Slow Learners
Opening Prayer
Before beginning, ask God to help you approach his Word with a mind and heart open to learning, growing, changing.
Read Mark 4:35-41
[35] That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” [36] Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. [37] A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. [38] Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” [39] He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. [40] He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [41] They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How would you answer the disciple's question?“Disciple” is a translation of the Greek word mathetes from manthano, meaning “to learn.” Learning is a process; it takes time and effort; it includes mistakes and setbacks. The disciples were slow learners; like the seeds upon rocky ground (4:5,6), their knowing of Jesus had not yet gone very deep. They willingly followed his lead when all was smooth sailing (35,36). Even though they had witnessed both Jesus’ compassion (1:41) and power (1:23-34), when a storm arose (37), so did their fears and uncertainties (38). They began questioning both his love (“Teacher, do you not care …?”) and his power (“… if we drown?”). The forces of nature respond promptly to Jesus’ commands (39). It is infinitely harder to quiet the anxieties that arise in human hearts. Yet it is important to note that the disciples had enough faith to shake Jesus awake and pour out their fears to him (38). Jesus rebuked (39) the wind, but chided his disciples very gently (40). They were slow learners, still shaky in their understanding of Jesus’ identity and its implications (41), and Jesus was patient with their doubts–as he is with ours.
Apply
What fears do you face? Pour out your fears to Jesus, knowing that he cares and has the power to help.
Closing prayer
Mighty Lord Jesus, just as You calmed that storm then, calm the fears in my heart today, too, I pray.
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