The action-packed journalistic style of the book of Mark continues with snapshots of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Unfolding before our eyes is a Savior who has relentless compassion in a world stock-full of bad news. Jesus doesn’t ignore the problems, but rather confronts the evil and reveals His character of mercy, love, and hope. All the while, the temporal issues at hand are pointing us to an eternal destiny.
Jesus is our Bread
I’m in awe of Jesus’ tremendous spiritual power and authority. Arriving on the scene, He repeatedly answers desperate cries for help. Miracles are performed and people have healed time and time again. However, we must constantly remind ourselves that Jesus did not primarily come to rescue us from our temporary, present trouble, but rather to deliver us from eternal wrath (1 Thes. 1:10). For example, the Feeding of the 5,000 illustrates that Jesus can help us in our current circumstances, but more importantly reveals that Jesus is all that we need. Certainly, Jesus provides bread to stop the hunger pains, but ultimately, Jesus wants us to know that He is the Bread of Life forever and ever. He satisfies for eternity.
After being fed, the 5,000 wanted to convert Jesus into a fast-food franchise. However, Jesus quickly flees to the mountains and instructs His 12 disciples to head out to sea. Why? Read Mark 6:45-52.
It’s kind-of-like reading a mystery. When we dig deep into Scriptures, hidden gems are waiting to be found. In verse 43, we discover there are exactly 12 baskets of food left-over. And if you recall, there are also 12 disciples (v. 7). Could it be that Jesus is telling His disciples that He will provide all of their needs? He is enough! The message is for us too…Jesus is always enough. He is all that we need.
Jesus Calms the Storm
However, in the very next scene, we see that Jesus sends the 12 disciples out to sea at night. In the dark. windy. stormy. sea. alone! What in the world is going on here? Remember, Jesus stayed behind to simmer the crowd and then went up to the mountaintop to pray. Meanwhile, the 12 disciples are row, row, rowing the boat and they aren’t making any headway. The wind is against them.
Maybe you feel the same way. You are trying to keep sane. Finding things to do. Distracting your mind. But the nagging pressure of covid-19 and the insanity of being quarantined keep coming in like stormy waves.
In one scene we see people periled by hunger, and we turn the page to see yet another storm. I think it is a great reminder that the Gospel doesn’t promise us an easy life, but an eternal one. And then whoa! Jesus shows up walking on water. Hops on the boat. And the wind calms.
Jesus is Present
In our temporal, flesh-bound, earthly thinking it is easy to jump to the conclusion of the story, “Whew, the wind stopped.” But honestly, I️ think the miracle is in the “Here am I️ “.
But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Mark 6:50
This is such a game-changer, y’all. We don’t have to be hungry or in the midst of the storm alone. Jesus is offering His Presence.
- When we are hungry…He says “I️ will satisfy”
- When we are afraid…He says, “I️ am with you”
When you feel inadequate or are running on empty, Jesus says I️ will fill you up. I️ have plenty. I️ have a personal basket of bread waiting just for you. If you are serving and pouring yourself out to those around, come to me. I️ will not only give you bread, but I️ am your bread of endless supply.
If you are in the midst of a storm, Jesus says I️ will walk on water to be with you. Nothing can separate me from you. I️ will hop on the boat with you to wait out the storm. Only one question remains, “Will you welcome Jesus into the boat with joy?”
Prayer: Dear Jesus, Thank you for being our daily bread, for only you can truly satisfy. You promise to be enough. All that we need. Present with us in the storm. May we be aware of your presence today and for eternity. Amen.