JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER PLUS

He had repeatedly demonstrated his power and authority, his role as the rightful king.

Why didnвЂ™t they get it? Jesus had calmed two storms, fed a multitude, healed the sick, and performed numerous miracles. We might be tempted to judge the disciples for their obstinance.

They remained hard-hearted, despite JesusвЂ™ constant and miraculous work among them. How did Jesus get there? How was he able to walk across the water? How did he calm such fierce wind and waves? Mark points out that these questions abounded because the disciples still did not understand who Jesus was. He climbed into their boat and the storm ceased. And, once again, Jesus met them in their fear: вЂњTake heart it is I. Were they delirious? Was it a ghost? Once again, our big, burly fisherman gave in to their fear and cried out. Suddenly, a figure appeared on the water beside their boat.

JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER PLUS

For eight plus hours, these men battled the weather and tried to cross the sea. They struggled throughout the night and into the fourth watch, between 3:00 am and 6:00 am. Mark says that the wind and the waves were against them they could not get that boat to shore. Instead of an easy trip home, they encountered another storm. Once again, however, the Sea of Galilee did not cooperate with the disciplesвЂ™ needs or desires. They must have been ready for some downtime at home. Their day of restoration turned into a day of ministry and food distribution. Remember, their time of rest and relaxation was also disrupted by these multitudes. Surely, the disciples were relieved to be on their way towards home as well. Once again, Mark uses his word вЂњimmediately.вЂќ Jesus was clearly ready to spend some time alone with his Father. Who could better serve this people?ДЄs the meal and the day drew to a close, however, Jesus quickly dismissed the disciples and the crowd. His authority was clear his compassion was obvious and his willingness to meet their needs was abundant. They were ready to declare him their rightful king. Not only were their bellies full, but they had enjoyed a day of teaching and the amazing joy of being in JesusвЂ™ presence. The question lingers: Who is this Jesus? Five thousand men plus women and children had just eaten by his hand. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.вЂќ - Mark 6:45-52 Do not be afraid.вЂ™ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. But immediately he spoke to them and said, вЂTake heart it is I. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. вЂњImmediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

Jesus walks on the water