Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14: 30, NKJV.
Our Father in heaven, may Your name be glorified this day as we listen to Your voice through Your Word. In the holy name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen.
Our Scripture for today gives us an approximate time frame for this incident: “in the fourth watch of the night“. They are obviously going by the Roman watches of the night, because the Jews had only three night watches. This would make it more or less around 3:00 – 6:00 a. m. Have you noticed how during the “night watches” things tend to appear more scary? Shadows seem to loom larger and the natural suddenly appears supernatural right before our eyes. So the disciples do not recognize their Master. In the night watch He looks like a ghost.
There is something foreboding about the night watches. The gravity of illness increases if someone becomes ill during the night. Our financial situation becomes a major tragedy as we lay on our beds in the dark and ponder them during the night. The problems of the day just seem unbearable as we think about them during the night hours. Is it any small wonder that the Lord “gives His beloved sleep” at night (Psalm 127: 2)?
Immediately, Jesus recognizes the disciples’ anxiety and calls out to them: “There is nothing to be afraid of. It is I.” What is important for us to understand is that in life the “night watches” are not subject to a special time of the day. Anytime we lose sight of Jesus in a situation, the darkness of night covers it. Mary stood crying outside the tomb early Sunday morning because she had gone and found the tomb empty. Even the sight of His dead body would have brought her comfort as attested to in the following words: “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away” (15c). Jesus was there. But He was hidden from her sight by her tears.
It happened to Cleopas and his friend as they were returning in a “sad” frame of mind on the seven mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus. I imagine the very manner in which they were walking alerted Jesus that something was wrong. His question confirms it: “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad” (Luke 24: 17)? Jesus was there. But their disappointment did not allow them to see Him. Just as soon as they recognized the Savior they regained sufficient strength to go all the way back to take the Good News: “The Lord is risen indeed” (31-34)!
It might help if we can remember that the “night watches” do not last forever! Sacred Scripture reminds us that, “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30: 5b)!
What time of the day is it in your experience? Whatever you are going through if you can still see Jesus you will not fear, for it will be morning in your heart! Remember, the darkness of night will hide Him from you. Doubt and tears will blur your vision of Him beyond recognition. But whether you can see Him or not, Jesus is always there! All you have to do is holler: Help me Jesus! He will come to your rescue – Only believe!
We will look at the other side of this story tomorrow.