Take Courage (Mark 6:45-52)

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There can be no courage in men unless God supports them by his Word.

John Calvin (French Reformer)

Read Mark 6:45-52

Imagine the fear the disciples felt as the wind howled around them, and the waves crashed over their small fishing boat in the dark of night. Just like them, we often find ourselves in turbulent waters of life—job loss, personal crises, or family issues. In those moments, we may wonder who this Jesus is, and why follow him? However, Jesus comes to us in our desperation, reminding us that He is the Great I AM.

Jesus sets the story straight. (v.45-47)

The text shows the presence of more than stylistic urgency. The Apostles are jettisoned to the other side of the Galilean sea, while Jesus dismisses the crowd himself. Here, John provides a context of the issue at hand. John6:14-15.

The people desire to make Jesus their Messianic king because of his miraculous provision.

Jesus keeps the disciples away from this temptation, as he remains focused on the mission to redeem more than a nation; to redeem the universe and his particular people.

Jesus, the itinerant Rabbi, shows the importance of dealing with the highs and lows of life, as he does not rush over to the disciples, but seeks a desolate place to pray and seek the Father’s face.

The rhythm that is present in Jesus’ personal life is quite obvious—Pray, Work, Pray, Rest (repeat).

Jesus spent all night into the early hours of the morning in communion with the Father, through prayer. This shows the importance of a rhythm of life, work, and ministry that demands intentionality and focus.

The texts draws us into the attrition between hurry of the world, versus the calmness and stillness of God’s presence. Both options are available everywhere.

The Disciples face the weighty glory of YHWH. (v.48-50)

YHWH’s glory is not mere spectacle, ruse, or party trick. This is the presence of God in the midst of everything in the universe because in and through all things God is glorified. he text shows us a sort of test Jesus places before the Disciples.

Exodus 33:22—Moses sees the passing glory of YHWH as he is hidden in the cleft of the rock.

1 Kings 19:11—Elijah stands on Mount Horeb as the glory of the Lord passes by him in the subtle breeze.

Job 9:8, 11—Job expresses the grandeur of YHWH’s glory that even if it where before our very faces, it would certainly pass without notice.

The Disciples are caught in an overwhelming situation that presses them away from what they have seen and experienced from God’s total glory with them, and they are thrusted toward their world-driven, selfish outlook of life.

Psalm 77:19—The only one who is able to dwell and live in the midst of the chaos of the waters in the one who created them and keeps them in order.

Habakkuk 3:15—The prophet rejoices over his trust in God who reigns supreme over the faces of the deep.

Jesus does not mince words when it comes to his self-identification. The Greek “Ego Eimi” is a call back to the covenant name given to Moses—YHWH—The Great I AM. This is the God that can be personally known but all who come to him by faith, through his grace toward them.

Exodus 3:13-14—God presents himself as eternally self-existent, personable, and accessible.

Hosea 13:4—YHWH calls the people to remember his deliverance for them as a people.

Joel 2:27—YHWH is proclaimed as the eternal source of hope and steadfast confidence for his people.

We are called to obey the call God makes to those who are called according to his purpose—DO NOT BE AFRAID. I AM WITH YOU. I AM YHWH!

YHWH’s presence overshadows unbelief. (v.51-52)

Jesus enters the boat and the disciples find themselves amazed for what he has just done, but there is a deeper issue at hand. They see the miracles, which amaze and dazzle the people, which is why Jesus kept the disciples from witnessing the call for his premature coronation.

Mark 4:39—is the first look at the natural elements obeying Jesus’ commands.

Isaiah 6:9-10—YHWH indicts the people for the hardness of their hearts and their prone nature to wander from the God who delivers and redeems them from their sin.

The text shows us something that can either encourage us or lead us into despair. The disciples seem to suffer from short-term and long-term memory loss. Remember, by this point a year a some months have gone by and they do not seem to grasp the gravitas of the man who leads and disciples them, nor do they understand the true nature of his being.

On going question: Who is this Jesus of Nazareth?

The Holy Spirit is leading us in the tension of one driving question—Who is this Jesus of Nazareth?

If he is only a man—Then there is no hope beyond what this world offers us under his teaching.

If he is a deranged manic with unmitigated narcissistic ambitions—then not only is there no hope at all, but there is damnation to all who trust him.

Or there is the other option—Maybe He is whom he declares himself to be—God dwelling among his creation.

Unbelief sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunities!

Warren W. Wiersbe