“And straightway He constrained His disciples to get into the boat, and go to the other side before Him unto Bethsaida, while He sent away the people. 46 And when He had sent them away, He departed onto a mountain to pray. 47 And when evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea; and He was 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 came 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 was a spirit and cried out, 50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. And immediately He talked with them, and said unto them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; be not afraid.” 51 And He went up unto them and into the boat, and the wind ceased. And they were sore amazed within themselves beyond measure and wondered, 52 for they had considered not the miracle of the loaves, as their hearts were hardened.” —Mark 6:45-52
I.
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Mark 6:45-46 – “And straightway He constrained His disciples to get into the boat, and go to the other side before Him unto Bethsaida, while He sent away the people. 46 And when He had sent them away, He departed onto a mountain to pray.
II.
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Mark 6:45-46 – “And straightway He constrained His disciples to get into the boat, and go to the other side before Him unto Bethsaida, while He sent away the people.”
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Mark 6:48-50 – “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.”
III.
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Mark 6:51-52 – “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.”
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B.
Take-home questions for Small Group and Family Devotions.
What’s a test or challenge you’ve faced repeatedly? How does it feel to go through something again and again, even when you know the right answers?
Why do you think fear often gets the best of us, even when we know God is in control?
Have you ever experienced a “chastening storm” or a “refining storm”? Share a time when God used a difficult situation to redirect or strengthen you.
In the storm, the disciples had each other and ultimately Jesus. Who are the “disciples in your boat” – the people God has placed in your life to support and encourage you?
The disciples’ hearts were hardened, even after witnessing miracles. Why is it so easy to forget God’s faithfulness during tough times?