Scripture: Mark 6:47-56 (CEB)
47 Evening came and the boat was in the middle of the lake, but he was alone on the land. 48 He saw his disciples struggling. They were trying to row forward, but the wind was blowing against them. Very early in the morning, he came to them, walking on the lake. He intended to pass by them. 49 When they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost and they screamed. 50 Seeing him was terrifying to all of them. Just then he spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” 51 He got into the boat, and the wind settled down. His disciples were so baffled they were beside themselves. 52 That’s because they hadn’t understood about the loaves. Their minds had been closed so that they resisted God’s ways.
53 When Jesus and his disciples had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret, anchored the boat, 54 and came ashore. People immediately recognized Jesus 55 and ran around that whole region bringing sick people on their mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 Wherever he went—villages, cities, or farming communities—they would place the sick in the marketplaces and beg him to allow them to touch even the hem of his clothing. Everyone who touched him was healed.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Contributed by Michelle Horne
This passage strikes me because of the fear the disciples experienced being in the boat with heavy winds, despite being told by Jesus to get into the boat….that even the Disciples, Jesus’ chosen ones, lacked faith sometimes…the same people that lived with, studied, and followed Jesus every day were led astray from their faith by their earthly fears, specifically death.
The second reason this passage strikes me is the fact that Jesus went to the mountain to pray in solitude. He had just fed 5000 people, and was with all of his Disciples, but instead of praying to God right where he was, he wanted to pray alone, and talk to God directly, without distraction.
During Lent, Jesus reminds us of his faith in God as he fasted and prayed knowing his crucifixion was coming. That in the face of death, his faith is unwavering. He also shows us how important it is to spend time with God one on one to pray in solitude. To go to a special place or a special mindset and talk to God.
Prayer
Lord help us to remember that it is okay to have fear in the world, but always to face our fears with faith. Also, please help us to remember to take time every day to be with you in solitude and in prayer on this day and every day. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen
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