Toiling in Rowing
Mark 6:45-51
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before to Bethsaida…


I. THE EFFECT OF RAPID TRANSITIONS IN OUTWARD CIRCUMSTANCES UPON INTERNAL RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE. That had been a great day to these disciples. Their enthusiasm had been aroused by the magnificent miracle. But out here on the water they had no cheering alleviation of their work. Wet to the skin by the spray, cut to the bone by the wind, we cannot wonder that they speedily became fatigued and disgusted.

II. THE CLOSE AND SOMEWHAT HUMILIATING CONNECTION BETWEEN WISTFUL SOULS AND WEARY BODIES which always has to be recognized. Our most heavy seasons of despondency are often brought about by mere physical illness, or unusual prostration from our work.

III. THAT MERE FRAMES OF DESOLATE FEELING GIVE BY NO MEANS A RELEASE FROM THE PRESSURE OF DILIGENT DUTY. They could not let the boat drift. They had to use all their skill.

IV. JESUS CHRIST, EVEN IN DARKNESS, KNOWS WHO HAVE NEED OF HIM.

V. THAT JESUS CHRIST SOMETIMES DELAYS HIS COMING TO BELIEVERS TILL HE IS SURE OF A WELCOME.

(C. S. Robinson, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: 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.

WEB: Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away.




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