Reference

Mark 6:45-52 (see Mark’s Gospel in EasyEnglish)

Introduction

Jesus needed to pray. He had many problems. The leaders of the *Jews did not agree with him. Herod Antipas was a cruel man who did not like him. And the crowd wanted to make Jesus into a king. But he did not want that. So he sent the crowd away. And the disciples went across the lake in a boat.

This happened in the early morning while it was still dark. But at this time the moon was shining. So Jesus could see the disciples who were on the lake. The wind was very strong and it was very difficult for them.

The *Greek words that we have translated 'It is I' (verse 50) mean 'I am'. Perhaps Mark used the name of God here (Exodus 3:14). He was reminding people that Jesus has the same power as God.

The disciples were happy when Jesus came into the boat. But also, they did not know what to think. Before this, Jesus had fed 5000 hungry people with 5 loaves and 2 fish. But the disciples did not understand who he was. They did not understand about his authority over the wind. It was the authority of God.

Questions to ask

V45 Why was Jesus not in the boat with the disciples?

V46 What does it mean that Jesus prayed?

V48 Why did Jesus walk on the water to the disciples?

V49 Why were the disciples so afraid?

V50 Why were the disciples surprised?

V51 What happened when Jesus got into the boat?

Something to do

Think about how this event can help Christians who have trouble.

Talk about people who are afraid. Talk about how they can get help.

Think about something that is like a storm in your life. Perhaps you feel that you are on your own. But you can remember that Jesus is with you. Then Jesus will help you too.

Words to explain

Jew ~ a person who is born from the families of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Disciple ~ someone who follows a leader and who wants to learn from him. A person who agrees with Jesus and does what he teaches.

Greek ~ the language that the person who wrote Mark's Gospel used.