Who Is Jesus? – Week 26
July 20, 2025
A Call to Courage and Faith
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
Mark 6:45-56
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
When the winds of life overwhelm us, Jesus walks in with peace that anchors our faith.
I. Jesus Is the One in Whom We Should Have Faith
A. We are guided by His plans
B. We are blessed by His power
C. We are blessed by His person
D. We are blessed by His patience
II. Jesus Is the One to Whom We Should Come When We Hurt
Next Steps
- I turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
- I confess I focus on the storm more than the Savior.
- I choose to trust Jesus rather than doubt.
Deep Dive
- Read Exodus 33:18-23 and 1 Kings 19:11. What parallels do you see in Mark 6:48?
- What encourages you about Jesus’ patience with the disciples in Mark 6:52?
- How have you been encouraged by Jesus’ patience in your life?
Springboards
- Read Mark 7:6–8. How can religious traditions become a substitute for genuine worship?
- What are some modern “traditions” or practices in churches today that may hinder true obedience?
- Compare Romans 14:17 and Mark 7:21–23. What do they teach about where purity and defilement come from?
