"It is I;do not be afraid"

Mark 6:45-52

Often, I believe it is the lazy nature that keeps me from studying to show myself a worker that needs not to be ashamed.  Maybe you have the same problem, I hope not, but today as I read the text I wonder what am I missing?  Did one of the other disciples give an account of the feeding of the 5000 men?

And the answer is yes, Matthew gave an account in chapter 14:13-18, and he wants us to understand that women and children were there with the 5000 men.  He also wants us to realize that he got the report on John the Baptist’s death, and it was when he ordered his disciples to get into the boat and go to an area where they could be alone. Matthew gives the same account as Mark, about Jesus sending the disciples off in the boat while he stays and dismisses the crowds, but does not tell us about the people wanting to take Jesus by force and make him king as John does in 6:14-15.  Matthew also tells us about Peter walking on water, and Mark and John do not add this in their written account.

But that is not what bothers me; it was when Jesus got into the boat, after walking out to them on the water, that Matthew gives this account in chapter 14:32-33, “And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  Mark 6:51-52, “And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”  Now I’m sure you are interested in what John reports in John 6:20-21, “But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”  Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”

Many of us have played the game of getting a large group in a circle, and the first person begins with a story, and by the time it has been passed around the circle, you would not recognize the story.  That is not what is taking place, but it could be three different personalities giving the facts as the Spirit leads them to share, but one must wonder if Matthew and Mark’s account is that far apart, in that Matthew tells us they said; “Truly you are the Son of God.”  And Mark gives this report, but their hearts were hardened.” 

I fear that I’ve been guilty of both of those, I have no doubt Jesus is the Son of God, but often my heart is not into what God is doing in my circle, or I misread what He is doing, and my heart is hardened.  So though I’m in the boat, and though I believe and proclaim, “Truly you are the Son of God” my heart may be hardened because I did not understand about the loaves.  Will you take time to give thought to where you are in the boat?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice