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Prepare: Before opening your Bible, ask God to help you approach his Word with a mind and heart open to learning, growing, changing…
Slow learners
‘Disciple’ is a translation of the Greek word mathetes from manthano, meaning to learn. Learning is a process; it takes time and effort; it includes mistakes and setbacks.
The disciples were slow learners; like the seeds upon rocky ground (Mark 4:5,6), their knowing of Jesus had not gone very deep yet. They willingly followed his lead when all was smooth sailing (vs 35,36); but although they had witnessed both Jesus’ compassion (Mark 1:41) and power (1:23–34), when a storm arose (v 37) so did their fears and uncertainties (v 38). They began questioning both his love (‘Teacher, do you not care …?’) and his power (‘… if we drown?’).
Patient understanding
The forces of nature respond promptly to Jesus’ commands (v 39). It is infinitely harder to quiet the anxieties that arise in human hearts. Yet it is important to note that the disciples had enough faith to shake Jesus awake and pour out their fears to him (v 38).
Jesus rebuked (v 39) the wind, but chided his disciples very gently (v 40). They were slow learners, still shaky in their understanding of Jesus’ identity and its implications (v 41), and Jesus was patient with their doubts – as he is with ours.
Respond: Sing or pray: ‘When the oceans rise and thunders roar / I will soar with You above the storm / Father, You are King over the flood / I will be still and know You are God.’ (Reuben Morgan, ‘Still (Hide me now)’ © Hillsongs, 2002.)
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-05-19
Slow learners
‘Disciple’ is a translation of the Greek word mathetes from manthano, meaning to learn. Learning is a process; it takes time and effort; it includes mistakes and setbacks.
The disciples were slow learners; like the seeds upon rocky ground (Mark 4:5,6), their knowing of Jesus had not gone very deep yet. They willingly followed his lead when all was smooth sailing (vs 35,36); but although they had witnessed both Jesus’ compassion (Mark 1:41) and power (1:23–34), when a storm arose (v 37) so did their fears and uncertainties (v 38). They began questioning both his love (‘Teacher, do you not care …?’) and his power (‘… if we drown?’).
Patient understanding
The forces of nature respond promptly to Jesus’ commands (v 39). It is infinitely harder to quiet the anxieties that arise in human hearts. Yet it is important to note that the disciples had enough faith to shake Jesus awake and pour out their fears to him (v 38).
Jesus rebuked (v 39) the wind, but chided his disciples very gently (v 40). They were slow learners, still shaky in their understanding of Jesus’ identity and its implications (v 41), and Jesus was patient with their doubts – as he is with ours.
Respond: Sing or pray: ‘When the oceans rise and thunders roar / I will soar with You above the storm / Father, You are King over the flood / I will be still and know You are God.’ (Reuben Morgan, ‘Still (Hide me now)’ © Hillsongs, 2002.)
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-05-19
Scripture
About this Plan
WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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We would like to thank Scripture Union England & Wales for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.wordlive.org/youversion
