Jesus' Compassion: Walking on Water in Our Storms
Summary
### Summary
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we reflect on the Gospel of Mark, specifically the account of Jesus walking on water. This event follows the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus dismisses the crowd and sends His disciples ahead in a boat, fully aware they would encounter a storm. Jesus then retreats to a mountain to pray. As the disciples struggle against the wind and waves, Jesus walks on the water towards them, intending to pass by, but changes His plan when they cry out in fear.
This narrative is rich with Old Testament references, particularly from the book of Job, where God is described as trampling the waves of the sea and passing by unseen. The disciples initially mistake Jesus for a ghost, but He reassures them and calms their fears. This story underscores Jesus' divine authority over nature and His compassionate response to human distress.
The sermon also draws a parallel between the disciples' experience and our own lives. Just as Jesus altered His plans to help His disciples, He does the same for us in our times of trouble. We are reminded that it is okay to lament and express our frustrations to God, as He is compassionate and understanding. The story of Jesus walking on water serves as a powerful reminder of His willingness to intervene in our lives, altering His plans to provide comfort and support.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Divine Authority and Compassion: Jesus walking on water demonstrates His divine authority over nature and His deep compassion for His followers. When the disciples were struggling against the storm, Jesus altered His plan to pass by and instead came to their aid, showing that He is always ready to help us in our times of need. [06:46]
2. Old Testament Fulfillment: The event of Jesus walking on water is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly from the book of Job. This connection highlights the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. It reminds us that God's word is trustworthy and His plans are always for our good. [07:39]
3. The Importance of Lament: It is natural and acceptable to lament and express our frustrations to God. The book of Lamentations and other biblical texts show that God has a compassionate heart and is willing to listen to our complaints. This encourages us to be honest in our prayers, knowing that God understands our pain and is always there to support us. [13:53]
4. Jesus Alters His Plans for Us: Just as Jesus altered His plans to help His disciples, He does the same for us. When we face unexpected challenges and our plans change, we can trust that Jesus is aware of our situation and will intervene to provide the support we need. This reassures us of His constant presence and care in our lives. [14:19]
5. Our Role in Supporting Others: Jesus' compassion towards His disciples and the crowds serves as a model for us. We are called to support and care for others in their times of need, just as Jesus does for us. This involves being present, offering help, and showing love and compassion to those around us, embodying the mind of Christ in our daily lives. [14:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Jesus Calms the Storm
[02:08] - The Disciples' Journey
[03:10] - Jesus Prays on the Mountain
[04:13] - Duck Hunting Story
[05:20] - Struggling Against the Wind
[06:46] - Jesus Walks on Water
[07:39] - Old Testament Fulfillment
[08:25] - The Fourth Watch
[09:18] - Geography of the Sea of Galilee
[10:26] - Jesus Alters His Plans
[11:50] - Jesus' Compassion
[12:25] - Arrival at Gennesaret
[13:25] - The Importance of Lament
[14:19] - Jesus' Compassionate Response
[14:48] - Supporting Others
[15:15] - Ringo Starr's Song
[16:02] - Conclusion and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 6:45-52 (Jesus Walks on Water)
2. Job 9:8, 11 (God's Authority Over the Sea)
3. Lamentations 3:22-23 (God's Compassion and Faithfulness)
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus do after dismissing the crowd following the feeding of the 5,000? ([00:55])
2. How did the disciples react when they saw Jesus walking on the water? ([07:39])
3. What Old Testament references are connected to Jesus walking on water? ([06:46])
4. What was Jesus' initial plan as He walked on the water towards the disciples? ([10:26])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus walking on water demonstrate His divine authority and compassion? ([06:46])
2. Why is it significant that Jesus altered His plans to help the disciples? ([10:26])
3. How does the story of Jesus walking on water fulfill Old Testament prophecies, particularly from the book of Job? ([07:39])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of lamenting and expressing frustrations to God? ([13:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's storms. How did you experience Jesus' presence and support during that time? ([10:26])
2. How can you cultivate a habit of honest prayer, expressing your frustrations and laments to God? ([13:53])
3. In what ways can you show compassion and support to others in their times of need, following Jesus' example? ([14:48])
4. Have you ever experienced a change in plans that led to unexpected blessings or support from God? Share your story with the group. ([10:26])
5. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and compassion during difficult times? ([13:53])
6. Identify someone in your life who is currently facing a storm. What specific actions can you take this week to offer them support and compassion? ([14:48])
7. How can you apply the lesson of Jesus altering His plans for the disciples to your own life when facing unexpected challenges? ([10:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Divine Authority and Compassion
Jesus walking on water is a profound demonstration of His divine authority over nature and His deep compassion for His followers. In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus dismissing the crowd after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 and sending His disciples ahead in a boat, fully aware they would encounter a storm. As the disciples struggle against the wind and waves, Jesus walks on the water towards them, intending to pass by, but changes His plan when they cry out in fear. This act of altering His plan to help His disciples highlights Jesus' readiness to intervene in our times of need, showing that He is always present and compassionate towards us. [06:46]
Job 9:8-11 (ESV): "who alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea; who made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the chambers of the south; who does great things beyond searching out, and marvelous things beyond number. Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not; he moves on, but I do not perceive him."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed or fearful. How did you see Jesus' presence and compassion in that moment? If you didn't, how can you invite Him into your current struggles today?
