Storm on The Sea of Galilee
February 17, 2020
Commentary
Jesus urged the disciples to row the boat across the lake to Bethsaida, even before He dismissed the crowd (v. 45). Why would He want to do this? Mark does not tell us but perhaps it was because the people wanted to make Jesus king (Jn. 6:15) and this was the last thing He wanted. He knew that His ambitious disciples would have fallen for this idea and so He wanted to get them away.
Jesus now departs to the mountain to pray and some time later He looks out to see his disciples struggling at their oars on the roaring waters of Galilee (vv. 46-48). It was about the fourth watch (v. 48). According to the Jewish clock this would have been about 3 a.m. This storm in no way indicated that the disciples had departed from God’s will. In fact God’s path for them was through the storm. By following in direct obedience of the Lord’s command they found themselves in this struggle. In the darkest hour, in their greatest need, and in a totally unexpected way Jesus came to their rescue and He will do the same for us. This passage is all about contrary winds or the storms that come into our lives. Let us look at four realities about this incident:
Jesus compelled (“constrained”) them into the contrary winds (vv. 45-46). He literally forced the disciples into the contrary winds to teach, or condition, or strengthen them.Jesus comprehended (“saw”) their troubles (vv. 47-48a). It stands to reason that if Jesus was the one who sent them He also understood what was going to happen to them.Jesus came (“went out”) to them in their trouble (vv. 48b-50b). A God who gets you into trouble with you understands all about it.Jesus confirmed (said “It is I, don’t be afraid”) their faith in Him (vv. 50-52).
Application
What are some of the storms that cause me to struggle in life? How does Jesus want me to respond to these contrary winds? Do I tend to waste opportunities like this to grow in my Christian life?
Mark 6:45– 52 (NET)
45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dispersed the crowd. 46 After saying goodbye to them, he went to the mountain to pray. 47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea and he was alone on the land. 48 He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. As the night was ending, he came to them walking on the sea, for he wanted to pass by them. 49 When they saw him walking on the water they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them: “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 Then he went up with them into the boat, and the wind ceased. They were completely astonished, 52 because they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Illustration: Tennis Ball or Play Dough
We are all affected by the storms and struggles of life. The question to consider is how are you going to respond? Like a tennis ball or play dough? You see, when you put pressure on playdough, it leaves a lasting imprint. Everybody can tell that is has been tampered with because of the mark it left. However, when you put pressure on a tennis ball, although it initially caves into the stress, it doesn’t remain in that condition. It always bounces back to its original shape. How do you respond to the pressures and struggles of life? (Todd Nelson – Sermon Central).