On this Adventure with Jesus . . . Be Not Afraid Mark 6:31-52 The Christian life is an adventure! On this Adventure with Jesus . . . Be Not Afraid Mark 6:31-52

God knows when you need a break from such a hectic pace! Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Lord, teach me how to still my racing thoughts Lord, teach me how to still my racing thoughts. Help me to come to you arguing nothing, pleading nothing, asking nothing, except to be still in your presence. Give me the faith that will enable me to lay my burdens at your feet, and to leave them there in exchange for the peace which passes all understanding. ~ Frank Topping

When you feel compassion about some justice or mercy issue, remember Jesus had it first! Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Jesus wants to make you part of his miracles! Mark 6:35-37 35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

Jesus wants to make you part of his miracles! Mark 6:41-43 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.

After the miracle Jesus may send you into trouble and difficulty, because he wants to show you more of himself! Mark 6:48-50 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.

“There is never a fear that has not a corresponding ‘Fear not “There is never a fear that has not a corresponding ‘Fear not.’” ~ Amy Carmichael Mark 6:50 Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

When Jesus calls Simon Peter to be his disciple – Luke 5:10 Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” When Jesus tells his disciples not to worry – Matthew 10:31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. When Jarius asks Jesus to heal his daughter, but is told that she has now died – Luke 8:50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

When Jesus says not to fear what may happen, but to fear God – Luke 12:4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.” When Jesus challenges his disciples to give to the poor and build treasure in heaven – Luke 12:32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” When Jesus’ disciples are terrified by his transfiguration – Matthew 17:7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When Jesus triumphally enters Jerusalem – John 12:15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

When Jesus gives final counsel to his disciples – John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. When the risen Jesus tells the women to go and tell – Matthew 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” When Paul faces challenges in Corinth – Acts 18:9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.”

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you!

O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. ~ Jesus