Lent Devotional

Mark 6:47-56 (New International Version)

When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

via BibleGateway

Jesus Walks on Water and Heals the Sick at Gennesaret

Fear, astonishment, encouragement, adoration, hope and even desperation were some of the emotions felt by those surrounding Jesus in these two accounts. Ironically, the ones that felt fear were the ones who were closest to him. For the disciples, being close to Jesus meant occasionally being frightened. And this wasn’t the only time for them. Even after living with Jesus for a while, he would still surprise them, putting them on edge. The masses of people waiting for Jesus must also felt some intense feelings in following him. They were often desperate to get to him and be healed. They must have felt hope and adoration for the man that they thought could provide for them the healing they needed.

We may see ourselves in these two short accounts. If we desire to follow Jesus perhaps we will feel afraid sometimes. Often God puts us in situations or asks us to do things that we alone are unable to handle. However, it is also by God that we are encouraged, much the same way the disciples were. Also, if we desire healing we should feel desperation to get close enough to Jesus so he can make us well. We need to be careful to stay near him to receive his healing touch. Either way the emotions the followers had were neither bad nor good in themselves. They were a normal part of an active following of Jesus who is real, and alive. Having your own emotions towards Jesus is a sign that you have a true relationship with the Living Lord.