IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Jesus Climbs into the Boat

Date: Mar. 28, 2016

Passage

Mark 6:45-56  (ESV)

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 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.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 6:51a

And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,

First, Jesus walks on water (45-52). Followers of Jesus can expect to encounter some rough storms in their lives of devotion. This was the experience of Jesus' disciples. Exhausted and tired, they obeyed the Lord's command to get into the boat and go ahead of him to Bethsaida. As they put out to sea, some intense and raging winds made their progress very difficult. They struggled at the oars all night long, but couldn't seem to get anywhere. From the mountain top, he saw his disciples and prayed for them. Then, shortly before dawn, he walked upon the troubled waters and came to them. He entered their boat and the disciples experienced the peace of God as the winds died down. Jesus says, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." In such storms, we can be assured that our Lord is watching over us, praying for us, and is present with us.

Second, Jesus and the disciples land in Gennesaret (53-56). The power and compassion of Christ is available to anyone who will come to him. The people of Gennesaret ran throughout the region and brought all the sick to Jesus. Those who simply touch the edge of his cloak were healed.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God. Help us to rest in you during the storms of life.

One Word: Jesus enters the boat with us

Daily Bread

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

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Intro Daily

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references