By Rev. Gene Brunow

The gospel for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost is Mark 6:45-56 (ESV). This reading has two narratives. The first is about Jesus walking on water and the second has Jesus healing the sick in Gennesaret.

This reading follows the feeding of the 5,000. There was an excitement that was bordering on getting out of control. The people wanted to take Jesus by force and make him the “bread king.” Jesus wanted to get the disciples out of this setting and sent them across the Sea.

Jesus, like at other hectic times, takes time to communicate with his Father. This is a great example for us when times seem to be confusing and frenzied.

The disciples, meanwhile, were in the middle of a storm on the Sea of Galilee. It was not unusual for storms to pop up out of nowhere on this body of water. They were struggling to make headway. Jesus, though deep in prayer, was aware of their situation. He let them struggle for some time in order to show them, as He so often shows us, that He is able to help in the hour of need.

And along comes Jesus walking on water. Obviously they were scared out of their wits. In the midst of this chaos comes Jesus with his words of “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” The disciples were confused because their faith was still in flux. But Jesus did not give up on them. Isaiah 42:3 (ESV) talks of Jesus the Suffering Servant: “a bruised reed he will not break.” It is good news, then, that Jesus remains devoted to us even when our commitment wavers or fails. Instead he will touch us with his loving comfort.

Reflection Questions:

The reason Jesus doesn’t initially travel with the disciples in the boat is that He took time alone to pray. Why do you think this time with His Father was so important to Jesus? How does time with your Heavenly Father support you in your work for Him?

If it was not unusual for storms to arise quickly on the Sea of Galilee, why do you think the disciples were so fearful when they found themselves in the midst of a storm? Does understanding that storms are going to come in your life make them easier to handle?

It would have been pretty incredible to see Jesus walking on the water. It also would be a pretty disturbing sight. God does amazing work in our lives, but often we don’t completely understand how He is working it for our benefit. Romans 8:28 (ESV) tells us that, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” What are some ways you can take time to reflect on God’s work and how He is benefiting you through it?

This month’s study text:

Jesus Walks on the Water
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret
53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Mark 6:45-56 (ESV)

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being ever mindful of all our needs. Thank you for never giving up on us even when we are frantic with fear. Help us use your Word and Sacraments to strengthen our faith. Amen.

Rev. Brunow is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Find more of his devotionals at genesbrunotes.com.