Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 1:5 "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge."
Day 152 – Mark 6
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge.” 2 Peter 1:5
THE HEART OF A GREAT TEACHER
The Disciples had allowed fears to come in once again. Their confidence and courage, shown when they were sent out by Jesus to preach the Gospel seemed to have dissipated drastically in the midst of a storm.
“But immediately He talked with them and said to them,
‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.'”
MARK 6:50
1. Not the time to reproach the Disciples for their fear
Yes, the Disciples had once again allowed fear to overwhelm them. They had failed to apply their faith in the circumstances of their life.
2. Another occasion to encourage and teach
The Master-Teacher chose this occasion to bring a word of cheer and encouragement to the hearts of His Disciples.
a) They needed to know that they were not dealing with a powerful ghost.
b) They needed to know that it was indeed Jesus who walked on the sea.
c) They needed to hear the actual voice of Jesus Himself!
MARVELING AT JESUS
Having said those special words of comfort, Jesus joined His disciples in the boat.
“Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.
And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure,
and marveled.”
MARK 6:51
On the first encounter with a storm, Jesus addressed it and brought instant calm. This time, there was not even a need to speak a word to the winds and the waves. They knew who Jesus was! Had He not walked on the sea amidst the storm? The wind ceased the moment Jesus stepped into the boat. The elements had recognized who Jesus was! Had the disciples recognized who He was too?
THE DANGER OF A HARDENED HEART
Why had the Disciples been so fearful? The following text gives an alarming insight.
“For they had not understood about the loaves,
because their heart was hardened.”
MARK 6:52
Jesus needed His disciples to know the actual spiritual state of their heart! They must know about the danger of having a hardened heart, despite all they had experienced!