What Is Jesus Really Saying?

Last week, Sunday, Jesus spoke as the human God.

This week we heard Jesus speak as God Himself — a first epiphany statement:

Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

When Jesus speaks the English words “it is I,” we immediately  assume that he mean ‘the man Jesus.’

However in this story he uses the Greek phase ego eimi; which is the same phase, used to translate the Hebrew for the name of God, revealed to Moses at the burning bush.

Now Jesus uses the same phrase to reveal his presence.    

 ‘Take heart, it is I,.....’

It is Alrighty God coming to you, don’t be afraid.

In the Old Testament story from, 1 Kings 19:9-18, we heard a similar story about Elijah, hiding in fear, prays to God for help.

And God came to him in “sheer silence.”

That message causes me wonder and great peace. 

A sound of sheer silence.

It is astounding what silence can create. 

When all of life’s noise stops.  And we are alone, we can become acutely aware of God’s presence.

When we stay tuned, in the sheer silence, we can learn the most precious things. 

Things that can bring you a calming peace.

Between God and Human sheer silence.  Is a tissue-paper-thin moment of amazement.

God intervened in the stormy sea and calms the terror living within the disciples. 

God comes into the fear controlling Elijah; and in sheer silence calmed the frightened Prophet.

God will do the same for you and me.

Matthew 14 continues

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat 

and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’28 Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ ²⁹He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’   (Matt. 14)