Jesus as God
Jesus Walks on the Sea and Says I Am
Walking upon an uncontrollable sea evokes biblical imagery of God's unique mastery over the waters.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Divine Identity
Authority over Creation
Old Testament YHWH Identification
Commands Creation
Fulfills YHWH Passage
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
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James Tissot
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus approaches the disciples walking on the sea and tells them, 'I am; do not be afraid.'
Historical and Cultural Context
Job describes God alone as treading on the waves of the sea; Psalms likewise portray YHWH ruling the waters.
Old Testament Background
Job 9:8; Psalm 77:16-20; Psalm 107:23-30 provide important background.
Exposition
The words ego eimi can ordinarily mean 'It is I,' so the divine-name argument should not rest on the phrase alone. The action and Old Testament imagery make the scene more significant.
Why This Points to His Divinity
Jesus performs an action associated with YHWH's sovereignty and accompanies it with language that participates in John's larger 'I am' pattern.
Response of the Hearers
The disciples willingly receive Jesus into the boat.