Daily Devotions
Mark
1 Peter 3:8b "Love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous."
Day 81 – Mark 4
“Love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” 1 Peter 3:8b
TEACHING BY THE SEA
Mark noted a number of times that Jesus ministered by the Sea of Galilee. The references are as follows:
1. Calling of the first few disciples
This took place by the Sea of Galilee. Peter and Andrew, James and John were fishermen and it was by the Sea that they were invited to become disciples of Jesus.
“And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee,
He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting
a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.”
MARK 1:16 (CF. MARK 1:19-20)
2. After the clash with the scribes in a local synagogue
Jesus left the city and went to the Sea of Galilee to minister there.
“But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea.
And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him,
and from Judea.”
MARK 3:7
3. After another unpleasant encounter with the scribes from Jerusalem
Once again, Jesus stepped away from the crowds and withdrew to the Sea of Galilee.
“And again He began to teach by the sea.
And a great multitude was gathered to Him,
so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea.”
MARK 4:1
POSSIBLE REASONS WHY JESUS MINISTERED ALONG THE SEA OF GALILEE
1. The Seashore afforded much more space
On every occasion Jesus was mentioned ministering by the Sea of Galilee, we also read about “multitudes” thronging Him. There is no question about the fact that no city had the same wide expanse of land to take in the great multitudes. Much space was needed for the good name of Jesus had spread far and wide!
2. A refreshing atmosphere compared to the cities
There is absolutely nothing wrong in Jesus liking the seashore of Galilee rather than the cities. The following are things which attract many:-