My Walk With Him: Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. Mark 6:45-47

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 6:45-56, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method:

What do we learn from the passage about God?: V46 Jesus makes time to pray as it is a priority - He knew the disciples wanted more time with Him and that the crowds following Him sought more time with Him. Jesus was a man very much in demand...He never turned away those in need, yet at the same time He made time to pray. V48 and 51 Jesus is all powerful, and He is able to walk on water and control the weather - we can take comfort in knowing that anything is possible through God. V52 God hardens and softens hearts at His discretion - we are urged to share our testimony and the gospel but it is God alone who saves. V56 Jesus meets the needs of humanity as He heals - not just physically but spiritually.
What do we learn from the passage about people?: V50: God's power can be terrifying - we should be drawn into the comforting arms of Him for refuge. V52: For many, miracles are insufficient to move people to a greater understanding of God...Jesus' feeding of the five thousand earlier in Mark 6 should have certainly been sufficient to see that God was at work but the text shares that the disciples did not understand and their hearts were hardened. For those who love and believe in Him, all things work together for good - Romans 8:28.
Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should make time to pray, we should see God's power and in reverent fear be drawn close to Him to love and obey Him. We should know that God heals.

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My Prayer: Father God, what an awesome God You are that You save! I am not deserving of how You save and pour out mercies inexhaustibly for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.