Tag: I Am

When You Do What Jesus Wills

On By TimIn Faith, Mark 06Leave a comment

Immediately He compelled His disciples to get into the boat and to go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the crowd away. When He had sent them away, He departed to a mountain to pray.

Mark 6:45–46

Most people are familiar with this passage. It is one of the accounts of when Jesus walks on the water. As always, there is far more here than just Jesus walking on the water.

For context, Jesus has just finished feeding the 5,000 in the wilderness. He took a humble lunch and made a feast for all there. When finished, the fragments left over filled twelve baskets.

This multitude is being drawn to Jesus. Because they were following Him into the wilderness, there was no place for so many people to lodge. From the synoptic Gospel accounts, we know there was another compelling reason for what Jesus did next. But that’s for the reader to dig out. He put His disciples in the boat, probably the same boat they took to the remote place. Jesus also sent the multitude away. Then He went away alone, to pray.

The idea from the text is that the disciples were going ahead to Bethsaida. The plan was for them to meet Jesus there. With the synoptic accounts there is some controversy of the exact origin of the trip and the eventual destiny. Delving into that is for another post.

With all of that, keep in mind that the Sea of Galilee is about 13 miles at its widest, and this trip is probably not even half that distance. It is also important to notice that this all occurred toward the late afternoon. Why would Jesus send them on the lake to cross in darkness?

I think that the trip is much shorter than our modern minds envision. This is a lake of some size, but the boat trip should not have taken that long. I would think they would need lodging for the night. Which adds significance to the account.

When evening came, the boat was in the midst of the sea. And He was alone on the land.

Mark 6:47

Now, evening arrived and the boat was already out. Jesus was alone.

He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea and would have passed by them.

Mark 6:48

Jesus saw them. Which means they probably had not moved all that far away from Him. He saw that the rowing was difficult and a strong wind was against them. Then at around 3:00 AM, Jesus set out toward them.

If you’re counting, that is over nine hours in a boat that is probably about 30 feet long. They weren’t using wind power, but were rowing.

We know the way the Sea of Galilee is situated, violent storms are not uncommon even today. There are some things here that tend to offer the idea that this is not just some storm. There seem to be some supernatural characteristics. Pay attention to the details and see if there are any hints to that.

But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out. For they all saw Him and were troubled.

Mark 6:49–50a

I think this is the first clue that makes one want to reread the text. Perhaps to really grasp the reality in the account. First, that there may be some spiritual shenanigans at play. No, not just Jesus walking on water. This storm had been besetting this boat for quite some time. The disciples on their own were not getting anywhere.

Think about what they had just witnessed in that lunch setting. These men participated in something supernatural with Jesus. He fed a massive amount of people from a boy’s modest lunch. When Jesus began distributing the food, they took it from Jesus and gave it to the multitudes of people. If in that situation, would you not marvel at such a thing?

Now they were doing what Jesus wanted them to do. There was massive resistance to that. In their own strength they made no advance. Perhaps there is a hardness of the heart issue at play and they didn’t recognize Jesus. All of their attention would be put toward self-preservation. That’s great, now a ghost comes walking by on the water.

Immediately He spoke to the them and said, “Be of good cheer, it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Mark 6:50b

Relief! It’s Jesus.

I think there are some spiritual aspects to this storm. It was a challenge to their faith. I don’t think it was a test given to them by Jesus. I think this was the enemy trying to forestall the effect these men would have on the world.

I also look at the way Jesus greeted them. It makes me think of how the many Theophanies in the Tanakh went down.

There is a real connection with the Exodus, especially with Moses and the Israelis at the Red Sea. God proved Himself as Master over the pagan storm gods of old. This storm god took many different identities in the pantheons of the pagans. To the people in Mesopotamia and surrounds, he is Baal, This storm god is Kronos to the Greeks, and Saturn to the Romans. At the Red Sea, God defeated the storm god.

Surprisingly, right before God parted the Red Sea, Moses says to them to not be afraid. Just as Jesus did here. Moses also told the Israelis to see the salvation of the Lord. Literally, the Hebrew for salvation is yeshua. Moses would have said see yeshua Yehovah. That is, see Jesus Jehovah. Moses lifts his rod and the sea parts revealing the salvation God had for them. The Israelis were sent into it to cross to the other side.

In like manner, Jesus is walking on the very thing to cause the tempest that troubled His friends. The sea He called them to go in.

Jesus identifies Himself in the same way He did to Moses. I am. That is literally what the Greek says here. Your translations may say, “I am He.” Italics in translation generally mean a word is inserted to make the original make sense in the new.

I find it rather comforting that the fear not tends to go with the “I am.” I think that is the lesson here. How many times did Godnuse the same reassurance in the Tanakh?

