One of the shortest of the series, the fifth sign, is without question one of the most dramatic. A picture is presented of the raging seas, of men fighting for their lives against the elements, of their terror at the prospect of death by drowning. But the final scene is one of peace and tranquility, as the Lord Jesus conquers the difficulties, and brings his friends safely to their goal.
The fourth and fifth signs are significantly linked. Having symbolically offered Himself to the people (verses 11, 12) He “departed.” This process was literally followed in due course of time.
The narrative states that the Lord “departed” into a “high mountain” to which Mark adds “to pray” (Mark 6:46). In this way the Scripture speaks symbolically of Christ being taken up into heaven (a high mountain) where, after having offered Himself as a sacrifice, He engages in His priestly occupation of addressing prayer to the Father.
The people would have taken him “by force” to “make him a king.” This was doubtless due to the enthusiasm which had resulted from the miracle that had been performed. Food was scarce in those days, and the multitude was anxious to embrace the benefactor who had provided them with sustenance Unfortunately, the spiritual significance of that which had occurred did not impress them (verse 26) However, this was not the time for Him to ascend the throne, and knowing this, He retired from the scene before the project could be put into effect.
His disciples were left alone, and this sign portrays them in their perilous task of negotiating the ‘storms of life ” It is evident that the disciples would have been shipwrecked without Christ’s help, and ,o it is in real life (see 1st Timothy 9 Matthew 11 28, Ephesians 2 12, Romans 1 16) At “even” the disciples entered their boat (verse 16) “Even” speaks of the beginning of the age of Gentile darkness. Eventually, darkness descended upon them, and they were left alone (verse 17) Their goal was Capernaum, which means “City of Comfort,” and therefore provides an apt symbol for the kingdom But their journey was not to be an easy one The way was fraught with every possible danger that the sea and elements could effectively produce “Sea” is a symbol for people (Isaiah 57 20, 17 12, Revelation 7 12), and therefore represents the nations The “wind” blew (verse 18), and the “wind” has been blowing strongly ever since! It is a symbol of The Doctrines of Men in contrast to The Commandments of Christ (Ephesians 4 14, compare verse 13)—a “wind” that is indeed sufficiently powerful to “blow us off course” from our intended haven, the Kingdom of God Courage, determination, and unrelenting effort, together with faith in Yahweh to help us, will prove the only effective counter to the evil winds that blow continually upon the sea of nations.
It was necessary for the disciples to “row” their boat (verse 19) This indicates that effort and labor were required With a definite objective in view, they could not afford to be blown about at the dictates of the wind and sea According to Josephus, the Sea of Tiberias was five miles in breadth and eighteen miles long The Sea was said to be subject to sudden and terrible storms, causing great hardship and even loss of life to those men who earned their livelihood by casting nets upon its waters.
In spite of the difficulties, their relief did not come speedily Matthew records that it was in the fourth watch” that Jesus came unto them (Matthew 14) No mention is made in the Old Testament of four watches, but only three It was Roman custom to divide the watches into four The first was from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the second from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight, the third from midnight to 3:00 am , the fourth from 3:00 am to 6:00 am It was therefore between the hours of three and six in the morning that Christ appeared for the salvation of His disciples The symbology here is perfect It will be near the end of the long Gentile night that the Lord Jesus will appear to save His disciples, and, as the night draws to a close, the dawn of the new (Millenial) day will appear (Isaiah 60 2, Malachi 4 2, 2nd Samuel 23 3-5, Psalms 110 3).
The Lord Jesus appeared, walking upon the sea (verses 20, 21) In like manner, at the appointed time, He will walk upon the nations, having power over them, and going forth “for the salvation of His people” (Habakkuk 3 12,13, Re-elation 11 15, compare Job 9 8) “It is I, be not afraid” were the words uttered to bring comfort to the disciples (verse 20) Whereupon they “willingly” received Him into the ship This is important Christ does not force Himself upon men They must acknowledge their need of Him and His saving power ‘Whosoever Shall Call on the Name of Yahweh shall be saved” (Joel 2 32 Compare Acts 2 21, 1st Corinthians 1 2 Note In these New Testament passages, the word means “to invoke, as to call upon for aid; to appeal to”).
There is a power great enough to overcome the storms of life This is the strength of Yahweh, also revealed in Scripture as “El” (Ail); that is, “supreme power of strength” (Job 33 4, Psalms 95 3; 89 7; 78 35) The Lord Jesus drew upon this power for all His strength (Psalms 61 3) This power protected Christ, and brought Him victory It can for us also. The confession of Eliphaz is worthy of consideration: “I would seek unto Ail, and unto Elohim would I commit my cause” (Job 5 8). The climax is recorded in verse 21. With the Lord’s help, and divine power, the disciples finally arrived in port, safe and sound. Thus this sign gives a picture of what the future will yet reveal. Christ will return; the storms of life will cease; for the inheritors of the Kingdom, the struggles and fears of mortal life will be over; and as one united body of people, they will reach their haven, in company with their glorious Lord.
The Aim Of This Sign To Israel: To show that only Yahweh has the power to save; and that all laws are subject to His will.
The Aim Of This Sign To Us: To show that the Lord Jesus will care for us amid the storms of life.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One