Take courage, be not afraid, it is I…

This is what Jesus tells the terrified 12 as he walks across the face of the water.  Having control over the water having mastery over it are attributed to God. Jesus shows himself here, reveals himself as God. Earlier he had just multiplied the fish and the loaves, and before that the Scripture recorded that “his heart was moved with pity for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd”. This harkens back to Psalm 23: the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want… in green pastures he gives me repose… near restful waters he leads me…  though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death no evil shall I fear for you are with me…

Jesus came to us as little child… he doesn’t want us to fear him but to love him.  He is saying to us— to me—“ do not be afraid I AM here, I, Emmanuel. I am the Light who conquerors the darkness I have power over nature and can transform your littleness, your five loaves and two fish and I can feed a multitude with it. Be not afraid. I AM!”