Truett Lent Devo
In the Boat With Jesus
“A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.”
For the past three days, we have been reading the fourth chapter of Mark’s Gospel. Have you noticed what Jesus has been doing?
While sitting in a boat, Jesus taught a large crowd gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He told the parable of the sower, illustrating how different hearts receive and respond to God’s Word. Jesus also explained the parable to his disciples, emphasizing the importance of seeking and understanding God’s truth.
He continued to teach using the parable of the lamp, the parable of the growing seed, and the parable of the mustard seed to illustrate the growth of the kingdom of God. With urgency, Jesus emphasized the importance of hearing and understanding his teachings and the need for faith and trust in him. Overall, Jesus was reaching out to the people, teaching them, pointing to the kingdom of God, and demonstrating his humble authority. His mission was (and is) to bring salvation to all who believe in him.
While still in the boat, Jesus nudges his disciples to sail across to the other side of the sea. Jesus had been in the boat all day. Jesus had been teaching all day. Jesus, appropriately, took a nap!
My mind often wonders why Jesus, who is fully God, would fall asleep during such an alarming situation. However, this moment reminds us of Jesus’ humanity and his complete trust in God. Even while sleeping, Jesus showed his disciples that they could trust God’s protection and care. When the disciples woke Jesus, he called out and calmed the storm. “Peace! Be still!” What a powerful statement of his authority over nature and his ability to bring peace amid chaos.
Lord Jesus, meet us today! During this Lenten season, give us the boldness to follow your teachings while resting in your care. Help us trust in your sovereignty, especially when facing life’s storms. Amen.
BOBBY CONTRERAS
Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry
San Antonio, Texas