What Jesus Did! 'Anxious Honesty' — Mark 4:38

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

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!"
— Mark 4:38
Illustration of Mark 4:38 — 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!"

Key Thought

I am so thankful about the honest portrayal of Jesus' disciples. I can see myself in them and know that God uses people like me. Maybe you're not like most of us who sometimes panic when we feel overwhelmed. Fortunately for us, the early followers of Jesus did have bouts with panic and fear just like we do. In their fear, they don't pretend to have everything under control. They don't puff out their chest with false bravado and act like they can handle the situation. Even though their honesty leads to a rebuke, it also leads to a miracle! Why? Because they are willing to go honestly to their Savior with their fears. They have much to learn ... and he will teach them. They also have much to lose ... and he will protect them. What are you holding back in your conversation with the Savior? What has you panicked, afraid, or anxious that you have not fully shared with the Lord? Storms come and go, but only the Lord stands the test of time. Be real about your fears and anxieties and let him care for you. Yes, he will challenge you to greater faith. But that's the point isn't it? That in our weakness he calls us to himself and offers us grace.

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess to you now the burdens of my heart, knowing that you will hear them and do what is best for me. In Jesus name. 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

Don't worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks. And God's peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. That peace which God gives is so great that we cannot understand it.

Philippians 4:6-7

Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But the Lord said to me, "My grace (kindness) is enough for you. When you are weak, then my power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me. So I am happy when I have weaknesses. I am happy when people say bad things to me. I am happy when I have hard times. I am happy when people treat me badly. And I am happy when I have problems. All these things are for Christ. And I am happy with these things, because when I am weak, then I am truly strong.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10

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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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