Over summer we are looking at ‘FRIENDS OF GOD’ as we find them in the gospel of Mark. The story this week picks up from the feeding of the 5000, as Jesus sends His disciples ahead in the boat and then later in the night comes to them walking on the water. David Binns shares three truths that God would teach us through this passage.

The disciples back in the boat, crowd dismissed with full hearts and full bellies, Jesus retreats to the mountain to get alone with Dad. Jesus seemed to treasure these alone times with Dad because everything He was and did stemmed from relationship. And this was not just pouring out His heart, rather it was two-way communication as He listens to the Father. Also, it was not a one-off, we read in Matthew that this was ‘His custom’, a regular habit.

Then the centrepiece, Jesus walks out across the lake to catch up with the disciples. His appearance shakes them; it disrupts their routines and their self-confidence. Jesus wants them not to place their confidence in their skill, or training or experience but to realise that they can do ‘all things through Christ’. Then the storm ceases and they arrive at their destination. Jesus takes His disciples and moves through the surrounding towns and villages showing the extent of His power and the extent of His love by healing all who even touch the hem of His cloak.

The reading is from Mark 6:45-56

This message was first preached on 24/08/2025