Don’t Be Afraid

Sermon Title: “Don’t Be Afraid”

Scripture: John 6:16-21

Occasion: The Lord’s Day

Location: Central Church

Date: September 8, 2024

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts that are often weighed down by the fears and uncertainties of life.

Yet, we know that You are sovereign over all, and that no storm is too great for You.

As we gather to hear Your Word, we ask that You would quiet our anxious hearts and open our ears to receive the truth You have for us today.

Lord, we acknowledge that there are times when You feel distant, and the darkness seems overwhelming.

But we also know that in those moments, You are near, walking on the very waters that threaten to consume us.

We ask that You would draw near to us now, revealing Your presence in a way that dispels our fears and strengthens our faith.

As we turn to Your Word, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to open our eyes: What we know not, teach us. What we are not, make us.

What we have not, give us. Sanctify us by Your truth, Lord, for Your Word is truth.

May the sermon today not only challenge us but transform us, so that we leave here more in love with You and more committed to walking in the peace and confidence that only You can provide.

We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus, our Savior and King. Amen.

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Ti 1:2.

Opening remarks: (Introduce myself and thank Ethan for the opportunity to preach)

Introduction:

What keeps you up at night?

What is it that makes your heart race, your mind spiral, and your spirit tremble?

We all know fear—fear of failure, fear of losing control, fear of the unknown.

These fears, often amplified in our darkest moments, test the very core of our faith.

But what if these moments of fear are also moments of divine opportunity?

What if the storms we face are not meant to destroy our faith but to examine and refine it?

In John 6, the disciples find themselves in such a moment.

They had just witnessed Jesus perform a miraculous sign by feeding over 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish—a powerful lesson in faith.

But now, they are caught in a storm, and this lesson becomes an examination.

The classroom of the miraculous feeding has turned into the examination room of the stormy sea. It is here, in the midst of chaos, that their faith—and ours—is truly tested.

As we unpack this passage, we will explore three key points:

The Darkness, The Divine Presence, and The Deliverance.

Each point will reveal how Jesus, in the midst of our fears, gently yet powerfully speaks to us, “Don’t be afraid.”

I. The Darkness: When Jesus Feels Distant (John 6:16-18)

Text: "When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing." (John 6:16-18 ESV)

Point:

DARKNESS often represents fear, doubt, and the feeling of separation from God.

The disciples were seasoned fishermen, but this storm was unlike any other—they were without Jesus.

Exegesis and Exposition: The passage begins with the disciples entering into the dark—both physically and spiritually. "It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them."

This detail is critical.

The darkness here is more than just the absence of light; it symbolizes the fear and uncertainty that grip the hearts of the disciples as they face the storm without the visible presence of Jesus.

Here is a theological point we cannot miss, beloved:

The darkness in our lives is not created by satan, by God.

Here is what Job learned in Job 30:26

Job 30:26 ESV

But when I hoped for good, evil came, and when I waited for light, darkness came.

This is a good thing.

Why?

Because this means that it is the All strong and All wise God who is in control of the darkness.

That means that He has a divine purpose for it-for your good and his glory.

Listen to how the God himself depicts this divine darkness in the book of Isaiah:

Isaiah 45:7 ESV

I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.

Who creates light and darkness? The LORD!

Now listen closely to how God describes the purpose of his decreed darkness here in Isaiah:

Isaiah 45:3 (ESV)

I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.

So why does the Lord withhold light in certain seasons of our lives?

This might be you this morning.

I pray this brings your comfort:

The Lord God almighty withholds light in the lives of His people that they may discover “treasures of darkness”.

There are incredible lessons we learn and spiritual treasure we obtain in the darkest hours of our lives.

These hours make the Lord Jesus real to us, like nothing else can.

So I think we can conclude that this storm is a divine appointment for the good of the disciples.

This is a moment where the lesson of faith learned during the feeding of the 5,000 is put to the test.

In the feeding miracle, Jesus had demonstrated His power to provide abundantly.

But now, the question is whether the disciples will trust Him when His presence isn’t immediately apparent.

