What does "they were utterly astounded" reveal about the disciples' faith journey? Setting the Scene • Immediately after feeding the five thousand (Mark 6:35-44), Jesus sends the disciples ahead across the lake while He prays (v.45-46). • Hours later, He walks on the water toward them amid a strong wind (v.47-48). • The moment He steps into the boat, the wind stops—“Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And the disciples were utterly astounded, for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened” (Mark 6:51-52). Key Phrase: “Utterly Astounded” The Greek piles up superlatives—literally “exceedingly beyond measure in themselves they were astonished.” It conveys: • Total shock, not mild surprise. • An inner bewilderment exposing unfinished spiritual understanding. What Their Astonishment Reveals 1. Limited Comprehension Despite First-Hand Miracles • They had just watched five loaves feed thousands, yet the connection between that miracle and this one did not register: “they had not understood about the loaves” (v.52). • Previous displays—calming a storm (Mark 4:39-41), raising Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:41-42)—still hadn’t produced settled confidence. 2. A Heart Issue, Not an Evidence Issue • Mark says their “hearts had been hardened” (v.52). Scripture uses this phrase for spiritual dullness, not lack of information (cf. Mark 8:17-19). • Hardness can affect believers; it describes temporary resistance, not permanent unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-13). 3. Faith Growing in Spurts, Not Straight Lines • Earlier they had confessed, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:41). • Now, months later, the same kind of miracle still bewilders them. Growth is real but uneven—step, stumble, advance. 4. Contrast between Sight and Insight • They “saw” (Mark 6:49-50) yet did not “perceive” (Mark 8:18). Scripture distinguishes physical sight from spiritual sight (Ephesians 1:18). • Their fear (v.50) indicates they interpreted circumstances through human limitation rather than divine identity. Markers of Their Developing Faith Journey • Curiosity → Fearful Awe Luke 5:8 shows Peter’s initial reaction: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” He’s drawn yet overwhelmed. • Witnessing → Wrestling John 2:11 notes that the Cana miracle “revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” That belief is genuine yet still maturing, as today’s passage shows. • Confession → Conviction After another storm incident the disciples worship, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). Their current astonishment paves the way for that stronger confession. • Hardness → Softening Jesus later challenges them: “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8:17). By Pentecost, the hardness is gone; they proclaim Him boldly (Acts 2:14-36). Takeaways on Spiritual Growth • Miracles alone don’t guarantee mature faith; they invite response. • Hardened moments don’t disqualify a believer but signal the need for deeper surrender. • Jesus remains patient—He climbs into their storm, calms it, then keeps teaching. • Astonishment can be the doorway to revelation when we let amazement turn into worship instead of fear. |
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