JULY 19, 2023 – LITTLE FAITH

READ: Mark 6:45-53

Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. – Mark 6:51,52

The Lord Jesus wants to be alone. He commands His disciples to sail back without Him. He also sends the crowd home. This gives Jesus the opportunity to pray to His Father in peace. He and the Father are one. It is the Father who sent Jesus to this earth. With His work on earth, He carries out the Father’s mission (Heb. 10:7). Jesus will give His life for all whom the Father gives Him. In His redemption work, the Father will also be glorified. 

So Jesus is always in conversation with the Father. Sometimes for hours. So it was on this day. When He finished praying, He sees that His disciples are struggling on the sea. He hurries to them on the water. Yes, Jesus can do that because of His divine power. As He approaches their boat, He pretends to pass by.  They are frightened, thinking He is a ghost. How is it possible that they have forgotten about Jesus’ power? They become so confused that they scream in fear. 

But immediately Jesus speaks to them and reassures them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” When He climbs into the boat, the wind stops. What panic at first, and what joy afterwards! They are completely beside themselves. How is this possible with all these miracles? Because they did not understand the miracle of the loaves (v.52). There is still so little faith. Their hearts are hardened: they confess that He is the Son of God, but they do not recognize it enough in His actions. They remain stuck in the external and human which is so easy for us to do. 

The disciples do not yet fully entrust themselves to Him. What about us?

Do you ever doubt God’s power?

Singing: Ps. 91:5