Mark 6:47-56 -- “When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and Jesus was alone on the land. When He saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, He came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. 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. But immediately He spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then He got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”
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I sit here this morning a little baffled. Today is one of those times that I read a bit of scripture and have more questions than answers.
Why would Jesus be walking on the water towards His disciples who were struggling against the storm, but “He intended to pass them by”? For His closest friends, Jesus was never shy about having them experience His miracles and healing power. It seems He could have just calmed the waters from the shore where He was standing, avoiding the potential of scaring them. Why the walk on the water?
After letting them know who He was, not being a ghost, why didn’t He just keep on walking to wherever He was headed? Why get into the boat? Obviously, He did not need it.
And then there is this bit at the end: “And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”. I totally get that they were amazed to see Jesus walking on the water and His ability to make the wind stop blowing. But, why add this part at the end about their lack of understanding because they were hearts were not ready or willing to receive His message? How is it related to the miracle of the loaves and fishes, which had occurred earlier that day?
One of the fun parts of spending time in the Word with others, whether in a Sunday School setting, weekly Bible study group or other setting, is sharing our individual perspectives on what these stories and words mean. Each one of us come from a different set of experiences, traditions and backgrounds making our perspectives unique. When I have been in these settings, sharing in the Word, I love hearing what others have to say, bringing a different interpretation and insight that only they can possess.
So, I ask each of you this morning; what do you think? Do you have insight into this story from Mark’s Gospel? The Holy Spirit comes to each of us and speaks to our hearts in a way that is unique, relating to the specialness of our individual experience. I encourage you to reflect on what God is telling you and share it with me. I’d love to hear what you think. Wisdom and discernment are gifts of the Holy Spirit. When we pass along these gifts to others, we allow the Living Water to flow through us, not only quenching the thirst of others, but refreshing ourselves as well.
Ye have little faith. My how quickly the disciples forgot. It was just hours befor that Jeses fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Didn't they realize he had the power to do his will whatever it may be? Obviously not. Jesus asked them to go ahead of him while he took time to go to a quiet place and pray. He told them he would meet them there. Alas they moved slowly across the sea. So slowly in fact that Jesus was able to walk to catch up with them and then he calmed the storm. By doing so he showed them yet again that he could do ANYTHING!
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