16 When evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the sea,

17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them.

18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.

19 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.

20 But Jesus said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

— John 6:16-20

At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

— Matthew 11:25

28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

— Matthew 11:28-30

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

May God’s presence be your blessing all your days.

This world is a stormy place—hardly a place of calm and peace. We see seemingly insurmountable needs in our world creating persistent pressure. We see people experience hopeless situations with elusive solutions. Unrelenting stress challenges our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Weary and overcome, we often feel we don’t have enough to give. Where can we turn when the waves of this world overwhelm us? Jesus Christ! We can turn to Him! He desires us to come to Him to obtain genuine rest and abundant life.

In John’s Gospel, we see Jesus purposefully engaged with a variety of people throughout His ministry. He met and provided for physical needs that people recognized and revealed greater spiritual needs they did not understand. The help Jesus put forward with compassion to the meet people’s various needs was always more than enough. Jesus also poured out words of truth, admonition, and wisdom. Jesus Christ, the One who was “in the beginning” put His heavenly sovereignty on full display. Hallelujah! Jesus has the power to meet any human need.