What time is it

What time is it?   = the 4th watch

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Mark 6:45-52   45 ¶ And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.  46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.  47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.  48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.  49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:  50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.  51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.  52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Illustration:  the blackberry storm

• Long lines, get new figures, be the first,

·       Bethsaida = “house of fish”

·       After feeding 5000, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him, while he dismissed the crowd

·       Constrained = to compel, to force, to threaten  (urgency is implied)

·       JC: à mtns to pray (prayer is protection for future storms)

o      Sunset to midnight

o      Privacy

o      Rest

o      Restoration

·       JC: saw the stress, the anguish, the distress on their faces and bodies

·       Rowing: guiding and moving a boat

·       JC: found them at night, the storm had push them back.  They would progress two foot and lose three to the winds

o      Illus.  canoeing up the Conn. River with team. Cross alittle rapids, I underestimated it’s power and was working hard only to realize I had bearly made any progress.

·       They felt in the even and Jesus found them at the 4th watch

o      Roman culture:  3am-6am

·       Waves and mist was so much, in the dark Jesus almost walk by them.  ( somebody must have called His name)

·       When they saw Him walking on the sea: they were terrified b/c they thought it was a ghost, a water deamon. And they scream in fear ( like they were watching a Friday the 13th Movie)

o      They werent expecting Jesus

o      They didn’t recognize Jesus

o      They thought it was the grim reaper coming for them

·       Immediately He spoke with them to comfort them, “ be of good cheer” it’s me.

·       JC went into the ship

o      And the wind ceased

·       The disciples DC: astonished, exceedingly abundantly in wonder

·       DC: forgot the miracle earlier in the day. 5,000

·       They didn’t recognize Jesus until they got to shore and out the boat

·        

·       Even as experienced fishermen, the disciples got very nervous

·       There are times when the sea of life you sail is stormy, despite how prepared you are and how is with you, you will get nervous

·       Jesus can be right next to you and you get scared

o      Focus is on the storm,

o      Busy trying not to sink, or capsize

o      Busy bailing out water

o      You can easily forget He’s with you.

·       Research bad storms in the U.S.