By Shane Kastler
Mark's gospel records a time in which Jesus's disciples were trying to row across the Sea of Galilee in a fierce storm. In one of the most famous scenes from scripture, Jesus comes to them in the midst of the storm, walking on the water. Initially, they were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. But Jesus reassured them, encouraged them, and saved them. What Jesus said to them was both simple and extraordinarily profound.
The text records Jesus as saying, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:50) It is hard to translate this phrase into English from the original Greek. But when you see it in Greek, something jumps off the page at you. What Jesus literally said, as recorded in the original Greek text was this: “Be courageous. I AM. Fear not.”(emphasis added) There is no mistaking what Jesus meant by using the phrase “I AM.” This is a clear reference to His divine nature and the fact that He was indeed the Son of God. Even the disciples, who were often slow to catch things, understood what Jesus meant. “I Am” was how God identified Himself to Moses in the Old Testament. Matthew's account records the disciples reaction, “And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'You are certainly God’s Son!” (Matthew 14:33)
You and I should remember this life-changing truth when we are facing the fierce storms of life. Jesus offers a positive statement (Be courageous). Then He reminds of His divine nature and control over all things, including the storm we are facing (I AM). And then He presents a statement in the negative sense (Don't be afraid). While these admonitions may be easier said than done; at least when you're in the midst of a storm; they should be taken to heart and applied nonetheless.
In the disciples' case, Jesus not only declared His deity; He also calmed the storm. Their lives were saved and they gained a deeper understanding of who He was and is. You and I must do the same. No matter what you face in life, remember “the Great I AM.” And remember that as a disciple of Christ, He loves you and will take care of you. Then live your life in unabashed fearlessness. As David said, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psalm 27:1) Trust in Jesus. Fear no one. And remember who IS the Great I AM!
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