Mark 6

Read: Mark 6

Mark 6:41-44 "Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand."

Mark 6:48, 49 "He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn 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." 

Think

Jesus didn't come just to give us bread; he came to be our bread. Sure, Jesus cares about our physical needs, but he's even more concerned with our eternal lives. In Mark 6, after feeding the 5,000, the crowd wanted to make Jesus their earthly king, but Jesus knew his purpose was much greater than that. So, he withdrew to the mountains to pray and be alone (Mark 6:45-46). Jesus wasn't looking for earthly power; he came to offer something far more profound and lasting.

That evening, his disciples were crossing the sea to Bethsaida when a strong wind kicked up, and the water got rough. During the storm, they saw Jesus walking on the water. Can you imagine how terrified they were? But then they heard him say, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." They welcomed him into the boat, and just like that, the wind died down (Mark 6:47-51). This miracle wasn't just about showing off his power over nature—it was about exhibiting his presence and care in their lives.

This chapter clarifies that Jesus is more than just a provider of physical needs; he is the bread of life, the sustainer, and the comforter. When we feel overwhelmed, whether by life's demands or storms, Jesus promises to be with us; he doesn't just give us resources; he gives us himself. In our darkest and scariest moments, Jesus says, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50).

The stories of feeding the 5,000 and walking on water remind us that Jesus is with us in every challenge. We can be generous and take risks because he is always there to sustain us. He doesn't just provide for us; He is our ultimate provision, our strength. Paul puts it beautifully in Philippians 4:19: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." So, as we travel through the rest of 2024, let's live generously and boldly, trusting that Jesus, our bread of life, is always with us in every storm and every need.

Apply

Memorize John 6:35, where Jesus says, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." Remind yourself of God's faithfulness through challenging times.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus, the Bread of life, to nourish and sustain me. Help me prioritize my spiritual growth by spending time in your Word and prayer each day. Help me trust you fully, knowing you will always provide for my needs. In Jesus' name. Amen.