WEBVTT 00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:08.640 Well, good morning. It's good to see you all here. It's a glorious day. I feel like we got a taste of spring. 00:00:10.120 --> 00:00:13.839 We'll be tasting it for the next four months, in and out. 00:00:15.919 --> 00:00:19.219 If you're new to Connecticut this year, welcome to Connecticut. 00:00:19.219 --> 00:00:42.359 I don't know if any of you are sailors. I would not call myself a true sailor, but I grew up with the privilege of sailing on little boats, sunfish usually, in little ponds in Massachusetts, and then on the shore of Lake Erie. 00:00:43.159 --> 00:00:50.340 And I've told you some. If you've been here for a while, you've heard a little bit about the house that our family has on the north shore of Lake Erie. 00:00:50.340 --> 00:00:58.780 And there was one day that is remarkable. And forgive me if I've already told this story once, but I'm going to tell it again. 00:00:59.179 --> 00:01:07.260 I was probably about 10 or 11, and me and my two older brothers, so I was 10 or 11, they were 13 and 15, 00:01:07.260 --> 00:01:15.020 got onto this old sunfish with a little bit of a leak, so it was a bit of a waterlogged hull, 00:01:15.020 --> 00:01:21.680 and the rudder had a problem that if there was too much stress on it, it would pop out and lose grip in the water. 00:01:22.160 --> 00:01:29.439 But we decided on this beautiful day with a strong prevailing southwest wind on Lake Erie, 00:01:29.540 --> 00:01:35.540 which if you're on the north shore, creates lots of waves, probably two or three foot waves. 00:01:35.540 --> 00:01:38.700 We decided, what a great day to go sailing. 00:01:39.900 --> 00:01:47.700 And so we put on our life jackets, we hopped on the boat, three of us on a sunfish, which if you know a sunfish, that's full. 00:01:48.360 --> 00:01:50.380 There's no more extra room after that. 00:01:50.860 --> 00:01:55.360 And headed out across the bay. 00:01:55.359 --> 00:02:02.620 And we got out through the breakers and out into the swells, and my brother, who's at the back, said, 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:05.620 all right, ready about hard to lee. 00:02:05.939 --> 00:02:09.400 And he pushed the rudder over, and the boat started to swerve. 00:02:10.680 --> 00:02:11.879 And then it stopped. 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:17.099 And then the wind hit the sail, and it got pushed back onto its course again. 00:02:17.099 --> 00:02:19.400 And we kept trying. 00:02:20.280 --> 00:02:22.960 And the wind blew, and the waves pushed. 00:02:23.400 --> 00:02:26.659 And again and again, we got pushed back. 00:02:27.019 --> 00:02:29.819 And we, back onto the track that we were. 00:02:31.139 --> 00:02:37.139 We even tried, my brother even tried, getting out of the boat and swimming the bow around. 00:02:37.139 --> 00:02:43.759 But with the wind and the waves, we were in trouble. 00:02:44.719 --> 00:02:51.539 We had visions of sailing down Niagara River, wondering what happens when you get to Niagara Falls in a sailboat. 00:02:55.939 --> 00:03:02.679 Friends, sometimes our lives can feel like the headwinds and the waves are pretty strong, can't they? 00:03:02.680 --> 00:03:10.000 Sometimes the circumstances of our lives feel like the waves are pounding, and the winds are relentless, 00:03:10.420 --> 00:03:17.680 and we are weary, and we don't know whether we have what we need to keep going. 00:03:19.620 --> 00:03:22.600 What do we need the most in these circumstances? 00:03:23.780 --> 00:03:25.900 Well, we are in a series in the book of Mark, 00:03:26.020 --> 00:03:30.719 and we are continuing to read through the gospel of Mark 00:03:30.719 --> 00:03:32.680 so that we might see Jesus more clearly. 00:03:32.819 --> 00:03:39.180 And our passage points us to what God thinks is the answer to that question of what do we need most. 00:03:40.079 --> 00:03:43.819 So, if you want to turn in your pew Bibles, it's page 791. 00:03:44.039 --> 00:03:49.800 We're in Mark chapter 6, starting in verse 45. 00:03:51.500 --> 00:03:57.300 And just as you turn there, remember that this is right on the heels of Jesus, 00:03:57.300 --> 00:04:03.480 miraculously feeding 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread. 00:04:04.120 --> 00:04:07.820 So, they had just seen God do something amazing, 00:04:07.820 --> 00:04:11.740 and there was a large crowd there, and it must have been pretty exciting. 00:04:13.500 --> 00:04:16.560 So, Mark chapter 6, verse 45. 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:24.699 Immediately, he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, 00:04:25.740 --> 00:04:31.540 to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 00:04:32.540 --> 00:04:36.199 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:40.420 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 00:04:40.420 --> 00:04:47.180 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was strong against them. 00:04:47.460 --> 00:04:48.879 For the wind was against them. 00:04:49.500 --> 00:04:54.780 And about the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking on the sea. 00:04:55.580 --> 00:04:57.300 He meant to pass them by. 00:04:57.939 --> 00:05:02.460 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. 00:05:02.920 --> 00:05:05.360 For they all saw him and were terrified. 00:05:05.360 --> 00:05:11.680 But immediately he spoke and said to them, he spoke to them and said, 00:05:12.460 --> 00:05:14.400 Take heart, it is I. 00:05:15.080 --> 00:05:16.199 Do not be afraid. 00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:20.540 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. 00:05:20.920 --> 00:05:24.680 And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves. 00:05:25.160 --> 00:05:26.500 But their hearts were hardened. 00:05:27.259 --> 00:05:31.139 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, 00:05:31.699 --> 00:05:33.080 and moored to the shore. 00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:37.079 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 00:05:37.079 --> 00:05:41.099 and ran around the whole region and began to bring sick people on their beds 00:05:41.099 --> 00:05:43.399 to wherever they heard he was. 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:46.419 And wherever he came in villages, cities, and countryside, 00:05:46.819 --> 00:05:49.860 they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him 00:05:49.860 --> 00:05:52.659 that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. 00:05:52.919 --> 00:05:55.899 And as many as touched it were made well. 00:05:58.219 --> 00:05:59.599 Friends, let's pray together. 00:05:59.600 --> 00:06:04.060 God, as we come to this passage this morning, 00:06:04.180 --> 00:06:08.180 we pray that you would give us, by your Holy Spirit, fresh eyes. 00:06:09.960 --> 00:06:14.420 Fresh eyes and soft hearts and sharp minds. 00:06:15.180 --> 00:06:17.140 Lord, so that we might see the truth here, 00:06:17.260 --> 00:06:18.939 so that we might understand it rightly, 00:06:19.379 --> 00:06:21.240 so that we might receive it from you. 00:06:21.240 --> 00:06:24.720 God, I pray for your help this morning. 00:06:24.879 --> 00:06:26.860 Help me to speak your word as I ought, 00:06:27.579 --> 00:06:29.639 that it might be a blessing to all of us. 00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:33.960 And may we together this morning sit under your word, we pray. 00:06:34.460 --> 00:06:36.699 Oh, Lord, in Jesus' name. 00:06:37.460 --> 00:06:37.759 Amen. 00:06:39.819 --> 00:06:41.319 So as we look at this account, 00:06:41.519 --> 00:06:42.780 we're going to look at four things. 00:06:43.019 --> 00:06:45.560 So here's your outline for those who are outline takers. 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:48.860 We're going to look at the disciples' situation. 00:06:49.160 --> 00:06:50.439 We're going to look at Jesus' plan. 00:06:50.780 --> 00:06:52.120 Then we're going to look at Jesus' words. 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:53.879 And we're going to look at our response. 00:06:54.600 --> 00:06:58.139 So let's look through this and think about it together. 00:06:59.459 --> 00:07:01.899 First, the disciples' situation. 00:07:03.040 --> 00:07:05.160 Now remember what we've just heard and seen, 00:07:05.259 --> 00:07:06.639 what came before this. 00:07:06.720 --> 00:07:11.060 They had seen Jesus do amazing things, right? 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:13.339 They had just gone out earlier in chapter 6. 00:07:13.420 --> 00:07:14.379 They went out on a mission. 00:07:14.780 --> 00:07:17.860 And they themselves not only proclaimed the kingdom of God, 00:07:18.019 --> 00:07:20.600 but saw the kingdom of God as people were healed 00:07:20.600 --> 00:07:22.560 and demons were cast out. 00:07:23.019 --> 00:07:25.540 They had come back and they had seen Jesus 00:07:25.540 --> 00:07:28.840 miraculously turn five loaves of fish 00:07:28.840 --> 00:07:31.620 into a Chick-fil-A on a Sunday afternoon, 00:07:32.160 --> 00:07:34.139 feeding thousands of people. 