Today’s reading is said to come “immediately” after “this”, this being when Jesus wowed everyone by feeding the 5000 with five loaves and two fish. Now the people had been fed, both in Jesus’ teaching and by God’s mighty provision of food. Jesus sent his disciples away for a quick exit, said his farewells to the people, and then he retreated for quiet time. I always like to set the scene whenever possible to make God’s word come alive.
There are two other gospels that recount this story, Matthew and John. Matthew’s account is actually my favorite because it involves Peter in the story. We all need to be Peter and have that challenge before us. I’ll reserve this for another blog post.
I do have some questions about Mark’s text. Feel free to put your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. First, why did Jesus send his disciples on ahead? Why did Jesus “intend” to walk past them?
I can understand why the disciples were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on water. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never witnessed such a thing, and I’m sure the disciples hadn’t either. They were also still a little confused about what had just happened the previous afternoon as they witnessed five loaves and two fish multiply into enough food for that huge crowd.
It Bible says, “[T]heir hearts were too hard to take it in.” I think that happens to us sometimes. We are so caught up in what we expect to happen that we can’t think in extraordinary terms. We may find ourselves settling for the mediocre.
I heard a sermon this week that caused me to pause. God doesn’t use the mighty for mighty things. He uses the weak to accomplish the great. Why? So that people will know without a doubt that it was God that triumphed. We need to allow ourselves to think BIG, even if we don’t know how are we are going to get there. God can make the way, there is nothing too big for God.
We can’t question ourselves because it is not up to us. God wants the best for us. Stepping outside our comfort zones can be scary. Let Jesus’ words here comfort you. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Say those words over and over, claim this truth and feel God’s peace wash over you. Rest in this peace for a couple minutes (or as long as you have time).
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you that you have my best interests in mind. I thank you that I can boldly walk in your love and grace to be a shining light to those around me. Forgive me when I fall short. Forgive me when I question you. Forgive me when I doubt and beat myself up. I want to be excellent for you. I yearn to put a smile on your face. I dream of the day when you tell me I have done well with what you have gifted me with. I thank you for your help and guidance today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
