On Understanding

Mark 6:47-56

Mark tells the familiar story of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee. Unlike Matthew’s account (Matthew 14:22-33), however, Mark indicates that the disciples still did not grasp what was going on, even after Jesus had fed the multitude with just a few loaves and fishes. “And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened” (Mark 6:51b-52). Indeed, it would seem that two miraculous events so close together (feeding the crowd and walking on the sea) would be enough to convince anyone of Jesus’ divinity. But according to Mark the disciples still didn’t get it. Their hearts were hardened and they lacked faith.

I can’t say that I blame the disciples all that much. I doubt I would have caught on any quicker than they did to who Jesus was. So it helps me to learn of their hardheartedness, of their failure to see what was happening right in front of them. If they, the disciples, Jesus’ own followers, were confused then there is hope for me as well, hope that God will stick it out with me giving me opportunities to learn and to grow in faith, to come to a better understanding of who God is and what Jesus was all about. And here is as good a reason to study scripture as I can think of. When we read the word of God we find that we and others like us are a part of the story. We sit with the crowds on the green grass waiting for bread and fish, wondering where it comes from. We find our place in the boat with the disciples, struggling against the wind one moment and terrified by a “ghost” the next. We follow Jesus into marketplaces, seeking to touch the fringe of his garment so that we might be healed of our infirmities. We accept that our hearts are hard, our minds are clouded, our wits are dull, but that Jesus welcomes us all the same and that God claims us.

The events in scripture are not limited to times gone by, they are our stories as well. And in them we find greater understanding and deeper faith, because in them we finally may see ourselves.

Prayer: Lord, open our hearts and minds to hear and to understand your word for us. And help us to live according to your will, for it is in the name of Jesus Christ that we pray. Amen.