00:07:37.600 --> 00:07:39.040 They were also weary. 00:07:39.040 --> 00:07:42.080 If you remember, they went away. 00:07:42.220 --> 00:07:43.020 They went on the mission. 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:43.840 They came back. 00:07:43.939 --> 00:07:47.200 They tried to go away to the mountains for rest. 00:07:47.600 --> 00:07:49.020 And the crowd found them there. 00:07:49.060 --> 00:07:50.540 And that's why Jesus had to feed them 00:07:50.540 --> 00:07:53.580 because they were supposed to be away from the crowds. 00:07:56.500 --> 00:07:59.640 And they're weary from their mission, 00:08:00.080 --> 00:08:02.420 weary from the work that they had. 00:08:02.660 --> 00:08:03.900 And Jesus knew this. 00:08:03.980 --> 00:08:06.240 And so Jesus said, boys, get in the boat. 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:07.420 Get in the boat. 00:08:07.420 --> 00:08:08.800 Go to the other side. 00:08:09.040 --> 00:08:10.400 I'll meet you over there. 00:08:11.520 --> 00:08:14.560 But what would have normally been a fairly short 00:08:14.560 --> 00:08:18.180 and doable journey became difficult. 00:08:19.240 --> 00:08:19.700 Right? 00:08:19.879 --> 00:08:20.860 In the middle of the night, 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:24.860 they were still out on the sea facing headwinds. 00:08:25.280 --> 00:08:26.500 And they were wearied. 00:08:26.860 --> 00:08:28.000 Maybe in that moment, 00:08:28.360 --> 00:08:30.420 they wondered, had God abandoned them? 00:08:30.420 --> 00:08:34.800 So the disciples, having seen great things, 00:08:34.899 --> 00:08:36.460 but now weary of the work 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:40.180 and facing a challenging situation. 00:08:42.379 --> 00:08:45.820 Maybe you find yourself somewhere like this today. 00:08:46.620 --> 00:08:49.539 Maybe there are headwinds that you were facing this morning. 00:08:49.539 --> 00:08:52.639 Maybe your labor at home, 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:55.620 the endless demands of caring for young kids, 00:08:56.120 --> 00:08:58.279 becoming overwhelming. 00:08:58.579 --> 00:09:02.339 Maybe the whirlwind of juggling your career and home responsibilities 00:09:02.339 --> 00:09:05.639 feels like an unending rat race. 00:09:05.639 --> 00:09:11.419 Maybe you are in the process of feeling the wearying effect of aging 00:09:11.419 --> 00:09:16.299 and the ongoing capacity challenge of figuring out, 00:09:16.460 --> 00:09:20.519 what can I do and how can I continue to live and serve? 00:09:20.519 --> 00:09:23.419 Maybe some of you are facing cultural resistance 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:25.840 and pushback for your life choices 00:09:25.840 --> 00:09:28.779 and living out your convictions in the world. 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:33.860 Some of you may be drained and weary from your work here at church, 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:37.579 the weariness of pouring out your life in love for others. 00:09:39.039 --> 00:09:43.600 Some of you are facing physical suffering of various kinds 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:45.299 and are exhausted because of it. 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:50.059 Some of you know the incredible exhaustion 00:09:50.059 --> 00:09:52.219 of relational trials, 00:09:53.219 --> 00:09:54.959 of broken relationships, 00:09:55.159 --> 00:09:55.879 of conflict, 00:09:56.599 --> 00:09:57.299 unresolved, 00:09:57.859 --> 00:09:58.679 hard work, 00:09:59.039 --> 00:10:00.299 trying to work through them. 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:03.859 The disciples face their headwinds. 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:05.899 We face ours. 00:10:07.279 --> 00:10:08.619 And Jesus has a plan. 00:10:10.239 --> 00:10:11.719 Jesus has a plan for them, 00:10:11.819 --> 00:10:14.079 but it is not the plan that we most want them to see. 00:10:14.479 --> 00:10:15.859 So what Jesus did, right, 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:19.079 he saw them with the crowd and he sent them away, right? 00:10:19.080 --> 00:10:23.520 He wasn't interested in them being able to bask in the glory of feeding the 5,000. 00:10:23.720 --> 00:10:24.280 He's like, 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:24.879 okay, boys, 00:10:24.940 --> 00:10:25.320 we're done. 00:10:25.600 --> 00:10:25.960 Go. 00:10:26.440 --> 00:10:26.680 Right? 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:28.220 And he sends them into a storm. 00:10:28.620 --> 00:10:29.960 And Jesus isn't dumb. 00:10:30.240 --> 00:10:32.740 He knows that the storm might, 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:34.080 that the wind might come up. 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:34.500 In fact, 00:10:34.540 --> 00:10:35.700 it was fairly well known. 00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:37.080 If you're a fisherman on, 00:10:37.080 --> 00:10:38.240 on the Sea of Galilee, 00:10:38.360 --> 00:10:39.060 that at night, 00:10:39.180 --> 00:10:42.220 there was a strong wind that would often come up at sundown. 00:10:42.420 --> 00:10:44.860 So he knew what he was sending them into. 00:10:46.940 --> 00:10:47.379 And, 00:10:47.520 --> 00:10:50.320 and he did it anyway. 00:10:53.180 --> 00:10:54.180 Just a side note, 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:57.100 we ought not to be surprised by the headwinds in our lives. 00:10:57.520 --> 00:10:59.560 For Jesus told us that this would happen. 00:10:59.559 --> 00:11:00.839 In this world, 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:02.359 you will have tribulation, 00:11:02.859 --> 00:11:05.799 but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world. 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:07.019 He said to his disciples, 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:09.359 he said to the crowds, 00:11:09.479 --> 00:11:11.559 all you who are weary and heavy laden, 00:11:11.719 --> 00:11:16.519 knowing that this weariness and burden bearing will be a part of life in this world. 00:11:17.779 --> 00:11:21.379 Do not be surprised when you face these various trials. 00:11:22.819 --> 00:11:26.759 But Jesus sent them out where he knows they will face a difficulty. 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:29.919 And instead of going with them or even warning them, 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:31.360 he goes in another direction. 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:34.259 He goes up onto a mountain to pray. 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:38.500 Because Jesus knows that his greatest need in that moment 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:41.980 is to go be with his heavenly father. 00:11:43.679 --> 00:11:45.899 Jesus often did this after big events. 00:11:46.899 --> 00:11:49.259 And he shows his dependence on God, 00:11:49.319 --> 00:11:49.819 the father, 00:11:50.659 --> 00:11:51.179 as he, 00:11:51.360 --> 00:11:53.519 the incarnate son of God walks the earth. 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:56.860 So Mark tells this story. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:58.579 They're out on the boat. 00:11:58.819 --> 00:11:59.559 He's up on the mountain. 00:11:59.659 --> 00:12:00.419 He comes down. 00:12:00.559 --> 00:12:01.120 It appears. 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:02.819 It's not clear exactly where he is. 00:12:03.139 --> 00:12:03.379 It says, 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:04.319 evening came, 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:06.199 and he saw them out on the water 00:12:06.199 --> 00:12:07.779 and that they were having difficulty. 00:12:08.919 --> 00:12:09.840 But remarkably, 00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:10.860 even then, 00:12:10.939 --> 00:12:12.720 he does not rush to their aid. 00:12:13.740 --> 00:12:15.419 We often read this story 00:12:15.419 --> 00:12:15.879 and we think, 00:12:16.019 --> 00:12:17.340 this is a rescue story. 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:20.759 Jesus is going to go rescue the floundering disciples. 00:12:20.759 --> 00:12:23.600 It's not a rescue story. 00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:24.939 Right? 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:27.059 Jesus stays on the shore 00:12:27.059 --> 00:12:28.899 until the three in the morning, 00:12:29.039 --> 00:12:29.519 it seems. 00:12:30.439 --> 00:12:30.740 Right? 00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:32.879 He doesn't go immediately to them. 00:12:33.120 --> 00:12:33.980 He waits. 00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:36.840 And why is this? 