The Reason for Tests

By Don Warfield

Text: Mark 6:45-52 (Jesus walks on the sea.)

In context, first Jesus fed the 5,000 (+) - then He "constrained" His disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side of the sea of Galilee, while He sent the people (the 5,000 + He had just fed with the loaves and the fishes,) away, then went into a mountain to pray alone.

As even was come, from the land, He could see them in the midst of the sea. He watched them toil and struggle in rowing because the wind was contrary to their goal. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. The disciples cried out in fear, thinking they saw a spirit. Acting as though He would pass on by, they cried out in their fear. This was no dream, they all saw Him and they all were troubled. Calming their fears, Jesus said, "Be of good cheer: it is I, be not afraid." As He climbed into the boat, the wind ceased. Their reaction was amazement beyond measure and wonder.

Strange that their memory was so short. Just a few short hours ago He fed 5,000 (+) with just five little loaves and two fishes - they themselves had taken up twelve basketfuls of left-over fragments, yet they couldn't connect the dots when they saw Him walking on the water. Verse fifty-two tells us plainly that this "memory lapse" was due to the hardness of their heart. The miracles they'd witnessed should have brought them to sincere worship of HIM. Jesus was coming from a time of prayer. He'd replenished His supply after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, but the disciples were toiling along in their own strength and missed the point entirely.

The contrary wind was a test. Jesus knew their hearts already, so the test was not for His sake. Oh no! the disciples needed a pop quiz. Their "strength" was not in their knowledge of boats, rowing, winds, water currents, and the oddities of the sea of Galilee.

Tests prove our metal (mettle). HE already knows who and what we are. WE need to know who and what we are!

The disciples were discouraged, due to their circumstances; storm, wind, waves, weariness.
They were fearful, half-way across, in deep water, felt abandoned.
They were also doubtful; doubt born of fear/unbelief, losing what ground they'd gained.

Jesus said, "Be of good cheer: it is I, be not afraid." HE doesn't need GPS! HE sees us where we are and comes to meet our need. The old song says, "When I could not come to where He was, He came to me!" In the Matthew 14:22-32 account, Peter cries out, "Lord, save me!"

Therein lies the crux of the matter. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." The Word is what will help and save us. Stay in the Word!

Editor's Note: Bro. Don Warfield delivered this message in a recent Bible Study. It was a blessing to all who heard it and strengthened the believers.