Mark 6:45-56
Getting on Board – Mk 6:45-56
The crowds are content to have their needs met and their stomaches filled. Even the disciples are enjoying this rise in prominence as ambassadors of Jesus. Everything seems to be going great but the message of belief and repentance is being ignored, so Jesus provides His disciples a real life application designed to open their hearts.
45 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the crowd away. 46 After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray. (NASB®)
Why the separation?
Having someone who can heal all your sickness and keep you fed, is rather convenient so before the disciples can get too caught up in the enthusiasm, Jesus insists they leave in the boat. Have they learned enough to trust in God on their own? He prays that they will.
Do my circumstances effect my view of Jesus?
47 When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. (NASB®)
Where were the disciples?
Even though they were doing exactly what Jesus asked, now separated, the disciples quickly find themselves in the dark no longer able to see where they are going.
Is my trust based only on what I can see?
Does following Jesus mean I’m still in control?
48 Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. 49 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; (NASB®)
What was the disciples problem?
Although apart, Jesus if fully aware of how they are trying to overcome by their own strength. Do they truly believe He will let His Kingdom end here? After several hours of getting no where, why don’t they seek Him? To impress upon them that nothing can separate them from His love, He comes alongside the boat to remind them of His power over the elements. Still unable to see beyond thier immediate situation, the disciples shriek exposing their true heart condition.
Do I trust in my own strength when the going gets tough?
Am I willing to stop and ask Jesus for help?
Am I more willing to trust any theory than Jesus?
50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, (NASB®)
How does Jesus respond?
Seeing their weakness, He proclaims His identity as the “I Am” and as such, they can lay hold of His strength and have no need to ever fear. Entering their circumstance and bringing His peace, they are left in awe.
Do I recognize Jesus as God Eternal?
Am I willing to let Jesus in to experience His peace?
52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened. (NASB®)
What was the disciples problem?
Having refused to accept what Jesus was saying and doing, for the first time they recognize they are in the presence of the Creator and Giver of life.
What prevents me from having a soft heart?
Do I grow from the storms in my life?
Am I willing to see Jesus for who He is?
53 When they had crossed over they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. 54 When they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55 and ran about that whole country and began to carry here and there on their pallets those who were sick, to the place they heard He was. 56 Wherever He entered villages, or cities, or countryside, they were laying the sick in the market places, and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were being cured. (NASB®)
What did the disciples witness?
Once again, they return to a familiar setting where the crowds, fully aware of Jesus’ abilities, swarm to have their needs met. Compassionately, He recieves them but possibly for the first time, the disciples see the reality of pride; people are more than willing to take but none desire to accept.
Is this life really just about me?
I am willing to sacrafice temporary comfort for everlasting gain?