the waters (Psalm 107:23-29, Job 9:8).

The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, had likely faced storms before. But this situation was different—they weren’t just battling rough waters, they saw a man walking on the sea. In their fear, they thought He was a ghost (Matthew 14:26).

Jesus’ words, “It is I; don’t be afraid,” were meant to reassure them. He was not a ghost, and they were not alone.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus Reveals His Divine Identity – By saying “It is I” (Ego eimi), Jesus was not only identifying Himself, but also pointing to His divine nature as the “I AM” (John 8:58).
2. God’s Presence Casts Out Fear – The moment Jesus spoke, fear lost its power. This reminds us that God’s presence is greater than any fear we face (2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Jesus is Lord Over the Storm – The disciples were afraid of the storm and the unknown, but Jesus showed that He is greater than both.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is known for its deep theological meaning behind simple words.

• “It is I” (Ego eimi) – This is more than just identification; it is a divine statement. Jesus intentionally used the same phrase God used in the Old Testament.
• “Don’t be afraid” – This echoes many Old Testament passages where God reassures His people in times of fear (Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:6).
• Contrast Between Fear and Faith – The disciples’ first response was fear, but Jesus called them to faith.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 3:14 – God tells Moses, “I AM who I AM.” Jesus uses the same phrase “Ego eimi” (I AM) in John 6:20.
• Psalm 107:29 – “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you.”
• Matthew 14:27 – Jesus’ words in Matthew’s version: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Fear is Real, But So is Jesus – We all face storms—whether it’s trials, uncertainties, or challenges. But Jesus reminds us: We are not alone.
2. Jesus’ Presence is the Answer to Fear – He didn’t calm the storm right away; He calmed them first. This teaches us that peace doesn’t always come from changed circumstances, but from knowing Jesus is with us.
3. God Reveals Himself in the Storm – The disciples got a deeper understanding of Jesus because of the storm. Often, our most powerful encounters with God happen in difficult times.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His presence and His words.

• He comes to us in our fear – Jesus didn’t wait for the storm to be over; He came to them in the middle of it.
• He speaks peace into our hearts – The first thing Jesus does is calm their fear before calming the sea.
• He reassures us of His identity – Jesus doesn’t just say “Don’t be afraid”—He tells them who He is. Knowing who Jesus is gives us courage.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Great “I AM” – His words “It is I” (Ego eimi) connect directly to God’s name in the Old Testament. He is not just a prophet or a teacher—He is the Son of God.
2. Jesus is Present in the Storms of Life – He doesn’t promise a life without storms, but He does promise to be with us in them (Matthew 28:20).
3. Jesus is the Source of True Peace – The world’s peace is based on circumstances, but Jesus’ peace is based on His presence (John 14:27).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the disciples were so afraid when they saw Jesus?
2. How does Jesus’ statement “It is I; don’t be afraid” bring comfort to us today?
3. Have you ever experienced a storm in life where you struggled to see Jesus? How did He show Himself to you?
4. What does Jesus’ use of “Ego eimi” (I AM) tell us about who He is?
5. How can we practice trusting Jesus more in the middle of our storms?