John Calvin insightfully notes,

"God sometimes permits His children to be tossed about by the tempests of life, that they may learn to depend wholly on Him."

This was a real test of the disciples faith and patience.

And similarly, does God often test us today.

Frequently our circumstances are dark, and conditions are all against us.

We cry to the Lord, but He “does not come.”

But let us remind ourselves that God is never in a hurry.

However much the Irritability of unbelief may seek to hasten His hand, He waits for His own good time.

Omnipotence can afford to wait, for it is always sure of success.

And because omnipotence is combined with infinite wisdom and love, we may be certain that God not only does everything in the right way but also at the best time:

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18

Sometimes the Lord “waits” until it is eventide before He appears in His delivering grace and power.

The darkness becomes more gloomy, and still, He waits.

Yes, but He waits “to be gracious.”

But why?

Could He not be gracious without this waiting and the painful suspense such waiting usually brings to us?

Surely, but one reason for the delay is that His hand may be the more evident.

And another reason is that His hand may be the more appreciated when He does intervene.

Sometimes the darkness feels even heavier, almost too much to bear; yet He still waits.

And again, we wonder, Why?

Is it not that all our hopes will be disappointed and our plans frustrated until we reach our wit's end (Psalm 107:27)?

And then, just when we had given up hope, He suddenly appears, surprising us just like He did the disciples on the stormy sea.

This was a test to see if they were simply fans or actual devoted followers.

This was a test to see if they followed Jesus because of His miracles or because He is the Lord, the Son of God.

The storm and the darkness serve as an examination room, testing whether the disciples can hold on to the truth that Jesus is still Lord, even when He seems distant.

This is where we often find ourselves—struggling against the winds of life, feeling the weight of the darkness, and wondering if Jesus is aware of our struggle.

Yet, even in this darkness, Jesus is not absent.

His presence hovers over the situation, and the words "Don’t be afraid" echo in the background, waiting to be spoken.

Illustration:

Imagine driving down a winding road at night, with no streetlights to guide you.

The familiar path becomes unsettling, and fear begins to creep in as the darkness closes around you.

The disciples, familiar with the sea, were overwhelmed by the storm and the absence of Jesus.

This fear is not unfamiliar to us—it’s the fear of losing our way when the lights go out.

(Give my testimony of salvation.)

Transition:

But even in the darkest moments, we must remember that Jesus is never truly distant.

Though the disciples could not see Him, He knew exactly where they were.

This leads us to THE DIVINE PRESENCE.

II. The Divine Presence: When Jesus Draws Near (John 6:19-20)

Text: "When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.'" (John 6:19-20 ESV)

Point:

In the midst of the storm, DIVINE PRESENCE (JESUS’ Presence) changes everything.

Jesus doesn't just calm the storm; He walks on the very waters that threaten to overwhelm them.

His power over creation is undeniable.

Exegesis and Exposition: After hours of struggling against the wind and waves, the disciples see a figure walking toward them on the water.

Their initial reaction is fear—they mistake Jesus for a ghost, an apparition in the midst of the storm.

This response is understandable; when fear takes hold, it distorts our perception, causing us to misinterpret even divine intervention.

But Jesus speaks into their fear with profound authority: "It is I; do not be afraid."

The phrase "It is I" (ἐγώ εἰμι, ego eimi) is not just a casual identification.

It’s a declaration of His divine nature, echoing God’s self-revelation to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14).

By using this phrase, Jesus is identifying Himself as the "I AM"—the God who controls the elements, who walks on the sea as if it were dry land, and who is sovereign over all creation.

The text reminds us of Isaiah 43:2, where God says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."

Jesus’ presence on the water is a fulfillment of this promise.

R.C. Sproul noted,

“In those moments when we feel most afraid, we must remember that the One who commands the winds and the waves is the same One who holds us in His hands.”

Jesus’ words, "Don’t be afraid," are not just a command but a divine reassurance that His presence is enough to conquer any storm.

Illustration:

Consider how a child’s fear of the dark disappears the moment they hear the comforting voice of their parent.

The darkness may still be there, but the presence of someone they trust brings immediate peace.