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:38.360 Look with me at verse 48. 00:12:38.460 --> 00:12:39.360 If you're looking at your Bible, 00:12:39.460 --> 00:12:40.200 I'll read it again. 00:12:40.200 --> 00:12:44.060 And he saw that they were making headway painfully 00:12:44.060 --> 00:12:47.340 for the wind was against them. 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:50.220 And about the fourth watch of the night, 00:12:50.340 --> 00:12:52.640 that's kind of between three and six in the morning, 00:12:52.800 --> 00:12:53.960 so near the end of the night, 00:12:54.480 --> 00:12:57.660 he came to them walking on the sea. 00:12:58.080 --> 00:13:00.920 He meant to pass by them. 00:13:03.280 --> 00:13:04.800 What does that mean? 00:13:05.459 --> 00:13:06.659 But what it does mean, 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:07.620 very clearly, 00:13:07.740 --> 00:13:10.139 is that he didn't come to rescue them. 00:13:10.219 --> 00:13:11.620 He had another intention. 00:13:11.979 --> 00:13:14.079 He meant to pass by them. 00:13:15.219 --> 00:13:16.539 What could that mean? 00:13:17.259 --> 00:13:18.679 It could mean he's just like, 00:13:18.799 --> 00:13:19.899 well, I can walk on water, 00:13:19.979 --> 00:13:21.039 I'm going to go to the other side 00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:21.959 and I'll see you guys there, 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:22.479 you'll be fine. 00:13:23.459 --> 00:13:25.219 I don't think that's it. 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:27.699 I don't think that's what it is. 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:31.839 I think that there's an echo here 00:13:31.839 --> 00:13:33.379 from the Old Testament, actually, 00:13:33.459 --> 00:13:34.539 that's really helpful. 00:13:35.559 --> 00:13:38.099 Passing by was something that God did 00:13:38.099 --> 00:13:39.899 in particular circumstances 00:13:39.899 --> 00:13:42.819 when he wanted to reveal himself 00:13:42.819 --> 00:13:45.539 in a particular personal way 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:46.799 to his servants. 00:13:47.620 --> 00:13:49.659 So in 1 Kings 19, 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:51.740 Elijah thought he was alone 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:54.159 fighting against the prophets of Baal 00:13:54.159 --> 00:13:56.000 in the brokenness of Israel. 00:13:57.379 --> 00:14:00.299 God comes to him and he passes by him. 00:14:00.299 --> 00:14:02.799 Maybe most famously, 00:14:03.479 --> 00:14:04.799 in Exodus 33, 00:14:05.399 --> 00:14:08.219 Moses is meeting with God up on Mount Sinai. 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:10.859 God was sending Moses to lead his people 00:14:10.859 --> 00:14:11.819 and Moses says, 00:14:12.199 --> 00:14:14.939 God, you've got to show me your glory. 00:14:16.240 --> 00:14:18.740 And this is what Exodus 33, 18 says. 00:14:19.199 --> 00:14:20.019 Moses says, 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:21.439 please show me your glory. 00:14:21.440 --> 00:14:23.680 And the Lord says, 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:25.780 listen carefully to it for it. 00:14:25.940 --> 00:14:29.360 I will make all my goodness pass before you 00:14:29.360 --> 00:14:32.200 and will proclaim before you my name, 00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:32.860 the Lord. 00:14:33.060 --> 00:14:35.240 And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:37.960 and I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:38.940 But he said, 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:40.420 you cannot see my face 00:14:40.420 --> 00:14:42.980 for a man shall not see me and live. 00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:44.519 And the Lord said, 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:46.480 behold, there is a place by me 00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:48.680 where you shall stand on the rock. 00:14:49.460 --> 00:14:52.180 And while my glory passes by, 00:14:52.560 --> 00:14:54.879 I will put you in the cleft of the rock 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:57.600 and I will cover you with my hand 00:14:57.600 --> 00:14:59.700 until I have passed by. 00:15:04.400 --> 00:15:06.700 Friends, this is what Jesus is doing. 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:10.480 Just as Moses then in chapter 34 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:11.620 that we read earlier, 00:15:12.020 --> 00:15:15.720 heard God and saw the backside of his glory 00:15:15.720 --> 00:15:16.879 and heard the pronouncement 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:18.140 of what kind of God he was, 00:15:18.420 --> 00:15:19.960 a God merciful and gracious, 00:15:20.200 --> 00:15:21.580 slow to anger and abounding 00:15:21.580 --> 00:15:24.160 in steadfast love and faithfulness. 00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:28.620 So Jesus intended to pass by 00:15:28.620 --> 00:15:32.520 in order to show his glory to his disciples. 00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.980 How did he do this? 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:37.220 Well, he walked on water. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:40.300 So I want to stop here for a minute 00:15:40.300 --> 00:15:41.899 because if we've read Bible stories, 00:15:41.980 --> 00:15:43.080 if you've grown up in church, 00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:44.100 you just think, 00:15:44.180 --> 00:15:45.120 oh yeah, he walked on water, 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:46.139 whatever, that's a bit nothing. 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:49.980 He walked on water. 00:15:51.200 --> 00:15:52.980 What does that mean? 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:56.320 It means that to the disciples 00:15:56.320 --> 00:15:59.420 who were fighting against the wind and the waves, 00:15:59.419 --> 00:16:02.839 he was the Lord of the wind and the waves. 00:16:02.839 --> 00:16:04.639 He created the molecules. 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:06.639 He was able to make them solid 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:08.299 so that his feet would not sink 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:10.439 but stand on that water. 00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:12.659 And in the face of the waves 00:16:12.659 --> 00:16:13.699 that crashed around him, 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:14.860 he comes unhindered. 00:16:14.959 --> 00:16:16.279 In the face of the wind that blow, 00:16:16.579 --> 00:16:18.399 it has no power over him 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:20.939 because Jesus didn't come 00:16:20.939 --> 00:16:23.959 simply to rescue them. 00:16:23.960 --> 00:16:27.180 He came to show them who he was, 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:30.160 that he had created all of this world 00:16:30.160 --> 00:16:32.220 that these disciples were navigating. 00:16:32.519 --> 00:16:35.139 He wanted to show that he was not only the creator 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:37.460 but the sustainer of all nature. 00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:41.379 And yes, he walked on water. 00:16:41.700 --> 00:16:43.139 It is a supernatural thing 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:44.820 and some of us are scientists here 00:16:44.820 --> 00:16:46.000 and we wrestle with, 00:16:46.340 --> 00:16:47.259 how can that be? 00:16:47.259 --> 00:16:49.600 But here's the thing. 00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:52.600 When the creator of all things, 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:54.879 when the creator of the natural world 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:56.740 steps into that creation, 00:16:56.899 --> 00:17:00.120 he is still a supernatural being. 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:02.120 He is above those things 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:05.039 and he is the Lord over them. 00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:08.400 And this is what Jesus is showing his disciples 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:11.220 as he walks on water, 00:17:12.460 --> 00:17:13.779 intending to pass them by 00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:15.140 so that they could see. 00:17:15.140 --> 00:17:17.200 Do you see these headwinds? 00:17:17.319 --> 00:17:18.359 Do you feel these waves? 00:17:20.940 --> 00:17:23.240 I am the Lord of all of them. 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:28.400 Jesus wants them to see 00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:31.960 what the apostle Paul later writes about Jesus, 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:34.759 that he is the image of the invisible God, 00:17:34.879 --> 00:17:36.819 the firstborn of all creation. 