Genesis 16-18 and Mark 6
Mark 6 It's fascinating how patiently Jesus nurtured His disciples. The transformation of the human heart happens gradually. Even Jesus brought changes in His disciples step by step. It's remarkable that upon calling them, He immediately gives them authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7), even though they are still far from maturity, and their faith has just started growing. Nonetheless, following Christ's words, they go and preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick (Mark 6:12-13).
It's evident that Jesus genuinely cares for them. After the disciples return from their first preaching mission and share their experiences with Him, Jesus instructs them to withdraw from the crowd and rest.
Furthermore, Jesus involves the disciples in His care for the people, commanding them to feed the multitude at the end of the day (Mark 6:37) and later making them participants in the miracle of feeding the five thousand.
However, the story at the end of the chapter indicates that their faith is not yet perfect. Caught in a storm in the middle of the night, they were unprepared to see Jesus walking on the water and were greatly astonished. Mark states, "For they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened" (Mark 6:52).
Faith must grow. It will always be in a state of growth. As long as we are on earth, faith growth will always be needed in some area of our lives.
It's evident that Jesus genuinely cares for them. After the disciples return from their first preaching mission and share their experiences with Him, Jesus instructs them to withdraw from the crowd and rest.
Furthermore, Jesus involves the disciples in His care for the people, commanding them to feed the multitude at the end of the day (Mark 6:37) and later making them participants in the miracle of feeding the five thousand.
However, the story at the end of the chapter indicates that their faith is not yet perfect. Caught in a storm in the middle of the night, they were unprepared to see Jesus walking on the water and were greatly astonished. Mark states, "For they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened" (Mark 6:52).
Faith must grow. It will always be in a state of growth. As long as we are on earth, faith growth will always be needed in some area of our lives.