Similarly, when Jesus says, "It is I; do not be afraid," He is offering that same comfort to His disciples—and to us.

His presence transforms the storm from a source of fear into an opportunity for faith.

“Our fears can only be dispelled by looking in faith to and having our hearts occupied with Him. Look around, and we shall be disheartened. Look within, and we shall be discouraged. But look unto Him, and our fears will vanish.

-Arthur W. Pink

Transition:

The presence of Jesus changes the entire situation, but the disciples must now respond. Will they allow His presence to calm their fears and guide them to safety?

This leads us to THE DELIVERANCE.

III. The Deliverance: When Jesus is Welcomed (John 6:21)

Text: "Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going." (John 6:21 ESV)

Point:

True DELIVERANCE comes when Jesus is welcomed into our lives and our situations.

The storm may not cease right away, but with Jesus, we reach our destination in peace.

Exegesis and Exposition: The disciples’ fear turns to gladness as they recognize Jesus and welcome Him into the boat. The text emphasizes their response: "they were glad to take him into the boat."

Matthew records this account in Matthew 14:33 and says,

Matthew 14:33 ESV

And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Don’t miss this:

This act of welcoming Jesus is more than just a physical action—it’s a spiritual act of faith.

They recieved Christ, truly.

They worshipped him for who he really was, not just for what he had done.

They worshipped him as the Son of God who can creates storms and calm them.

The Son of God who created everything that exists and sustains it.

The Son of God who alone has the ability, the authority, the affection, and the audacity to save rebellious sinners like you and me.

John whole letter has this mission in mind.

Every story, ever account, every miracle has this end in mind- believe!

John 20:30–31 (ESV)

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

No get this: The moment the disciples allow Jesus into the boat, something miraculous happens: "immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going."

This instantaneous arrival is not just a fortunate turn of events; it is a divine act that underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’ presence.

The boat, which had been struggling against the storm, is suddenly at its destination.

The storm doesn’t necessarily cease, but the journey is completed because Jesus is with them.

Thomas Watson, a Puritan theologian, wrote,

"Christ may delay His help, but He will never deny it."

The deliverance comes not because the storm stops, but because Jesus is welcomed into the situation.

Their examination is over, and their faith has been proven.

The words "Don’t be afraid" have been fulfilled, not by the removal of the storm, but by the presence of the Savior.

Illustration:

Think of a plane landing in the midst of turbulent weather.

The passengers are shaken, perhaps even terrified, but as soon as the plane touches down on solid ground, there is an overwhelming sense of relief.

Jesus is like that safe landing—when He is welcomed into our lives, we find ourselves grounded, secure, and at peace, regardless of the turbulence around us.

Conclusion:

As we draw this message to a close, consider the journey the disciples took on that stormy sea.

They started in The Darkness, where fear and doubt crept in as Jesus felt distant.

But in the midst of their struggle, The Divine Presence of Jesus walking on the water transformed their fear into faith.

Finally, in The Deliverance, they found peace and safety as they welcomed Him into the boat, arriving at their destination.

These points—Darkness, Divine Presence, and Deliverance—are not just part of the disciples’ story; they are part of our story as well.

Life’s storms will come, and fear will try to take hold, but Jesus’ words to us are as clear today as they were to the disciples: "It is I; do not be afraid."

The question before each of us today is this:

Will you welcome Him into your boat? (Receive him. You receive him through repentance and faith)

John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”

Will you trust Him to bring you through the storm to the destination He has prepared for you?

His words to you today are clear: "Don’t be afraid."

Call to Action:

As you reflect on the storms you are facing—those areas where fear has taken root—remember that Jesus is walking toward you on the water, ready to bring peace.

Don’t let fear have the final word.

Hear His voice saying, “Don’t be afraid,” receive the great “I Am” this morning, and finally have peace with God, and peace in your heart in the middle of your storm today.

My lost friend- Will you receive him today.

My brother and sister in Christ- The Lord is with us.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and for the reminder that even in the darkest storms, You are near. Help us to trust in Your presence, to welcome You into our lives, and to rest in the peace that only You can provide. Calm our fears and strengthen our faith as we look to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.