00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:39.480 By him all things were created 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:40.500 in heaven and on earth, 00:17:40.599 --> 00:17:41.420 visible and invisible, 00:17:41.619 --> 00:17:43.099 whether thrones or dominions or rulers 00:17:43.099 --> 00:17:45.339 or authorities or winds or waves. 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:47.379 That's an expansion of the passage. 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.879 Winds or waves, 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:51.480 all things were created through him 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:52.319 and for him. 00:17:52.839 --> 00:17:54.500 And he is before all things 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:57.519 and in him all things hold together. 00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:02.240 This is what Jesus wanted them to see. 00:18:03.459 --> 00:18:04.019 Right? 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:07.440 Jesus wanted them to see that he was the Lord 00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:08.660 over all of it. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:12.139 And the amazing thing is he didn't come 00:18:12.139 --> 00:18:13.539 and make the wind stop 00:18:13.539 --> 00:18:15.460 and the waves stop immediately, did he? 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:17.240 That wasn't his intention. 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:19.799 Friends, how often do we 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:22.079 just want God to step in 00:18:22.079 --> 00:18:23.639 in order to fix our problems? 00:18:23.640 --> 00:18:26.800 We think if only this would be taken away, 00:18:27.180 --> 00:18:29.000 if only this would be provided, 00:18:29.580 --> 00:18:32.500 if this part of my circumstances could change, 00:18:32.540 --> 00:18:34.380 then I could keep going. 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:38.460 But God has something better for us than that. 00:18:39.720 --> 00:18:40.960 He has himself. 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:44.840 But the disciples don't see Jesus clearly. 00:18:45.840 --> 00:18:48.080 Rather than seeing him in his power 00:18:48.079 --> 00:18:50.480 and being encouraged and refreshed, 00:18:51.639 --> 00:18:53.079 they see him. 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:55.619 In verse 48, 49, what are they? 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:57.339 They're filled with fear. 00:18:57.439 --> 00:18:58.139 They're terrified. 00:18:58.619 --> 00:19:00.339 They cry out, it's a ghost. 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:03.859 And so in compassion, 00:19:05.119 --> 00:19:07.259 Jesus, who was intending to pass them by 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:08.579 to display his glory, 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:11.839 speaks a word to them. 00:19:13.199 --> 00:19:14.859 So we've seen the disciples' situation. 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:16.639 We've seen Jesus' plan 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:18.620 to display himself to them. 00:19:18.940 --> 00:19:20.320 Now we hear his words. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:22.900 What great words they are 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:25.759 for the weary, exhausted disciples to hear. 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:26.800 Take heart. 00:19:28.020 --> 00:19:28.740 It is I. 00:19:29.520 --> 00:19:31.220 Do not be afraid. 00:19:33.300 --> 00:19:34.840 And look, even at this point, 00:19:35.020 --> 00:19:36.780 he hasn't calmed the winds and the waves. 00:19:37.860 --> 00:19:38.060 Right? 00:19:38.320 --> 00:19:39.480 What he's saying is, 00:19:39.780 --> 00:19:41.259 what you most need, 00:19:41.380 --> 00:19:42.759 what you really need, 00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:43.920 is me. 00:19:43.920 --> 00:19:46.680 Take heart, friends. 00:19:47.400 --> 00:19:48.980 Don't lose that heart 00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:52.380 because I am with you. 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:54.220 You don't need to be afraid 00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:55.860 that I'm something else. 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.940 You don't need to be afraid 00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:58.320 that you're alone in this. 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.800 I know you're weary, 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:01.300 but I am here. 00:20:02.360 --> 00:20:03.560 I know you're terrified, 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.800 but it is I. 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:08.359 And friends, 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:10.779 every Jewish reader 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:13.099 hearing Jesus say, 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:14.059 it is I, 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:17.099 couldn't fail but hear 00:20:17.099 --> 00:20:19.180 the echoes again of Moses 00:20:19.180 --> 00:20:20.659 in the book of Exodus 00:20:20.659 --> 00:20:23.960 as he was out on the backside of Midian 00:20:23.960 --> 00:20:25.619 tending sheep, 00:20:26.619 --> 00:20:28.639 and he saw a bush that was burned 00:20:28.639 --> 00:20:29.659 but not consumed, 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:32.119 and God spoke to him in that moment, 00:20:32.119 --> 00:20:33.139 and he said, 00:20:33.639 --> 00:20:34.000 Moses, 00:20:34.219 --> 00:20:35.579 I am calling you 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:37.679 to go and be the one 00:20:37.679 --> 00:20:39.819 who will deliver my people from Egypt. 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:41.479 And when Moses says, 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:43.279 I don't even know who you are, 00:20:43.739 --> 00:20:44.559 God says, 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:45.919 I am. 00:20:46.419 --> 00:20:48.579 I am that I am. 00:20:49.019 --> 00:20:51.299 And this is what it would sound like 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:54.599 to the ears of these Jewish fishermen 00:20:54.599 --> 00:20:58.079 as they would resound 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:59.359 with this remembrance 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:01.919 that Jesus is saying, 00:21:02.199 --> 00:21:03.519 I am the God of Abraham, 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:04.059 Isaac, 00:21:04.159 --> 00:21:04.579 and Jacob. 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:06.259 I am the God of the universe, 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:08.299 but I'm also the God of your people. 00:21:09.359 --> 00:21:10.879 And I am here. 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:13.500 And because I am here, 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:15.500 you don't need to be afraid. 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:20.799 The disciples might have wondered, 00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:22.879 and maybe you wonder too. 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:25.839 Okay, so they're in the boat. 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:27.240 The wind is still blowing. 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:28.979 The waves are still crashing. 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:30.440 How is this good news 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:31.720 that Jesus is there? 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:35.779 Because what Jesus brings 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.640 in his person 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.799 is even better 00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:38.720 than what he does 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.819 with our circumstances. 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:42.579 Friends, 00:21:42.680 --> 00:21:43.620 this is the very heart 00:21:43.620 --> 00:21:44.279 of the gospel. 00:21:46.620 --> 00:21:47.960 This is the very heart 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:49.019 of what we believe 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:49.700 as Christians. 