Walking on Water in the Perfect Storm - May 17, 2020

Walking on Water in The Perfect Storm

 Text: Mark 6:45-52

Thesis: With God there are endless possibilities even during the “Perfect   Storm”.

Truth: “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised  as impossible situations.” Charles Swindoll

 There was an urgency in Jesus to protect his disciples from the rebellious actions of the crowd.

1. Mark emphasizes that “Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go…while he dismissed the crowd.” (vs45)
2. In John’s gospel we learn that following the feeding of the Five thousand Jesus was aware of the crowds false understanding of the Messiah and their malicious intent. John states, “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force…” (John 6:15)
3. This may have been, as well, the motivating factor of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus.
4. Jesus wants to protect us from false doctrine as well.

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3)

1. Jesus, “After leaving them, went to the hills to pray.” (vs46)

“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34)

“God always has our best interest in mind” CR

 

1. The Disciples were experiencing the “Perfect Storm”. (vs47-48)
2. Mark’s gospel describes at least six negative facts about their dangerous situation, (1)“When evening came, (2) the boat was in the middle of the lake, and (3) he (Jesus) was alone on land. (4) He saw the disciples straining at the oars, (5) because the wind was against them. (6) About the fourth watch of the night(3am-6am).
3. Difficulties at times come in multiples.
4. Difficulties come at the most inconvenient of times.
5. Difficulties often seem impossible.

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” Charles Swindoll

 

III. Jesus recognizes the extreme difficulties of his disciples’ situation.

1. Mark’s Gospel states four relevant facts revealing Jesus’ method of caring for his disciples

1st Jesus interceded on the disciples’ behalf prior to their difficulties.                 (He Prayed vs 46)

       2nd Jesus observed, in the present-time of their crisis. (“He saw”-vs48)

       3rd Jesus spoke hope and courage into their desperate situation! “Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take Courage! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” (vs50)

       4th Jesus demonstrated his power over what appears to be impossible!

        “Jesus went out to them walking on the lake…climbed into the boat with them and the wind died down” (vs48 &51).