Lessons From the Life of Christ

Originally posted March 2008

There have been a couple passages of Scripture that have encouraged and blessed my heart the past couple weeks. I just wanted to share a bit of what I have been learning.

First, in John 4:6-8 Jesus was weary and had to rest while his disciples went on ahead to “serve” by getting food. While he was resting, God had a plan for Him to reach someone else. God had a plan for His rest as He then met and witnessed to the woman at the well. Simple, yet profound!

When I shared this with a close friend, she reminded me of the time Jesus was actually sleeping in the boat while the disciples were rowing. As I was looking at those and related verses, I came to the following passages in Mark 6 and Matthew 14. I have heard and read these verses many times, but God really brought out several lessons that helped me when I studies them over the course of many days.

1. Jesus sent them to sea - He sent them into what He knew was going to be a hardship as He knew it was also best for them.
2. Even though He must have been exhausted after ministering to people all day, He went to pray.
3. Jesus saw them toiling on the sea, but didn’t come immediately. He didn’t come until the fourth watch.
4. He would have passed by them. He knew they were ok and that this trial would show them His power. But, when they cried out in fear, He was there for them. We (at least I) want out of trials immediately. God has a greater purpose. Also, He will not give me more than I can bear! (1 Cor 10:13; Psalm 103:14)
5. The disciples were afraid and in the midst of the storm. When Jesus came, at first they didn’t recognize His presence but thought their trial had gotten worse (a spirit on the waters). How often do I not recognize God’s hand of intervention in my life?
6. Jesus took the faith that Peter did show and acted on it. When Peter faltered again, He reached out to him, rebuked his lack of faith, but still helped him - this time immediately. This was a great comfort to me as I struggle on this journey
7. The storm was still raging until Jesus got into the ship.
8. After the storm, the disciples then worshipped, praised, and wondered at who Jesus was.

Will I rest in Christ?