00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:51.160 That the one 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:52.200 who revealed himself 00:21:52.200 --> 00:21:52.759 as Lord 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:54.960 over all the physical universe, 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:56.539 he is also the one 00:21:56.539 --> 00:21:57.180 who created 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:58.640 the spiritual universe 00:21:58.640 --> 00:21:59.400 as well. 00:21:59.840 --> 00:22:01.100 He knows all 00:22:01.100 --> 00:22:01.980 of the dynamics 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:03.420 of what it would be 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:04.140 for us 00:22:04.140 --> 00:22:05.580 as spiritual beings 00:22:05.580 --> 00:22:06.420 to be rightly 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:07.920 related to God. 00:22:09.680 --> 00:22:11.140 And he knows 00:22:11.140 --> 00:22:12.299 that the greatest storm 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:13.019 in our life 00:22:13.019 --> 00:22:14.299 is not our circumstances. 00:22:15.060 --> 00:22:16.279 It's not the things 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.440 outside of us, 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.779 but it's the things 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:19.779 inside of us. 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.180 It is the storm 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:22.299 of our sin 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:23.399 that rages 00:22:23.399 --> 00:22:24.399 in our hearts 00:22:24.399 --> 00:22:26.660 that most threatens us. 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.480 Our lust 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:29.160 for power, 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:30.099 for pleasure, 00:22:30.420 --> 00:22:31.420 for love, 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:32.399 for belonging, 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:33.440 for meaning, 00:22:33.619 --> 00:22:35.079 that's gone wrong 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:35.700 as we sought 00:22:35.700 --> 00:22:36.240 to do it 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:37.319 apart from God. 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:38.399 The self 00:22:38.399 --> 00:22:39.440 that rises up 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:40.480 against its creator 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:40.940 and says, 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:42.180 I don't need you. 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:43.279 The spirit 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:44.240 of Adam and Eve 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:44.639 that said, 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.420 I would rather 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:46.299 be God 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:47.500 in my own life 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:48.759 than trust God, 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:50.259 the one who is. 00:22:51.839 --> 00:22:52.680 Jesus knows 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:53.500 that this is 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.579 the greatest storm 00:22:54.579 --> 00:22:56.019 and this storm 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:57.119 brings destruction 00:22:57.119 --> 00:22:57.720 and death 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:58.799 into our hearts. 00:23:00.339 --> 00:23:01.379 And he knows 00:23:01.379 --> 00:23:02.279 that it would provoke 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:02.900 a right 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:04.960 and perfectly good God 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:06.220 to bring judgment 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:07.619 upon our hearts 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:08.779 because of it. 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:11.180 But just like 00:23:11.180 --> 00:23:11.879 the disciples 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:13.079 as they're facing 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:13.799 their storm, 00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:15.759 Jesus comes to us 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:17.579 in this spiritual storm. 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.500 This is what 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:19.200 he has done 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:20.480 as he has come 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:22.279 and shown his love 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:25.559 by taking on human form, 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:26.839 by walking with us 00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:27.940 and most importantly, 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.539 by going through 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:30.319 the storm 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:31.460 of the crucifixion 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.039 and death 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:34.519 that he endured 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.319 on the cross. 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:37.799 It is there 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:38.779 as he enters 00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:39.839 into that storm 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:40.740 for us 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:42.019 in our place 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.940 that we see 00:23:42.940 --> 00:23:43.720 his glory, 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:46.079 that we see 00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:46.799 the greatness 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:47.700 of his mercy 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:48.339 and grace, 00:23:48.339 --> 00:23:49.319 his justice 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:50.119 and righteousness 00:23:50.119 --> 00:23:51.659 married together 00:23:51.659 --> 00:23:52.419 in the death 00:23:52.419 --> 00:23:53.019 of Jesus 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:55.139 so that the righteousness 00:23:55.139 --> 00:23:56.019 of God 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:56.919 might be vindicated, 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:57.839 so that the goodness 00:23:57.839 --> 00:23:58.599 of creation 00:23:58.599 --> 00:23:59.839 might be restored 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:00.680 and so that we 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:01.980 might be saved 00:24:01.980 --> 00:24:03.579 out of this storm. 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:04.579 God 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:07.220 and his greatest 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:07.740 act 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:09.779 is not any 00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:10.439 of these miracles 00:24:10.439 --> 00:24:10.960 that he did 00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:11.539 while he walked 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:11.899 on earth. 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:12.819 His greatest act 00:24:12.819 --> 00:24:13.679 is that three days 00:24:13.679 --> 00:24:14.000 later, 00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:15.799 he rose from the dead. 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:17.199 Friends, 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:17.859 think about how 00:24:17.859 --> 00:24:18.839 beautiful this is 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:19.819 because death 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:20.839 is both a spiritual 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:22.139 and a physical reality 00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:23.079 and when Jesus 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.980 rose from the dead, 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:24.339 he said, 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:24.879 I am Lord 00:24:24.879 --> 00:24:25.740 of all of it 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:27.240 and I am the conqueror 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:27.720 over it. 