Mark 6 Devotional
by Pastor Lawrence
After feeding the five thousand people with just a few loaves of bread and some fish, Jesus made his disciples to get in to the boat ahead of him and head for Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowds. Then he went up on the mountain to pray by himself. We are not told what he was praying about specifically, but it is certain that he was also praying for the disciples who were in the midst of much turmoil in the middle of the sea. The way the text reads, Jesus knew that a storm had arisen on the sea and Jesus could see their dilemma. After all the Sea of Galilee isn’t very large at all. One can easily see the opposite coastline with the naked eye, especially when perched up on a mountain.
So, it seems, that this was another test that Jesus had given the disciples. He purposely made them row out into the middle of the sea without him, then brought the storm upon the sea to show them their weakness without him and to glorify his name before them by showing his power to calm the sea.
What may seem heartless to some, Jesus had seen that they were in need of help when he first got up on the mountain, but it wasn’t until the fourth watch of the night, or 3 a.m., that he actually came to their aid. It could be said that his prayers for them were even more important than his miracles performed on their behalf. But more importantly, he was preparing them for a time when he would not be with them physically, and they would need to learn to look for and wait upon the Lord to help them in time of need. As you know, the Lord does not usually calm our storms the very minute that they are stirred up in our lives. There is a good reason for that. The storm itself is not always or even usually evil. It is actually being used by God for our good. The Lord himself brings these storms to test our faith, strengthen our character and draw us closer to him.
Of course, when Jesus came to their aid, he came in fantastically walking on the water, and purposely walked beside the boat as if he was going to pass right by them, perhaps so they could see his power more clearly, or else to give them opportunity to call out to him for help. But his fantastic entrance seemed more like a phantom-like entrance given the time of night and they were afraid by the specter. It’s amazing how long it takes us as Christians to shed the old wives’ tales and fully embrace a Biblical worldview. When he sensed their confusion, Jesus called out to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” That is really all we need to know in the midst of the storm that Jesus is with us and will help us.
As soon as Jesus stepped into the boat, the winds ceased and the waters were perfectly calm. The disciples then were utterly astounded, for Mark tells us that they didn’t understand about the loaves since their hearts were hardened. Of course, common sense ought to have led them to understand that if Jesus could multiply fish and bread out of thin air, he could also walk on thin water. But there is even more to Mark’s commentary on this miracle. It seems he is proving to us that Jesus is the Lord, the good shepherd referred to in Psalm 23, for in addition to making his sheep lie down in green pastures, fully fed and satisfied, he also leads them beside still waters, calming their souls.
As many of you know, sheep are fearful creatures that are easily agitated, and the good shepherd is always needed to give them a sense of safety and security. Here, once again, Jesus is showing us that he is the Almighty God who takes care of his people.