“Don’t be afraid.”

These two phrases are identifiers. Ones which the disciples would know. But at that time, they didn’t.

Then He went up to them in the boat and the wind ceased. They were greatly astonished in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Mark 6:51

They wondered indeed. Who is this that instantly stops the tempest?

For they had not comprehended the miracle of the loaves, for their hearts were hardened.

Mark 6:52

Who is this that feeds over 5,000 souls with a boy’s lunch?

Didn’t we collected 12 baskets full of leftovers?

Perhaps it was their immediate circumstances that blinded them. I mean, they went by faith. I know the text says they were compelled. But they had to cooperate to get in the boat. They were doing His will.

This event is part of a greater narrative.

I am particularly drawn to what happened after this account. It is on another Gospel; John chapter 6. This is where Jesus states many times, “I am.” He is speaking that to the same multitude He sent away before the storm.

The next morning after being sent away, they went to look for Jesus. He was not to be found. They knew He arrived by boat with His disciples. Now that boat was gone. They went to nearby places to find boats. If Jesus didn’t get on the only boat with the disciples, where do Jesus go?

And why would they go to Capernaum to find Him?

I mean there were no other boats for Jesus to use. Were they really that oblivious to the supernatural aspects of which they’ve been a part?

They found boats to take them, with the intent to meet Jesus on the other side. That is, Bethsaida of Galilee.

What was that lesson again?

As the multitude found Jesus and His disciples, they asked Jesus how He got to Capernaum. Without hesitation, Jesus goes right to the heart of the issue. Even partaking of a miracle, the hardness of their heart kept them from recognizing the obvious.

He spoke many things to this multitude. Even explaining to them that they had been drawn to Him by the Father. But the familiar things they knew should have revealed the truth in their minds. It is that obvious. Instead of believing, they became even more hardened in heart. So much so that they finally went away.

His disciples were also troubled… Even after they saw Him feed the multitude. They gathered twelve baskets left over. They saw Him walk on water and instantly stop the storm. Now He says we have to eat His body and drink His flesh?

Gross. This is hard to understand.

Knowing in Himself that His disciples murmured about it, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray Him. Then He said, “For this reason I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it were given him by My Father.”
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him.
So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”
Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

John 6:60–69

The idea is far more than just coming to know Jesus is the miracle working Son of the Living God. He is the Living God. He proved in not only by what He said, but by matching what He said with what He did.

So what is the lesson of the loaves?

Well, that multitude had been fed so well, and so satisfyingly in a way most probably had never experienced. So they sought the physical experience with the miracle, not the spiritual one.

To the disciples, it was probably the same thing. Even though they also collected a basket of leftovers sufficient for each of them. They missed the lesson that with Jesus, there is more than just what you will need physically to be satisfied.

The Lesson

The disciples knew Who Jesus is. They set out by faith to do what He wanted them to do. But there was supernatural opposition that arose. They tried to overcome that by their own abilities… Rowing harder. I’m certain it was exhausting.

But they didn’t see fit to seek the very real God in the midst of that. Jesus had gone off alone to do that. Even He need it.

Though alone with God, Jesus saw them struggle. He was willing to help. So much so, that He went to them. They didn’t recognize Him at first, until He spoke up. Once they came to their senses, the horrible situation was gone.

You can know God and Jesus. Is not enough just to know. You need to believe. When Jesus says, “I am He.” That is, “I am Jehovah.” Our belief in that is the only thing that saves.

I think the disciples had to grow in faith as we do.

If you’re doing what Jesus wants you to do, even in the midst of some really powerful situations that come against that, there is not just enough to meet the immediate physical need. There is more than enough for all needs readily available in Him.

We have to consume Him. That is, make what we know about Him part of us. He must be in us. His body is broken and now bread. His blood was shed and is now wine. Bread satisfies and sustains life. Wine refreshes and makes life joyful. It’s an intimate fellowship for eternity.

Know that He watches and sees.

Know Him intimately.

Be ready when He comes.

I Will Not Leave You Fatherless

On By TimIn Fruitfulness, John 15Leave a comment

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that bears no fruit, He takes away. And every branch that bears fruit, He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean through the word which I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, neither can you, unless you remain in Me.

John 15:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I am. The statement Jesus makes has a deep significance. He is proclaiming His bona fides, that is authentication to His identity.

In this, we also get another analogy that is agrarian in nature. It would be something easy for those hearing to understand. In it Jesus references Himself as the true vine. The one vine that bears fruit. That idea sets the tone here. It establishes context.

That context isn’t about salvation at all. As Jesus clearly stated that His disciples (His immediate audience) were already clean. (Even before this, that statement was made.) They were already saved by the Word He spoke to them.

