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11. Jesus Appears to His Disciples Walking on the Sea (Mark 6:45-56)
MARK 6:45-56
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. 46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. 47 When evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them, 49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” 51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled; 52 for they hadn’t understood 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 When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, 55 and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard he was. 56 Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.
The multitudes and disciples loved the abundant bread which the Lord Jesus provided to them, and they tried to make him a king over their nation. But Jesus separated his disciples from the multitudes at once. He took them away from the temptation of authority, and drove them out to the vessel that they might be far from the zealous multitudes. He wanted them to recognize by themselves before God what had happened and who he was who had done the miracle that they might not first care about the bread provided, but about the Provider.
When the disciples had sat sail, Jesus went alone to a deserted place to pray. The Son of the Highest spoke to his Father about the works which he had already shown him, which he carried out in his name. The Son did not do anything without his Father, but prayed at all times, and worked in full harmony with his will.
Do you pray alone silently before the face of God? You will remain weak in yourself, if prayer in the Holy Spirit does not become your first aim continuously.
Through his prayers and his love, which passes knowledge, Jesus saw his disciples in trouble, and about to drown in the midst of the rough sea and storms. He heard their calls for help. Then he did not remain in his deserted place, but hurried to save them, showing them that he is the Lord of all elements: walking on the sea, passing through the rocks of the tomb, and ascending to heaven. He had a spiritual body, for he was born of the Spirit of God.
Jesus did not immediately come to his disciples, but first he tested their faith. They cried out to God asking his aid. But when the Helper came unexpectedly, they trembled and cried with fear and horror: “A ghost is coming.”
Do you believe that your prayers are heard and answered? Jesus listens to you at all times, and he certainly comes near to you. Do not be afraid of the horrors around you, nor from people, storms, and darkness, for your Lord is near to you. Christ commands you to feel assured because of his presence. He commands you to refrain, for the sake of his glory, from all forms of fear.
Jesus did not reproach his disciples for becoming afraid at his strange coming, but calmed them down and assured them of his presence. He knew their background as fishermen with their belief in ghosts. He said: “It is I. I am present, and am known to you. I am God in flesh. It is I. Don’t be afraid. Courage! Be cheerful.”
Is your heart stony, or is it filled with the Holy Spirit? Do you believe in your beloved Savior in spite of darkness and troubles, or do you seek bread and ease through your faith? Jesus is God’s offer to you, and all other things are secondary. Rivers of grace run from his love to all those who open themselves to his kindness. He alone is the source of the power of God, and not his disciples, saints, bishops, or any other man. Christ alone will heal your soul and body if you seek him.
When Jesus had crossed the lake with his disciples, some people recognized him. So, they ran throughout the villages around them, and brought to him all the sick and the crippled, and Jesus healed them all. There is no disease which he cannot cure of. He is the Triumphant One. Even touching the hem of his garment brought healing to whoever believed in him. As such, he says to you these days: “Your faith has saved you.” Without faith, there is neither salvation, nor peace.
PRAYER: We worship you O great Son of God, because the sea, the storms, and all the elements obey you. We submit to your love, and believe in your presence today. Stay with us, take away our fear, and create in us faith, peace, and love. May we be prepared to go throughout villages and towns that we may bring to you those who want to be healed. You are the faithful Helper. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What did Christ mean by his statement to his disciples: “It is I”?