Encounters with Jesus -
Take Courage.

This Sunday Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.

 Reading
Mark 6:45-56 (New Living Translation)
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
 
Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for the miracle of life, and that you are with us every step of the way. Forgive us when we forget who you are, forget the miracles you have done, and forgive us when our faith gives way to fear.  Help us, by your Holy Spirit, to trust you through the storm. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions to Consider

1. Can you think of any times when you have been in a difficult, or fearful situation and feel that God rescued you, brought you safely through?
2. Do you think of Jesus as (just) a good man, wise teacher… or as really the Son of God, capable of miracles like walking on water, feeding the 5000, healing the sick, etc.?
3. Are you in a tough situation or season right now?
4. When you are anxious about the stuff of life, do you ever think back to when God has helped you before?
5. Jesus said that his disciples’ hearts were too hard to take in the miracle that Jesus did when feeding the 5000, so they were amazed when Jesus did the next amazing thing (calming the storm). Anything in there for you?
6. What is the most amazing “miracle” you have ever witnessed?
7. Do you think God is still in the miracle business?