When Jesus was in the seclusion of the Golan heights, he saw afar off his disciples exhausted as they struggled with the storm. As night neared he went towards them on foot over the waves of the lake. He did not leave them alone to face danger, but they mistook him for a phantom, and were terrified. Fishermen sometimes imagine they see ghosts, since they spend much time at night on the water’s surface. Jesus came and spoke distinctly and kindly, "It is I." This expression became the basis of the apostles’ faith. We find in the Old Testament an equivalent "I AM" to signify the Lord’s presence with believers. The disciples perceived that Jesus possessed all authority over the elements; bread multiplied in his hands, the waves bore him aloft, the storm abated at his bidding. Grasping this they were still more fearful. So he bid them not to fear. This commandment, "FEAR NOT" is for his followers at all times, and occurs 365 times in the Bible, one for each day in the year. Trusting Christ’s presence overcomes our fears. Whatever your state or however grave your problem, Jesus says, "It is I, fear not."
When the disciples recognized Jesus, they were amazed, and invited him into the boat. At once they reached the shore. This is the third part of the miracle on the same day. Jesus is Lord of Space and Time and can lead the vessel of the Church in the midst of the storm and the billows to its destination. He loves the disciples and comes to them, but requires absolute trust in himself. He strengthens their confidence in him, in the midst of darkness and trial, so that fear is removed, and they cling to him always.