Jesus Walks on the Water

(Mark 6.45-52; John 6.15-21)

²² At once, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake.^[a] But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. ²³ Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later in the evening, he was still there.

²⁴ By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. ²⁵ A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. ²⁶ When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.

²⁷ At once, Jesus said to them, “Don't worry! I am Jesus. Don't be afraid.”

²⁸ Peter replied, “Lord, if it really is you, tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.

³⁰ But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

³¹ At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don't have much faith. Why do you doubt?”

³² When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ The men in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God!”

Jesus Heals Sick People in Gennesaret

(Mark 6.53-56)

³⁴ Jesus and his disciples crossed the lake and came to shore near the town of Gennesaret. ³⁵ The people found out he was there, and they sent word to everyone who lived in this part of the country. So they brought all the sick people to Jesus. ³⁶ They begged him just to let them touch his clothes, and everyone who did was healed.

⁹ My friends, we are talking this way. But we are sure that you are doing those really good things people do when they are being saved. ¹⁰ God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won't forget the love you have shown his people. ¹¹ We wish each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. ¹² Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.

God's Promise Is Sure

¹³ No one is greater than God. So he made a promise in his own name when he said to Abraham, ^14 (A) “I, the Lord, will bless you with many descendants!” ¹⁵ Then after Abraham had been very patient, he was given what God had promised. ¹⁶ When anyone wants to settle an argument, they make a vow by using the name of someone or something greater than themselves. ¹⁷ So when God wanted to prove for certain his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. ¹⁸ God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed.

We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. ^19 (B) This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain^[a] and into the most holy place.