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.779 no longer 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.440 will death 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:30.180 have sway 00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:31.100 in this world 00:24:31.100 --> 00:24:33.059 because I have 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:34.180 risen from the dead. 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:37.779 He rose 00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:38.460 so that he might 00:24:38.460 --> 00:24:39.019 demonstrate 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:40.240 that he is the Lord 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.220 over that 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:41.839 and he comes 00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:42.519 to us 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.460 and he says, 00:24:43.819 --> 00:24:44.640 it is I, 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:46.420 do not be afraid. 00:24:48.100 --> 00:24:48.839 When you are 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:50.039 joined with me, 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:51.100 you are joined 00:24:51.100 --> 00:24:52.160 with me by faith 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:54.220 into my death 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:55.860 and into my resurrection 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:57.819 and the storm 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.779 of sin 00:24:58.779 --> 00:25:00.419 is no longer yours 00:25:00.419 --> 00:25:01.279 because I have 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:02.399 taken it on myself 00:25:02.399 --> 00:25:04.959 and instead, 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:07.719 you have new life. 00:25:08.579 --> 00:25:09.599 You have peace 00:25:09.599 --> 00:25:10.279 with God. 00:25:12.959 --> 00:25:14.699 So when Jesus says 00:25:14.699 --> 00:25:15.859 the greatest thing 00:25:15.859 --> 00:25:16.399 we have 00:25:16.399 --> 00:25:16.959 is to be 00:25:16.959 --> 00:25:17.899 with, 00:25:18.139 --> 00:25:18.799 for us, 00:25:18.839 --> 00:25:19.559 the greatest need 00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:20.339 that we have 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.199 is for us 00:25:21.199 --> 00:25:22.319 to be with Jesus, 00:25:22.639 --> 00:25:23.339 it is because 00:25:23.339 --> 00:25:24.740 when we are with Jesus 00:25:24.740 --> 00:25:25.759 by faith, 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:26.339 we have 00:25:26.339 --> 00:25:27.699 this salvation 00:25:27.699 --> 00:25:28.799 and we have 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.759 this hope 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:30.539 and we have 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:32.319 this great assurance 00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:34.379 that we are his 00:25:34.379 --> 00:25:35.899 and just like he holds 00:25:35.899 --> 00:25:36.939 the winds and the waves 00:25:36.939 --> 00:25:38.279 in the palm of his hand, 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:39.159 he holds us 00:25:39.159 --> 00:25:40.639 in the palm of his hand. 00:25:44.119 --> 00:25:45.219 And so Jesus 00:25:45.219 --> 00:25:46.000 in compassion 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:47.079 looks at the disciples 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:47.939 and he says, 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:48.399 it is I, 00:25:48.479 --> 00:25:49.240 do not be afraid 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.559 and he gets in the boat 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:51.879 and the wind ceases. 00:25:51.880 --> 00:26:00.340 So that's Jesus' words 00:26:00.340 --> 00:26:03.960 answering the question, 00:26:04.100 --> 00:26:05.180 what is our greatest need? 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.700 It is I, 00:26:07.360 --> 00:26:08.240 Jesus says. 00:26:09.340 --> 00:26:11.260 So the final part 00:26:11.260 --> 00:26:12.220 of this passage 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.720 provokes the question, 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:15.540 what will our response be? 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.980 You know, 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:17.539 it's fascinating 00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:18.039 when you look 00:26:18.039 --> 00:26:18.819 at verse 51. 00:26:19.079 --> 00:26:19.500 Kunle and I 00:26:19.500 --> 00:26:19.980 were talking about 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:20.680 this last week. 00:26:20.899 --> 00:26:21.819 It feels like Mark 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:23.039 is a little harsh 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:23.819 on the disciples, 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:24.700 right? 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:25.799 When he got in the boat 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:26.259 with them, 00:26:26.339 --> 00:26:27.059 the winds ceased 00:26:27.059 --> 00:26:28.379 and they were utterly astounded 00:26:28.379 --> 00:26:29.720 for they did not understand 00:26:29.720 --> 00:26:30.680 about the loaves 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:31.539 but their hearts 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:32.159 were hardened. 00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:35.759 The disciples' hearts 00:26:35.759 --> 00:26:36.639 in this moment 00:26:36.639 --> 00:26:37.700 are exposed. 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:40.359 They see Jesus 00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:42.359 but they don't understand. 00:26:42.839 --> 00:26:43.940 They are astounded 00:26:43.940 --> 00:26:45.100 and that astounded 00:26:45.100 --> 00:26:46.680 is not simply amazed. 00:26:46.880 --> 00:26:48.360 It's also confused 00:26:48.360 --> 00:26:49.180 and doubting. 00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:50.480 The word actually means 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.980 being outside of oneself. 00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:52.799 They're like, 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:53.880 I can't wrap my head 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.320 around this. 00:26:54.420 --> 00:26:55.160 I don't know how to, 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:57.240 I don't know how to understand this 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:58.940 and I don't know how to submit to it. 00:27:00.400 --> 00:27:01.799 So here's a fascinating 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:02.740 little challenge 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.240 for those of you 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:04.080 who are Bible scholars. 00:27:04.140 --> 00:27:05.779 When you look at the parallel story 00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:06.500 in Matthew, 00:27:07.080 --> 00:27:07.980 Matthew 14, 00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:09.779 what happens at this point 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:10.500 is Peter says, 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:11.480 if it's really you, 00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:12.680 tell me to walk on water 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:13.560 and he walks out 00:27:13.560 --> 00:27:15.380 and then he looks 00:27:15.380 --> 00:27:16.200 at the winds and the waves 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:16.920 and he doubts 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:18.400 and Jesus has to pull him 00:27:18.400 --> 00:27:18.980 out of the water. 00:27:19.320 --> 00:27:20.240 But at the end of that, 00:27:20.519 --> 00:27:21.279 it says, 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:23.400 when he got into the boat, 00:27:24.180 --> 00:27:24.960 they fell down 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.820 and worshipped him 00:27:25.820 --> 00:27:26.220 and says, 00:27:26.340 --> 00:27:28.039 surely this is the son of God. 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:30.240 Although Matthew makes it 00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:30.779 very clear 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:32.380 that even when they confess that, 00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:33.660 they don't really understand 00:27:33.660 --> 00:27:34.400 what that means. 00:27:34.900 --> 00:27:36.019 Because two chapters later 00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:37.000 in chapter 16, 00:27:37.380 --> 00:27:38.580 he'll start talking to them 00:27:38.580 --> 00:27:39.400 about the cross 00:27:39.400 --> 00:27:40.160 and they're like, 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:40.600 no, no, no, 00:27:40.600 --> 00:27:41.400 it can't be that way. 00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:42.640 What are you talking about, Jesus? 