Day One Mark 6:45-56
45 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
53 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore 54 and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, 55 and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. – Mark 6:45-56 (NLT)
Discover
1. After the feeding of the 5,000, why does Jesus insist the crowds and the disciples leave? What does He need to do (verses 45-46)?
2. Why do you think the disciples’ hearts were too hard to take in the significance of the miracle feeding? Reread Mark 6:30-44 for a reminder of their expectations.
3. What all have you seen Jesus have power over in this second half of chapter 6 alone?
Respond
There is nothing that Jesus doesn't have power over. Nature, demons, sickness, sin – it’s all powerless at a simple touch or word from Jesus. Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples. Are you in a storm or “in serious trouble”? Do you feel like you're straining and not making any progress with something? If you haven’t done so yet, take some time now to invite Jesus into your storm. He may not quiet it immediately, but you can trust that He's always with you and knows your struggles. Thank Him also for the like-minded friends He’s put in the boat with you.
For Further Reading: The Lord of the Storm
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.