Into the Darkness Without Him

Scripture: John 6:16 (ESV) – “When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea.”

This quiet verse marks the beginning of a powerful turning point in John’s narrative. After the crowd tried to make Jesus king by force, He withdrew to the mountain alone. Now the scene shifts—evening comes, and the disciples descend toward the sea, preparing to cross without Him.

From a narrative standpoint, this may seem like a transition. But symbolically and theologically, it’s far more. Evening is falling, Jesus is absent, and the disciples begin their journey—into the dark, into the unknown, into the storm.

Your sermon insightfully notes that John is intentional with what he leaves in and what he leaves out. While Matthew and Mark give more background, John keeps the focus narrow. We don’t know why the disciples left without Jesus, or what they were thinking. What we do know is this: they entered the sea without Him—and the darkness came.

Martin Bucer reflects on these quiet transitions in Scripture as moments of both trial and teaching. The descent to the sea represents not just physical movement, but the spiritual reality of discipleship: often we obey Christ without seeing the whole picture, walking forward in the dark, unsure, but still following the direction we were given.

This verse reminds us that obedience is sometimes lonely. The path may grow dark. But even when Christ seems absent, He is not unaware, and the night does not mean abandonment.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think John emphasizes that it was evening and that the disciples went without Jesus?
2. Have you ever experienced a season of “obedient darkness”—following Christ even when He felt distant?
3. How does this verse prepare your heart for trust in what follows—especially when faith leads you into uncertainty?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, there are times when the path is dim and Your presence feels far. Teach me to walk faithfully even when I cannot see clearly. Strengthen my heart to obey You in the dark, knowing that You have not left me, and that You will come to me in due time. Amen.

This devotional is based on John 6:16, drawn from the exposition found in Pastor Chris Cousine’s sermon and harmonized with insights from Martin Bucer’s pastoral approach to Scripture.