2021 0704 Jesus Said Take Courage

The Prime Principle

know Jesus

love Jesus

obey Jesus

1. let us follow

2. must forgive

3. I am the Way

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Mark 6:49–50 NIV

but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

three simple statements made by Jesus

Take courage

It is I

Don’t be afraid

The Story

the people were fed with 5 loaves and two fishes

the disciples got into the boat and left to sail to Bethsaida

Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray

in the morning Jesus walked out to the boat intending it would seem to walk across the lake

there is a parallel account in Matthew 14:22-32

in Matthew this is where Peter walked on the water - not mentioned here in Mark

The Boat

disciples were working hard but not making much progress - straining against the wind

from Matthew the waves were buffeting the boat

first the disciples were being discouraged and assailed by the world - the wind was against them

second they saw what appeared to be a ghost

who would think that a man could walk on water

I certainly have not perfected the technique

end result - Jesus got in the boat and the wind died down

Jesus Spoke

Jesus spoke immediately to them

he was still standing on water, in the midst of the storm

please take notice on the circumstances of this encounter with Jesus

the world was becoming increasingly hostile and fear was rising

the disciples were caught up in the natural realm and could not see the spiritual realm in Jesus

Jesus spoke in the middle of the storm, when the storm was at its worst

they were terrified even when Jesus was in their midst

Take Courage

we are susceptible to fear

something can come in a flash and overwhelm

it could be a slow and steady assault on our confidence and courage

no matter what the circumstances, Jesus is saying it is I

It is I

Jesus knows who he is

I is the answer for every trial, every fear

look for esus and do not be afraid

Don’t Be Afraid

fear must flee when Jesus is around

important to remember when we come fearful

choose to believe the word of Jesus

Hebrews 13:6 NIV

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

what can mere mortals do?

what can the world throw at me?

whom should I be afraid?

really what is out there?

John 14:27 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.