But Jesus spoke up:In the context of
John 6, Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000, demonstrating His divine provision. The disciples were on the Sea of Galilee, a location known for sudden storms. Jesus speaking up signifies His authority and presence amidst chaos, echoing God's voice in the Old Testament, such as when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush (
Exodus 3:4).
“It is I;
The phrase "It is I" is significant as it echoes the divine name "I AM" (Exodus 3:14), which Jesus uses in other parts of the Gospel of John (e.g., John 8:58). This self-identification points to His divinity and reassures the disciples of His control over nature, aligning with the theme of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and types, such as the presence of God with His people.
do not be afraid.”
Fear is a common human response to the unknown or supernatural, as seen in the disciples' reaction to Jesus walking on water. Jesus' command not to fear is a recurring biblical theme, found in passages like Isaiah 41:10, where God reassures His people of His presence and support. This phrase emphasizes trust in Jesus' power and protection, encouraging believers to rely on Him in times of trouble, reflecting the peace that comes from faith in Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is walking on water towards His disciples. His declaration, "It is I," is significant, as it echoes the divine name revealed in the Old Testament.
2.
DisciplesThe followers of Jesus who are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. They are initially terrified when they see Jesus walking on the water.
3.
Sea of GalileeThe body of water where this miraculous event takes place. It is known for sudden storms, which can be perilous for those on it.
4.
Miracle of Walking on WaterThis event demonstrates Jesus' authority over nature and His divine identity.
5.
Fear and ReassuranceThe disciples' fear is met with Jesus' comforting words, highlighting His role as a protector and guide.
Teaching Points
Divine Presence in Times of FearJesus' words, "It is I; do not be afraid," remind us that His presence dispels fear. In moments of anxiety or uncertainty, we can find peace in knowing that Jesus is with us.
Recognizing Jesus' AuthorityThe miracle of walking on water underscores Jesus' divine authority over creation. As believers, we are called to trust in His power and sovereignty in all aspects of our lives.
Faith Over FearThe disciples' initial fear is transformed into faith through Jesus' reassurance. We are encouraged to replace our fears with faith, trusting in Jesus' promises and presence.
Jesus as the Great I AMJesus' use of "It is I" connects to His identity as the eternal God. This understanding deepens our worship and reliance on Him as the source of life and salvation.
Responding to Jesus' CallJust as the disciples were called to trust Jesus amidst the storm, we are invited to respond to His call with obedience and faith, even when circumstances seem daunting.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of John 6:20?
2. How does John 6:20 encourage us to trust Jesus in life's storms?
3. What does "It is I; do not be afraid" reveal about Jesus' identity?
4. How can we apply Jesus' reassurance in John 6:20 to daily challenges?
5. How does John 6:20 connect with other instances of Jesus calming fears?
6. How can we embody Jesus' peace in John 6:20 in our communities?
7. How does John 6:20 demonstrate Jesus' divine authority over nature?
8. Why does Jesus say "It is I; do not be afraid" in John 6:20?
9. What is the significance of Jesus walking on water in John 6:20?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 6?
11. What does the Bible say about lacking faith?
12. What does 'shalom' mean?
13. Why did Jesus perform the miracle of walking on water?
14. John 6:16–21: Is there any plausible explanation or historical support for Jesus walking on water, given the known laws of physics? What Does John 6:20 Mean
But Jesus spoke up• The disciples are straining against the storm-tossed sea when Jesus comes to them walking on the water (John 6:18-19). At the very moment fear spikes, “Jesus spoke up.”
• Scripture often shows God taking the first step toward His people in crisis: He “hears their cry” (Psalm 107:28-29) and “comes down to deliver” (Exodus 3:7-8).
• Mark’s parallel account notes, “He intended to pass by them” (Mark 6:48), yet He pauses to address them. This reminds us that the Lord is never distant; He moves toward us when we need Him.
• Just as He called out to Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9), and to Elijah, “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:9), Jesus takes the initiative, proving that rescue does not depend on our ability to reach Him but on His choice to reach us.
It is I• His first words are not a rebuke but a revelation: “It is I.” The phrase echoes God’s self-disclosure, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
• In John’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly identifies Himself this way—“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Each claim anchors faith in His divine identity.
• By simply stating “It is I,” He assures the disciples that the mysterious figure on the waves is the same faithful Lord who multiplied bread earlier that day (John 6:11-13).
• Recognizing Jesus changes everything. Where His presence is acknowledged, fear loses its grip (Psalm 16:8).
do not be afraid• Throughout Scripture, God couples a revelation of Himself with the command not to fear: “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10); “Take courage! For I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
• Fear thrives on uncertainty. Jesus cancels uncertainty by revealing who He is and where He stands—right beside His people.
• Practical takeaways:
– Recall His past faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:18-19).
– Focus on His presence rather than the problem (Psalm 23:4).
– Obey His command immediately; peace follows trust (Philippians 4:6-7).
• The disciples’ response? “They were willing to take Him into the boat” (John 6:21). When we welcome Christ into the center of our turmoil, He brings calm—sometimes to the storm, always to the heart (Matthew 14:32).
summaryJohn 6:20 shows Jesus initiating comfort in the midst of chaos, revealing His divine identity with the simple words “It is I,” and commanding His followers to abandon fear. When He speaks, storms shrink, and hearts settle. The passage invites us to listen for His voice, recognize His presence, and rest in the assurance that the One who walks on waves also walks beside us.
(20) See the same words in
Mark 6:50. St. Matthew's account is more full here, adding the trial of St. Peter's faith.
Verse 20. -
But he saith to them, It is I (literally,
I am);
be not afraid. These Divine words, in a voice which reminded them of his entire personality, of all his previous beneficence, of all his knowledge of their weakness and fear, are sacredly symbolic. The Church has ever since regarded them as veritably sacramental. In the darkest hour of men and Churches, in the throes of persecution in the furnace of temptation, on a million death-beds, the same voice has been heard. His Divine Personality, his infinite power and perfect sympathy, the conviction of his specialized regard and veritable nearness (as we count nearness), have scattered doubt and fear.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ (de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.[Jesus] spoke up:λέγει (legei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “It isεἰμι (eimi)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.I;Ἐγώ (Egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.{do} notμὴ (mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.be afraid.”φοβεῖσθε (phobeisthe)Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.
Links
John 6:20 NIVJohn 6:20 NLTJohn 6:20 ESVJohn 6:20 NASBJohn 6:20 KJV
John 6:20 BibleApps.comJohn 6:20 Biblia ParalelaJohn 6:20 Chinese BibleJohn 6:20 French BibleJohn 6:20 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: John 6:20 But he said to them It (Jhn Jo Jn) 
