Is it God?
VERSE
Mark 6:45-52 New Living Translation (NLT)
45 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning. Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
INTRO
Two weeks ago, we discussed the story of Jesus asleep in the middle of the storm. This week we will discuss a similar story to give us a further look into how Jesus’s disciples dealt with situations. In the previous story they woke Jesus up because they thought they were going to drown from the storm.
In this story the disciples weren’t calling or crying out to him, they learned not to be afraid of the waves or wind. But it says Jesus saw they were struggling and began walking on water next to them; that is why they were afraid. They didn’t recognize him, so they called him a ghost.
We are in a time of fear and confusion, but we cannot forget to see God through this. He is still in control of the situation and is on his way to stop the winds. And he will keep showing us He is right there with us until we understand.
DISCUSSION
What makes you the most fearful at this moment?
Why do you think some hearts are hardened towards God, even in a time like this?
Have you noticed what God has been doing during this pandemic?
CLOSING
Mark 6: 50-52
50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed.