The Great I Am in Our Storms
This sermon explores John 6:15-25, examining three key aspects of Christ's sovereignty: His rejection of earthly political ambitions, His mastery over nature's storms, and His exposure of shallow, self-serving motives in those who follow Him. The message contrasts the disciples—who obeyed Jesus and found themselves in a terrifying storm—with the crowd who pursued Jesus merely for physical benefits. Through the miracle of Jesus walking on water and identifying Himself as "I Am," the sermon reveals that true discipleship means submitting to Christ's agenda rather than seeking to use Him for personal gain. The pastor challenges believers to examine their motives for following Jesus, warning against "consumer Christianity" that seeks blessings rather than the Savior Himself. The sermon emphasizes that God often uses storms to strip away self-reliance and reveal His glory, and that Christ's presence—not the absence of difficulty—is what secures our destination.
Key Points:
Jesus rejected the crowd's attempt to force Him into earthly kingship, demonstrating He would not take the crown without the cross
The disciples were in a life-threatening storm precisely because they obeyed Jesus, destroying the myth that obedience guarantees smooth sailing
Jesus' declaration "I Am" on the water was a direct claim to deity, using the same divine name God revealed to Moses
The moment Christ entered the disciples' boat, they instantly arrived at their destination, illustrating how His presence bridges the gap between distress and deliverance
The crowd's pursuit of Jesus was motivated by desire for free bread, not genuine worship, exposing the danger of consumer Christianity
True faith seeks Jesus for who He is, not merely for what He can do for us
God uses storms as classrooms where we learn more than on mountaintops, stripping away self-reliance to reveal His glory
Believers must stop trying to "row harder" and instead trust completely in Christ's sovereignty
Scripture Reference:
John 6:15-25 (primary passage)
Exodus 3 (God's revelation as "I Am" to Moses)
Hebrews 4:15 (Jesus tempted in all things yet without sin)
Matthew 4 (Satan's temptation of Jesus in the wilderness)
Mark 6 (parallel account of Jesus sending disciples ahead)
Job 9:8 (God tramples the waves of the sea)
James (discussion of temptation and sin nature)
John 2:25 (Jesus knows what is in man)
Stories:
The feeding of the 5,000 (referenced as context from the previous week)
The crowd's attempt to forcibly make Jesus king after the feeding miracle
The disciples' terrifying experience rowing across the Sea of Galilee in a violent storm
Jesus walking on water and declaring "I Am" to the frightened disciples
The instant transportation of the boat to Capernaum when Jesus entered
The crowd's logistical investigation and pursuit of Jesus across the sea for more bread
Moses and the burning bush encounter with "I Am" (referenced)
Satan's temptation offering Jesus all kingdoms (referenced)
The story of Job (referenced as example of God's sovereignty through suffering)
The story of Joseph (referenced as example of God's purpose through trials)