Day 11 of the Questions for Mark study.

Mark 6:50-51 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Matthew 14:28-30 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Reading from more learned and dedicated servants of God, John Mark is credited with writing the gospel of Mark at Peter’s instructions. John Mark was Peter’s interpreter. Given that this is the case, why did John Mark leave out this searching tale which was included in Matthew’s rendering of events?

Matthew was an eye witness to the event. John Mark would have only been told by a witness. Did Peter not tell John Mark? Was Peter ashamed of his failure due to fear? Or was it that Peter wanted Jesus to be the focus of the telling and desired not to be a distraction to this gospel?

I’ve compared the two synoptic gospels and the events leading up to this point match up very well in sequence and occurrences. There is no reason to believe that Jesus walking on the water to His disciples on the boat was not this same event. So why was the record of the event deleted by Mark?

At this point I would like to switch from Mark’s telling to my own. In reference to the telling of my witness, what should I include? What should I leave out? When is confession of condition in those moments an enhancement to my witness, and when a detractor?

It depends on the audience, does it not? Know your audience.

Day 11 of the Questions for Mark study.

“As Jesus sends you out today, reread vv. 7-13 and ask him for his instructions for you and the humble courage you’ll need to obey.”

Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

I believe in the whole counsels of God. If the disciples knew to put forth peace as they went about doing the works of the ministry, it was not seen here. Jesus’ instructions differed in this one respect between the 12 in Mark and the 70 in Luke.

Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Only in Ephesians do we hear of the gospel of salvation but then only after trust was established and the truth revealed. Many a witness has been turned away because they lead off with a display of power and authority and forget that peace opens the door to a troubled heart.

Both teams were told to stay in the houses where they were welcomed. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a peaceful countenance in ministering to a broken heart. It is broken already and does not need to be pounded into wholeness.

Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Jeremiah 51:8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

It is the balm of peace that heals.