John 6:15-21 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
-Isaiah 43:1-2

As we read through the passage in John, I look at a couple of different things. I look at what is mentioned and I recognize what is not mentioned. It is important to remember that in Scripture there is no such thing as filler. The details are important. Any forensic investigator will also tell you that lack of detail is also important. In the case of studying something like Scripture, seeing what John decided to include emphasizes the message. We do not have record of what was said by the disciples, nor do we have any other words from Jesus than just a few. "It is I; do not be afraid."

Why do we suppose this is emphasized? Sure, it could simply be that the disciples were so afraid that John saw it was important to know that Jesus sought to calm those fears. I think it goes deeper than that.

Contextually, Jesus just fed the 5,000 and a multitude is following Him, having eaten the bread. Jesus is about to make some statements that challenge the beliefs of those that are pursuing and cause them to walk away. Seeing how Jesus stood upon the waters and was not swept up by the sea, I can see a way in which Jesus invites His disciples to stay above the waves too. Just as He was not swept up in unbelief, so the same for His disciples. Those are the ones who stayed around.

When Jesus spoke to them upon the waters, I find it is important to see their response. It says they willingly received Him into the boat. They did not hesitate. They were not thinking any longer it was some spirit. They truly believed it was Him. And they did not just let Him go off. They brought Him in. So the same should those who read this receive Him and not reject Him as those who are about to in the narrative.

What lesson are you seeing for the original audience?