What Jesus Did! 'Alone to Mentor and Explain' — Mark 4:35-36

Sunday, March 13, 2016

That day, at evening, Jesus said to his followers, "Come with me across the lake." Jesus and the followers left the people there. They went in the same boat that Jesus was already sitting in. There were also other boats with them.
— Mark 4:35-36
Illustration of Mark 4:35-36 — "Come with me across the lake."

Key Thought

Some things need to be shared in private. God's servants can't be all public all the time. Jesus often withdrew to pray. In addition, he pulled away from the crowds so his apostles could rest and rekindle their spirits. He also left the crowds behind so he could more fully teach these people he would soon leave to continue his work. One dimension of teaching is preparing other teachers. That requires us to leave the crowds and spend focused time on those whom the church needs for the future. While we may want to simply dismiss this practice as a cultural phenomenon, we should take notice that John the Baptist, Jesus, Barnabas, and Paul all used this same basic method of teaching and training. We ignore their example at our own risk. Even if we are not skilled public teachers, we all have people whom we influence—friends and family—that we can teach and train by our words and by our character in our private times with them.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, use my life and my words to prepare others to know your Son and share your truth. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

That day, at evening, Jesus said to his followers, "Come with me across the lake." Jesus and the followers left the people there. They went in the same boat that Jesus was already sitting in. There were also other boats with them. A very bad wind came on the lake. The waves were coming over the sides and into the boat. The boat was almost full of water. Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went to him and woke him. They said, "Teacher, do you care about us? We will drown!" Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and the waves to stop. Jesus said, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind stopped and the lake became calm. Jesus said to his followers, "Why are you afraid? You still have no faith?" The followers were very afraid and asked each other, "What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the water obey him!"

Mark 4:35-41

Related Scripture Readings

Jesus and his followers were in a very busy place. There were many, many people. Jesus and his followers did not even have time to eat. Jesus said to his followers, "Come with me. We will go to a quiet place to be alone. There we will get some rest."

Mark 6:31

Timothy, you are {like} a son to me. Be strong in the grace (kindness) that we have in Christ Jesus. You have heard the things that I have taught. Many other people heard those things too. You should teach those same things. Give those teachings to some people you can trust. Then they will be able to teach those things to other people.

2 Timothy 2:1-2

And do the things that you learned and received from me. Do the things I told you and the things you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.

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