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Chapter 40—A Night on the Lake
This chapter is based on
Matthew 14:22-33
;
Mark 6:45-52
;
John
6:14-21
.
Seated on the grassy plain in the twilight of the spring evening,
the people ate the food Christ provided. The miracle of the loaves
appealed to everyone in that vast multitude. God had fed Israel with
manna in the desert, and who was this that had fed them that day but
He whom Moses had foretold? They said one to another, “This is of
a truth the Prophet that should come into the world.”
That crowning act was assurance that the long-looked-for De-
liverer was among them. This was He who would make Judea an
earthly paradise, a land flowing with milk and honey. He could break
the power of the hated Romans. He could heal the soldiers wounded
in battle. He could supply whole armies with food. He could give to
Israel the long-sought dominion!
The people were ready at once to crown Him king. They saw that
He made no effort to secure honor to Himself, and they feared He
would never urge His claim to David’s throne. Consulting together,
they agreed to take Him by force and proclaim Him the king of
Israel. The disciples united with the multitude in declaring the
throne of David the rightful inheritance of their Master. Let the
arrogant priests and rulers be forced to honor Him who came clothed
with the authority of God.
But Jesus saw what was on foot. Violence and insurrection would
follow, and the work of the spiritual kingdom would be hindered.
Without delay the movement must be checked. Calling His disciples,
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Jesus bade them take the boat and return at once to Capernaum,
leaving Him to dismiss the people.
Never before had a command from Christ seemed so impossible.
This seemed the golden opportunity to establish their beloved Master
on the throne of Israel. It was hard for them to go away by themselves
and leave Jesus alone on that desolate shore. They protested, but
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