"It is I; do not be afraid."

Today’s Treasury New Testament Reading is John 6:1-21, where Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on water. John writes at the end of the lesson: (John 6:16-21)

“When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come 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 he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”

Jesus said, “It is I; do not be afraid.” That’s pretty much what he said to the three Apostles on the Mount of Transfiguration.

Matthew 17:5-7 - [Peter] was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."

“It is I; do not be afraid. Rise, and have no fear.” That is what Christ says to us the Gospel. When sin, guilt, and death toss us about and the Holy God demands holiness from us sinners in the law, Jesus the crucified and resurrected Savior comes in Word and Sacrament and says, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

“By walking in the storm-tossed sea, Jesus shows His disciples that He is the eternal king, ruler of all creation. Today, when life’s problems overwhelm us, fear may cause us to lose faith in God’s protection and care. But Jesus is true God and true man in one person; Jesus has saved us from sin and evil, assuring us of His divine protection in every situation” (TLSB, page 1791).

Christ our Savior gives us every reason to prayer: O Heavenly Father, deliver us from every evil that threatens body and soul, property and reputation. When we face temptation and must pass through the hour of trial, help us to overcome and win the victory. Remind us that we are not alone – we need not be afraid. Your Son is with us always. Finally, when our last hour comes, take us from this world of sorrow and bring us to life everlasting, through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.