Jesus encourages His followers to remain in Him. This isn’t about salvation, remember. The remaining in Him is to bear fruit. The Father wants you to bear fruit. There is only one way to do it, and that is by remaining in Jesus. That’s the work on our part. It’s not to keep being saved or to live right. Bearing fruit is to reproduce in kind… To make disciples. It is to be of use to the Father.

But what happens if you don’t bear fruit?

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who remains in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. For without Me you can do nothing. If a man does not remain in Me, he is thrown out as a branch and withers. And they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

John 15:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s a simple thing. Without Jesus, we can do nothing useful for the Kingdom. If we remain obstinate, not wanting to do the will of the Father, there are grave consequences. Just as unproductive branches are removed from the vine and destroyed, a saved Christian can be removed from the vine and destroyed.

That destruction isn’t about Hell or perdition. Even with the mention of being burned, this isn’t saying folks go to Hell.

If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it shall be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

John 15:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s going to be a tough night for these men. Jesus is preparing them with an encouraging message to stay the course. It’s not to discourage them at all.

Remember that greater context that comes before those where Jesus speaks of the promised Holy Spirit.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, that He may be with you forever: the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, for it does not see Him, neither does it know Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you fatherless. I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see Me no more. But you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.

John 14:15–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s all part of the same message. It’s gonna get tough for these guys tonight. Jesus speaks to them at length.

Jesus is saying the Holy Spirit is promised. When the Counselor comes, He will be with them forever. Jesus says He won’t leave them fatherless. Those things are sure.

If you’re saved, get to bearing fruit. You can only do that in Jesus. And if you are in Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit in you. He won’t leave. Jesus promises to not leave you fatherless.

Considering that, why do you think Jesus the Son promises them a Father forever?

The Servant is not Discouraged

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Good, Isaiah 42, Mark 14, The ServantLeave a comment

Here is My servant, whom I uphold,
My chosen one, in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon him;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations.
He shall not cry out, nor lift up his voice,
nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed he shall not break,
and the smoking flax he shall not quench;
he shall bring forth justice faithfully.
He shall not be disheartened nor be discouraged,
until he has set justice in the earth;
and the coastlands shall wait for his law.

Isaiah 42:1-4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus was steadfast in His elect purpose. Continuing from the previous post in Jesus’ purposeful encounter with that Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, this is what He told her.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

John 4:34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus set forth at His task. It was to do as the Father has purposed. The Holy Spirit was placed upon Him and He presses forward just as the text says, to bring forth justice faithfully.

“Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. Truly, truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

Do not marvel at this. For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing of Myself. As I hear, I judge. My judgment is just, because I seek not My own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me.

John 5:24–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Just as He faithfully spoke of the same need to that Samaritan woman. And in the above passage, He spoke plainly to those who would intend to harm Him. He wasn’t disheartened. He addresses their need to believe even in the midst of their desire to kill Him. He also explains that there is a time constraint to this mercy. Judgment is coming, yet now there is a way of Escape.

In one of my favorite portions of Scripture, Jesus is ministering to the folks who followed Him after He fed them from a young boy’s lunch. They were looking to see more of the miracles and they wanted the satisfaction of their physical and temporal needs. Jesus patiently explained to them of a greater spiritual need.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me shall never hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst. But I told you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. All whom the Father gives Me will come to Me, and he who comes to Me I will never cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who has sent Me, that of all whom He has given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John 6:35–40 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“I am the Bread of Life” He said. It would cure the hunger that they had.

He further expounds on what was told to the Samaritan woman, He gives water that quenches thirst for good. Jesus is using physical needs to point to the related spiritual need.

We also see that He speaks of raising the dead in the passage from John 5. Some are raised to the resurrection of life and others to the resurrection of judgment. He is pointing to the truth of the Father giving Him all things. He is telling them He loses none that come to Him. It doesn’t mean that all will be saved from the resurrection of judgment. But that He loses none of which He’s been given authority to raise up, which is all. Those that believe will be given eternal life.

The important part is that He is set to do His Father’s work diligently.

“He shall not be disheartened nor be discouraged,”

I will just leave the rest to Mark’s description of the end. In it we see Jesus to be a bit tentative in His last night before the Cross. He goes away to pray three times, we see His resolve. Even here, we see Him to not delay or be discouraged.

They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. And He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter and James and John with Him and began to be greatly distressed and very troubled. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply sorrowful unto death. Remain here and keep watch.”
He went a little farther and fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”
Then He came and found them sleeping and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not keep watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Again He went away and prayed the same words. When He returned, He again found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And they did not know what to answer Him.
When He returned a third time, He said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go. Look! He who betrays Me is at hand.”

Mark 14:32–42 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the same way in doing our father’s bidding, ought we not be disheartened or discouraged?