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:45.000 So they still don't understand, right? 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:47.900 Mark waits for the confession 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:49.140 to come much later. 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:50.759 It actually happens 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.700 in chapter 15 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:52.700 and it's in the mouth 00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.720 not of the disciples 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:55.240 but of a Roman centurion 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:56.880 who watches Jesus 00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:57.840 hang on the cross 00:27:57.840 --> 00:27:59.040 and he says, 00:27:59.300 --> 00:28:01.440 surely this was the son of God. 00:28:03.580 --> 00:28:04.600 But Matthew and Mark 00:28:04.600 --> 00:28:05.280 really are saying 00:28:05.280 --> 00:28:06.080 the same thing 00:28:06.080 --> 00:28:07.160 though they're telling the story 00:28:07.160 --> 00:28:08.380 in a slightly different way. 00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:10.720 the people 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:11.840 during Jesus' life 00:28:11.840 --> 00:28:12.620 saw him 00:28:12.620 --> 00:28:14.380 but they didn't understand him. 00:28:16.020 --> 00:28:17.360 They called him Lord 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:19.280 but they did not receive him 00:28:19.280 --> 00:28:21.440 for who he truly is. 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:23.360 They didn't understand 00:28:23.360 --> 00:28:24.760 what the loaves were. 00:28:25.800 --> 00:28:26.280 Right? 00:28:26.380 --> 00:28:27.660 They had seen his lordship 00:28:27.660 --> 00:28:28.540 in so many ways 00:28:28.540 --> 00:28:29.560 healing the sick, 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:30.460 casting out demons, 00:28:30.640 --> 00:28:31.300 calming the storm, 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:32.680 multiplying food. 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:34.080 Do you ever think, 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:34.860 you know, 00:28:35.060 --> 00:28:36.500 it would be so much easier 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:37.599 for me to believe in Jesus 00:28:37.599 --> 00:28:38.480 if he were here? 00:28:38.660 --> 00:28:39.579 If I could touch him, 00:28:39.619 --> 00:28:40.380 if I could see him, 00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:41.519 if I could watch him do? 00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:43.640 I've thought that, right? 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:44.819 Golly, 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:46.339 like it's hard to believe Jesus 00:28:46.339 --> 00:28:47.460 that I haven't seen 00:28:47.460 --> 00:28:48.440 but if I saw him, 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:48.660 man, 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.759 I would believe. 00:28:51.160 --> 00:28:51.519 Well, 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:53.099 the Bible will tell us otherwise. 00:28:54.640 --> 00:28:55.680 The Bible tells us 00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:56.339 no instead. 00:28:57.440 --> 00:28:58.900 Even those who saw him 00:28:58.900 --> 00:28:59.880 did not believe. 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:01.200 They did not understand 00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:02.680 and we don't need 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.640 to kid ourselves 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:05.400 thinking that we would be better 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:06.160 than them. 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:11.019 How often do we see him 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:12.500 and not truly accept him? 00:29:18.519 --> 00:29:19.980 The testimony of Scripture 00:29:19.980 --> 00:29:22.339 is one of the places 00:29:22.339 --> 00:29:23.160 we can go 00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:24.500 to address this. 00:29:25.039 --> 00:29:26.700 This book is 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:27.920 a written, 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:29.599 ongoing revelation 00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:30.960 of who God is 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:32.200 and who Jesus is 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:32.900 in particular. 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:36.440 So I point you towards it. 00:29:36.900 --> 00:29:37.359 Study it, 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:37.700 read it, 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:38.079 meditate. 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:38.759 If you're here 00:29:38.759 --> 00:29:39.660 and you're figuring out 00:29:39.660 --> 00:29:40.420 what do I think 00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:41.160 about Christianity? 00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:42.500 I don't understand 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.559 what it means in the world. 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:45.200 Look here first. 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:46.140 Look at Jesus 00:29:46.140 --> 00:29:47.059 in the Gospels. 00:29:47.140 --> 00:29:48.480 That's the place to start. 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:51.240 But don't only look there 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:52.299 but also think about 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:53.019 the testimony 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:53.980 in your own lives. 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:54.700 How many times 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:55.759 have you seen God 00:29:55.759 --> 00:29:56.700 at work? 00:29:57.980 --> 00:29:58.839 Make sure you keep 00:29:58.839 --> 00:29:59.339 an eye out 00:29:59.339 --> 00:30:00.339 for Bonnie's testimony 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:01.759 because I know it 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:03.299 and it's really cool. 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:04.699 God worked in her life 00:30:04.699 --> 00:30:06.199 in some amazing ways 00:30:06.199 --> 00:30:08.299 to help her understand 00:30:08.299 --> 00:30:10.619 and come to faith in Jesus. 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:17.139 What finally helped 00:30:17.139 --> 00:30:17.679 the disciples 00:30:17.679 --> 00:30:18.599 most of all 00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:20.500 was that when they, 00:30:21.079 --> 00:30:21.859 when Jesus rose 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:22.399 from the dead 00:30:22.399 --> 00:30:23.199 they saw him 00:30:23.199 --> 00:30:24.339 and they were able 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:25.019 to testify. 00:30:25.939 --> 00:30:26.579 This is he. 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.679 The one who calmed 00:30:28.679 --> 00:30:29.739 the winds and the waves 00:30:29.739 --> 00:30:30.859 has conquered 00:30:30.859 --> 00:30:31.679 sin and death. 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:33.739 It is the resurrected Jesus 00:30:33.739 --> 00:30:35.339 and this is where 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:36.279 you want to focus 00:30:36.279 --> 00:30:36.859 your thoughts 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:37.679 if you're doubting 00:30:37.679 --> 00:30:38.279 whether Jesus 00:30:38.279 --> 00:30:39.419 could do any of this. 00:30:39.420 --> 00:30:40.680 look at the resurrection 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:41.259 of Jesus. 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:42.580 If it's not true 00:30:42.580 --> 00:30:43.400 as Paul says 00:30:43.400 --> 00:30:44.060 we are fools 00:30:44.060 --> 00:30:44.880 most to be pitied 00:30:44.880 --> 00:30:45.980 but if it is true 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:47.019 it changes everything 00:30:47.019 --> 00:30:48.200 and this story 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:49.039 makes sense 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:50.080 because Jesus 00:30:50.080 --> 00:30:51.019 rose from the dead. 00:30:52.080 --> 00:30:53.240 So look there 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:56.680 and I would be remiss 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.820 if I didn't say 00:30:57.820 --> 00:30:58.420 something about 00:30:58.420 --> 00:31:00.279 verses 53 through 56 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:01.500 because it's a part 00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:02.100 of our passage. 