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"And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 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. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened." (Mark 6:45-52).
We can learn many truths about the role of the eternal church from the historical parable of the disciples rowing on the sea in Mark 6:45-52.
"And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people." (Mark 6:45).
The parallel account of this event in the gospel of John indicates that Jesus sent the multitudes away because they wanted a "worldly gospel". They did not want Jesus who is the bread of life through which all spiritual blessings are attained, rather they wanted to be physically fed. Jesus is warning that those who come with such worldly type gospels should really have a spiritual gospel in view:
"When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:24-27).
Mark goes on to write:
"And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them." (Mark 6:48).
The ineffective rowing of the disciples is a spiritual picture of those who try to do the LORD's work by their own free will. Attempting to become saved by one's actions is fruitless; salvation is entirely though Christ by the grace of God.
Jesus warned that His Word (the Bible) must be brought in truth or else He would remove the lampstand from the messenger or messengers:
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (Revelation 2:4,5).
The lampstand represents light ---- the light of the gospel will no longer shine forth from those continual blantant false teachers.
A third spiritual truth we find in the parable of Mark 6:45-52 is seen in vv. 51,52.
"And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened." (Mark 6:51,52).
Peter here represents all believers trying to cross the sea by themselves and thus taking their eyes off our LORD. The sea represents hell (Revelation 13:1); no one can cross the sea on their own accord; God alone does all the work in salvation.
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