Consider God’s Work #

Mark 6:45-53

Introduction

As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, there is a lot to see in this passage. This passage is parallel passage of the one recorded in Matthew, however Mark doesn’t bring up the fact that Peter walked on water. It was an amazing thing that happened, however, it was not the be the focal point of this account. In other words, there are other lessons that can be learned from this passage, more than the fact that Peter walked on the water!

I. Constrain (45) #

Remember the verse 31, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:” when they were overrun with a multitude of people that Jesus taught. He now sends them on a cruise…. Sort of.

A. Obliged #

Constrain – to compel, to force, to necessitate, to oblige
This is the ONLY time Jesus literally compelled, obliged, forced his disciples!

1. Perhaps they wanted to stay and help send people away. #

2. Perhaps they didn’t want to leave Jesus alone. #

B. Obeyed #

II. Communion (46-47) #

A. Quiet Time (46) “into a mountain” #

1. Sent the disciples in a boat #

2. Sent the crowd away #

3. Went #

B. Quantity of Time (47) “and when even was come” #

1. It wasn’t just 5 minutes #

2. There was not clock on the wall, no watch on the wrist, and no schedule to keep! #

C. Quality Time #

1. Getting alone, and undistracted time with God is QUALITY! #

“Sweet hour of prayer” – written by a blind Rev Walford in the late 1800’s.

Sweet hour of Prayer

1 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

that calls me from a world of care,

and bids me at my Father's throne

make all my wants and wishes known.

In seasons of distress and grief,

my soul has often found relief,

and oft escaped the tempter's snare

by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

2 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

the joys I feel, the bliss I share

of those whose anxious spirits burn

with strong desires for thy return!

With such I hasten to the place

where God my Savior shows his face,

and gladly take my station there,

and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

3 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

thy wings shall my petition bear

to him whose truth and faithfulness

engage the waiting soul to bless.

And since he bids me seek his face,

believe his word, and trust his grace,

I'll cast on him my every care,

and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

III. Contrary Winds (48) #

A. Facts #

Paddling across the Sea of Galilee would have been about 6-7 miles.
Average canoe trip for 6 miles takes about 2-3 hours. Canoes are built to be more sleek in the water… this boat probably was not as efficient. The winds were contrary

B. Right place #

1. Jesus constrained them to get into the boat! #

2. Paddling against the wind! “wind was contrary unto them” #

3. Long time “fourth watch of the night” #

Fourth watch 3am-6am – rowing for quite a while!

C. God see’s you! “he saw them toiling in rowing” #

1. No crowd on shore watching – alone in the dark in the sea #

2. God sees! #

Gen. 6:8 ¶ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Psa. 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

D. “would have passed by them” #

IV. Concern (49-50) #

Jesus was walking by… going the same place
“but when they saw him walking upon the sea”

A. Unexpected sighting! #

B. Last straw #

V. Comfort (50) #

A. Immediately #

B. Words of Comfort #

“Be of good cheer” – no need to worry!
“It is I” – they should know the voice

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

“Be not afraid”

1. The storm hadn’t been calmed yet! (51) #

2. Jesus wasn’t in the boat yet! (51) #

VI. Consideration (51-52) #

A. Amazement at the miracle! #

“sore amazed in themselves beyond measure and wonder”