00:31:02.400 --> 00:31:03.440 It's a summary sentence 00:31:03.440 --> 00:31:04.539 for Mark in some ways 00:31:04.539 --> 00:31:05.279 he's sort of wrapping 00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:06.080 up this section 00:31:06.080 --> 00:31:06.960 but he says 00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:08.500 they arrive 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:09.980 and the crowd 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.640 gets what the disciples 00:31:11.640 --> 00:31:13.200 didn't at one level. 00:31:13.960 --> 00:31:14.059 Right? 00:31:14.460 --> 00:31:15.579 Jesus arrives 00:31:15.579 --> 00:31:16.779 and they recognize him 00:31:16.779 --> 00:31:17.259 and they're like 00:31:17.259 --> 00:31:19.039 the healer is here 00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:19.839 and they're going 00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:21.099 all over the place 00:31:21.099 --> 00:31:22.079 pulling the sick 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:23.319 bringing the people 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:24.599 to wherever he was 00:31:24.599 --> 00:31:25.259 believing that 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:26.240 even if they touched 00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:27.819 the hem of his garment 00:31:27.819 --> 00:31:29.619 that his healing power 00:31:29.619 --> 00:31:30.460 would be expressed 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:31.200 and we know 00:31:31.200 --> 00:31:32.240 that it has worked 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:33.420 and that it did work 00:31:33.420 --> 00:31:34.240 and that Jesus 00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:35.799 did express 00:31:35.799 --> 00:31:36.579 his lordship 00:31:36.579 --> 00:31:38.019 over the physical world 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:39.119 in these ways. 00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:42.099 But I submit to you 00:31:42.099 --> 00:31:42.960 that Mark puts 00:31:42.960 --> 00:31:43.939 this summary in here 00:31:43.939 --> 00:31:45.399 not to praise 00:31:45.399 --> 00:31:46.399 the crowds 00:31:46.399 --> 00:31:48.599 for their understanding 00:31:48.599 --> 00:31:49.199 of Jesus 00:31:49.199 --> 00:31:50.799 but to give another 00:31:50.799 --> 00:31:52.179 example of those 00:31:52.179 --> 00:31:53.159 who saw Jesus 00:31:53.159 --> 00:31:54.599 but didn't truly get him 00:31:54.599 --> 00:31:56.039 because 00:31:56.039 --> 00:31:58.240 they came to Jesus 00:31:58.240 --> 00:31:59.819 for what they could get 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:00.480 from him. 00:32:01.359 --> 00:32:02.079 And the message 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:03.439 of this passage is 00:32:03.440 --> 00:32:05.360 it is the presence 00:32:05.360 --> 00:32:05.960 of Jesus 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:07.880 not what he gives us 00:32:07.880 --> 00:32:08.820 that is the most 00:32:08.820 --> 00:32:09.980 important thing 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:10.820 for us. 00:32:16.279 --> 00:32:17.480 At the end of day 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:18.440 on Lake Erie 00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:19.940 I'm thankful 00:32:19.940 --> 00:32:21.100 my parents 00:32:21.100 --> 00:32:21.759 pay attention. 00:32:24.420 --> 00:32:25.720 They rushed around 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:26.740 getting the motorboat 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.500 into the water 00:32:27.500 --> 00:32:29.480 they puttered out 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:29.700 into 00:32:29.700 --> 00:32:30.920 through the waves 00:32:30.920 --> 00:32:32.860 threw a rope 00:32:32.860 --> 00:32:33.360 to us 00:32:33.360 --> 00:32:34.200 and towed us in. 00:32:36.100 --> 00:32:37.039 We are thankful 00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:38.100 for their saving 00:32:38.100 --> 00:32:38.820 that day. 00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:40.320 They came out 00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:41.039 to us 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:42.840 in order 00:32:42.840 --> 00:32:43.700 to save us. 00:32:45.600 --> 00:32:46.060 And friends 00:32:46.060 --> 00:32:46.900 as you face 00:32:46.900 --> 00:32:47.519 the storms 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:49.300 of the circumstances 00:32:49.300 --> 00:32:50.000 of your life 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:50.640 for sure 00:32:50.640 --> 00:32:52.100 but even more so 00:32:52.100 --> 00:32:53.420 of the sin 00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:54.080 in your heart 00:32:54.080 --> 00:32:56.340 Jesus invites you 00:32:56.340 --> 00:32:57.220 to see him 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:59.060 and to believe 00:32:59.060 --> 00:32:59.460 in him. 00:32:59.460 --> 00:33:01.380 let's pray 00:33:01.380 --> 00:33:01.940 together. 00:33:07.579 --> 00:33:08.440 Lord Jesus 00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:09.120 we ask 00:33:09.120 --> 00:33:09.980 this morning 00:33:09.980 --> 00:33:11.140 that you would be 00:33:11.140 --> 00:33:11.799 Lord 00:33:11.799 --> 00:33:12.240 in 00:33:12.240 --> 00:33:14.019 working in our hearts. 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:15.380 Lord show us 00:33:15.380 --> 00:33:16.319 where we may be 00:33:16.319 --> 00:33:17.059 unbelieving. 00:33:19.019 --> 00:33:20.140 Lord some of us 00:33:20.140 --> 00:33:21.000 may be familiar 00:33:21.000 --> 00:33:22.600 with these stories 00:33:22.600 --> 00:33:23.180 and with 00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:24.559 the account 00:33:24.559 --> 00:33:25.400 of Jesus 00:33:25.400 --> 00:33:26.600 but Lord 00:33:26.600 --> 00:33:27.640 have never truly 00:33:27.640 --> 00:33:29.680 believed 00:33:29.680 --> 00:33:30.680 in faith 00:33:30.680 --> 00:33:31.520 and trusted 00:33:31.520 --> 00:33:32.060 in 00:33:32.060 --> 00:33:33.500 this one 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:33.980 to be 00:33:33.980 --> 00:33:34.540 the savior 00:33:34.540 --> 00:33:36.200 of our souls. 00:33:38.420 --> 00:33:39.520 Lord some of us 00:33:39.520 --> 00:33:40.120 here this morning 00:33:40.120 --> 00:33:40.980 may be exploring 00:33:40.980 --> 00:33:42.380 and trying to figure out 00:33:42.380 --> 00:33:43.340 who is this Jesus 00:33:43.340 --> 00:33:44.800 and why is he 00:33:44.800 --> 00:33:45.420 so important 00:33:45.420 --> 00:33:46.020 to some. 00:33:46.680 --> 00:33:47.500 How do I 00:33:47.500 --> 00:33:47.980 understand 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:49.120 who he truly is? 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:52.159 Lord some of us 00:33:52.159 --> 00:33:54.839 Lord we may 00:33:54.839 --> 00:33:56.819 we may know 00:33:56.819 --> 00:33:57.359 much 00:33:57.359 --> 00:33:57.979 much 00:33:57.979 --> 00:33:59.019 about this Jesus 00:33:59.019 --> 00:34:00.019 and yet still 00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:01.619 find places 00:34:01.619 --> 00:34:02.239 in our hearts 00:34:02.239 --> 00:34:02.819 where we are 00:34:02.819 --> 00:34:03.759 unwilling to 00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:05.079 let him be 00:34:05.079 --> 00:34:06.219 the Lord 00:34:06.219 --> 00:34:07.699 over our lives. 00:34:09.699 --> 00:34:10.819 Lord I pray 00:34:10.819 --> 00:34:12.719 I pray this morning 00:34:12.719 --> 00:34:14.319 that for all of us 00:34:14.319 --> 00:34:15.219 that you would help us 00:34:15.219 --> 00:34:15.839 to see you 00:34:15.839 --> 00:34:16.839 as you truly are 00:34:16.840 --> 00:34:18.900 and Lord in seeing you 00:34:18.900 --> 00:34:19.960 that we would believe 00:34:19.960 --> 00:34:21.360 and embrace you 00:34:21.360 --> 00:34:23.480 knowing that your presence 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:24.640 is the greatest treasure 00:34:24.640 --> 00:34:25.519 of our 00:34:25.519 --> 00:34:26.820 of our lives. 00:34:29.640 --> 00:34:31.000 Lord you are worthy 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:32.079 of our faith 00:34:32.079 --> 00:34:33.720 of our lives 00:34:33.720 --> 00:34:34.480 and of our worship 00:34:34.480 --> 00:34:35.039 this morning. 00:34:35.800 --> 00:34:37.539 We pray in Jesus name. 00:34:38.539 --> 00:34:38.820 Amen.