Mark 6:30-44 & Mark 6:48-52

One of the abiding truths about Scripture is that you must receive it by faith. Some view this requirement as a blind trust, believing that to accept something without tangible proof is foolhardy. Others simply deny the existence of any supernatural power thereby discrediting all of the grand and wonderful miracles of the Bible, at least in their own mind. Still others, are willing to accept certain "provable" aspects of Scripture (genealogy, geography, etc.) but deny the miraculous events which form the very basis of Christian faith. I am unashamed to declare that I gladly receive the Bible by faith and confidently subject my eternal future to it's veracity.

This miracle is one of those which are generally rejected by the scoffer, the unbeliever, the skeptic, and the liberal clergy. As a Christian, I view this miracle as a defining glimpse into the heart of Jesus. I see a compassion and motivation which lifts my spirit. For, if He is willing to feed those who hunger for natural food how much more willing is He to feed those who hunger for spiritual food (life).

A sheep without a shepherd:

• Cannot find it's way.
• Cannot find pasture and food.
• Has no defense against danger.

Answer these questions:

• In what ways are we like those who came to hear Jesus speak?

• In what ways are we like the Disciples?

"DO YOU HAVE THE SMELL OF FISH AND BREAD ON YOUR HANDS?

Mark 8:48-52

It is very interesting to me how quickly the Lord challenged the faith of the disciples who had just witnessed the miracle of the loaves and fishes. In fact, it seems to me that He was more interested in their lack of faith than the "difficulty" of walking on top of the water. He knew He could walk on water …. this was a test for the disciples, not Jesus. THEY FLUNKED!

Consider the following points:

• He gave them the opportunity to rise above the ordinary man.
• He gave them the opportunity to realize their need of Him.
• He gave them the opportunity to rejoice in the midst of the storm.
• He gave them the opportunity to prove their faith.

Since our storms are realistically experienced in daily life situations and in order to personalize this Biblical event, think about the following statements.