On the Mountain

They crossed the sea of Galilee in the boat.

They had just spent 5 hot, dusty, thirst filled days walking from Jerusalem. No one but Jesus wanted to go through Samaria. It took two extra days to go around Samaria. Even so, none of them had wanted to go through dreaded Samaria. But Jesus did, and they went.

They were greatly surprised when they came back from the Samaritan village of Sychar after buying food. They found Jesus speaking to a woman. She was one of those Samaritans. No one said anything, but they glanced at one another when they thought Jesus would not see them. “What is He thinking? Doesn’t he know this woman is a Samaritan? Even more, look at her, she must be guilty of some sin.”

By the time they got to the Sea of Galilee most of them were thinking they could have gone the long way. They ended up spending two days in Sychar, with all those Samaritans. The disciples were amazed to see so many from Sychar believe in Jesus like they did. They were amazed, but not surprised. Jesus was very believable.

The disciples reflected on these things as they approached the Sea of Galilee. Being with Jesus changed people. Whether they were Jews or Samaritans, time with Jesus changed people. He took away their sorrows. The woman at the well at Sychar was no exception. The disciples witnessed her change from a sorrowful person to one of joy and peace. They were stunned that she could speak with such conviction about Jesus to her neighbors from Sychar.

Yes, time with Jesus changed people. All of the disciples would be quick to admit this was true. Each disciple recognized they spent more time with Jesus than all the people they met. These men knew in their hearts that time with Jesus had changed them too. They felt the joy and peace.

At the Sea of Galilee the only thing all of the disciples could think of was putting their hot, sweaty, and dusty feet in the cool soothing water of Galilee. Once in the boat, the peaceful lap of water on the sides of the boat, the soft southwest breeze brushed their beards and cooled their sweaty bodies. They relaxed. Some contented sighs could be heard, a few even snored softly. They were safe with Jesus.

They arrived refreshed about two hours later somewhere on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

There, Jesus led them up the mountain side. More walking, cooler though along Galilee. They did not mind. They were with Jesus. Then Jesus sat down on the side of the mountain. Already relaxed and refreshed from the boat ride, the disciples sat with Jesus.

The breeze blowing off the lake blew upwards upon them. They could feel the gentle touch of the air on their skin. There were no others around. It was quiet and peaceful there with Jesus. Many of the disciples were still thinking of what had happened back in Sychar. No one spoke. There was no need for speech, they were with Jesus. Each disciple would be quick to agree, time with Jesus changes people.

Want time with Jesus? He is only a breath away. Speak His name…He is near.

(Read the actual account in the Bible. John chapters 4,5, and 6.)