Day 2: Old Testament Fulfillment
The event of Jesus walking on water is not just a miraculous act but also a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly from the book of Job. This connection underscores the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. It reminds us that God's word is trustworthy and His plans are always for our good. By recognizing these fulfillments, we can deepen our faith in the reliability of Scripture and the steadfastness of God's promises. [07:39]
Isaiah 43:16-17 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from the Old Testament that you see fulfilled in Jesus. How does this fulfillment strengthen your trust in God's word and His plans for your life?
Day 3: The Importance of Lament
It is natural and acceptable to lament and express our frustrations to God. The book of Lamentations and other biblical texts show that God has a compassionate heart and is willing to listen to our complaints. This encourages us to be honest in our prayers, knowing that God understands our pain and is always there to support us. Lamenting is a way to bring our deepest hurts and struggles before God, trusting that He hears us and will respond with compassion and care. [13:53]
Lamentations 3:31-33 (ESV): "For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel deep sorrow or frustration? Take a moment to lament before God, expressing your true feelings and asking for His comfort and guidance.
Day 4: Jesus Alters His Plans for Us
Just as Jesus altered His plans to help His disciples, He does the same for us. When we face unexpected challenges and our plans change, we can trust that Jesus is aware of our situation and will intervene to provide the support we need. This reassures us of His constant presence and care in our lives. Knowing that Jesus is willing to change His plans for our sake can bring immense comfort and hope, especially in times of uncertainty and difficulty. [14:19]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: Think of a time when your plans were unexpectedly changed. How did you see Jesus' hand in those changes? How can you trust Him more with your current plans and uncertainties?
Day 5: Our Role in Supporting Others
Jesus' compassion towards His disciples and the crowds serves as a model for us. We are called to support and care for others in their times of need, just as Jesus does for us. This involves being present, offering help, and showing love and compassion to those around us, embodying the mind of Christ in our daily lives. By following Jesus' example, we can be a source of comfort and support to others, reflecting His love and compassion in tangible ways. [14:48]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is currently struggling. How can you offer them support and compassion today, following the example of Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Grace and peace to you today from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. My message to you today is around what I was sharing with the children. It's about the Gospel message of Mark. The context of which is Christ just got done feeding the 5,000 before he walked on the water." [00:55] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So Christ himself sends the disciples off in a boat, knowing full well that they were going to hit a dandy storm. And then he says, I'll take care of the crowd, which he dismisses. And then he escapes or leaves, I should say, to go to a mountain to pray to his Heavenly Father." [03:10] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And here, he's giving them maybe a little bit of an escape. We don't know, but they end up, and guess what happens when he arrives to the shore of Gennesaret, this fertile territory, which is known really to be sort of a prince of vegetation. It had seven streams that were springs that fed into the Sea of Galilee and was very lush with vegetation. And a very strong fishing community. When he got there, the crowds were already there waiting to be served. And Christ served them." [12:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So you can say, oh, God, I don't get it. Why is this happening to me? You may not get a direct answer to that statement, but it is fine to lament. It is fine to complain. We have a big God. He can handle it. But also know that we have a God whose Son, Jesus, alters His plans for us. When He sees the disciples in trouble, even though He intended to pass by, that was His desire, He altered His plan when they cried out with fear and concern and got in the boat with Him. Compassion." [14:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We go to Christ when we're in hardship. We go to Christ because we know he will alter his plans for us when our plans change. So, please keep in your hearts the mind of Christ. And may the mind of Christ embody everything you do in your daily living as you do in your daily life. And may you disciple others in love. In his name, amen." [16:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And what I want to do is sort of put this in the context of the Old Testament and how this actually was a fulfillment of what was talked about. And it's Job that I would like to reference. So Jesus, anyway, he is with this large crowd. And oddly enough, the Gospel message says that he directs the disciples to get in the boat, and head to a town called Bethsaida, which we think is one called Bethsaida Julius, which is on the northeastern side of the Sea of Galilee." [02:08] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now, Job talks about the following in, this is chapter nine, verse eight, he who alone, alone stretched out the heavens, Christ, and trampled the waves of the sea, Christ. And then in verse 11 he says, behold, he passes by me until I see him and I see him not. Now, the disciples, they saw this visual, they didn't recognize it was Jesus. But they saw Jesus passing them by." [06:46] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And what I think is key in this passage is that Jesus alters his plan. He altered his plans the first time when he sent his disciples away for a little vacation to go to this desolate place, also called Bethsaida, for the feeding of the 5,000 when all that crowd arrived and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he felt compassion." [12:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And just like that woman who had that menstrual problem that wouldn't cease, that just touched his garment and was healed, here, as the text says, they were just really almost asking permission, can we just touch your garment, the tassels that the Jewish people would often wear, and they would be healed. And they were. So it's quite a story how Christ is willing to alter his plans, and that's so important to us because tragedy sometimes hits our life in unique ways and our plans change, right?" [13:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And that same compassion is what He expects us to do to families like Krista Stapleton and her children. It's to support them with the same love that Jesus supports us with. And you have. And you do. So this walking on water, this apparition that became Jesus coming to care for His disciples and get in the boat is something that we can do for others." [14:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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