ODB: The Full Reveal

April 7, 2020

READ: Mark 6:45–56 

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:50

Moviegoers heard the beautiful voice of Emily Blunt as the starring role in Mary Poppins Returns. Amazingly, it was four years into their marriage before her husband discovered her vocal talent. In an interview, he revealed his surprise the first time he heard her sing, thinking, “When were you going to tell me this?”

In relationships we often learn new, sometimes unexpected, details that surprise us. In Mark’s gospel, Christ’s disciples initially started with an incomplete picture of Jesus and struggled to grasp all of who He is. In an encounter on the Sea of Galilee, however, Jesus revealed more of Himself—this time the extent of His power over the forces of nature.

After feeding a crowd numbering more than 5,000 people, Jesus sent His disciples out on the Sea of Galilee, where they were caught in a fierce storm. Just before dawn, the disciples were terrified to see someone walking on the water. Christ’s familiar voice spoke words of comfort, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Mark 6:50). Then He calmed the raging sea. Upon seeing such great power, the disciples were “completely amazed” (6:51) even as they struggled to fully comprehend this experience of Christ’s power.

As we experience Jesus and His power over the storms of our lives, we gain a more complete picture of who He is. And we’re amazed.

— Lisa M. Samra

Jesus, You amaze us with Your power. Open our eyes and reveal to us more of who You are so that we might worship You.

Source: Our Daily Bread