Mark 6:45-52

It’s been a big day, desperate for some time of rest Jesus and the disciples had traveled to an area of supposed solitude only to be greeted by a crowd so desperate for guidance that Jesus could not help but teach.  Rather than send the crowds away hungry Jesus had feed this great crowd made up of at least five thousand men as well as countless women and children with the only food they could fine, a couple of fish and five small loaves of bread.

That was a couple of hours ago now, since then Jesus had sent the disciples by themselves back in the boat promising to catch up with them later.  And so the disciples went.  Imagine the conversation that took place in the boat, “Where did all that food come from?” “Did anyone see someone bring more food?” “How did that happen?”  I wonder how long it was between when they were bubbling over with excitement at what they had just seen to the point when they began to try and logically explain what they had just seen.  But for now the disciples have a different task to attend to.  The wind has turned against them and so they are now on the oars combatting again with nature.

Here are the disciples together rowing against the wind, the wind and the sea spray are hitting them in the face and then they notice movement.  Movement where there shouldn’t be movement. Something is moving towards them on top of the water. It’s too big to be a fish skimming the water, it’s the wrong shape to be a boat, and its moving purposely, humanly, not just being blown like some piece of debris, but as if it has a mind of its own.  It looks very much like a person is walking towards them on the water.

After the day the disciples have had, this is too much for them.  They freak out and cry ghost.  Surely what other explanation could there be.  But amidst their terror they hear a familiar voice calling out, “Do not be afraid, it is I.”  And with great wonder and astonishment they realize that rather than a ghost, this strange figure walking on water is none other than Jesus.  As Jesus climbs into the boat with them encouraging them to calm down they stare at him with absolute astonishment.

Jesus is gradually revealing to the disciples exactly who he is, he does not simply teach as one with authority, but Jesus displays his authority in amazing ways.  Through the healing of the sick, the calming of the storm, feeding a multitude with a measly amount of food, and now walking on water Jesus has unequivocally proven that he has authority over nature.

To follow Jesus, is to follow one who has absolute authority.  In the dark times when the world appears too much, when the barriers appears too great it is encouraging to remember the same words that Jesus spoke to the disciples on that fateful night, “Take courage, it is I, don’t be afraid.”  Take courage and hope in the knowledge that in whatever situation you are facing Christ is there with you.

Now: Read Mark 6:45-52

Then: Go Swedish (what’s this?)