John 6:16-21

2. The fifth sign: walking on the water 6:16-21 (cf. Matthew 14:24-33; Mark 6:47-52)

John probably included this incident for a number of reasons. It accounts for the return of Jesus and His disciples to the western shore of Galilee where Jesus gave the discourse on the Bread of Life. Perhaps he did so to continue the Exodus theme (cf. John 6:14-15). It is primarily further proof that Jesus was the Son of God as He claimed. The disciples went from the thrill of great success to the agony of great danger. The feeding of the 5,000 was a lesson, and Jesus’ walking on the water was the test following the lesson.