The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on January 6/7, “Walking on the Water” (Mark 6:45–52). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection. 

Outline

1. Revelation #1: What Jesus Did (vv. 45–48)
2. Response #1: Terrified (vv. 49–50)
3. Revelation #2: What Jesus Said (vv. 50–51)
4. Response #2: Astounded and Hardened (vv. 51–52)

Main Point: This miracle (like all the miracles in Mark) is not the point—it is a pointer. The miracles point beyond themselves to something greater: Seeing the identity of God incarnate—Jesus!

Main Implication: Astonishment falls far short of saving faith. Someone can be astonished at the miracle and miss the point of the miracle. Hardness of heart hinders people from seeing that Jesus is God. It takes another miracle to see beyond the miracle to the true identity of Jesus as God incarnate.

Discussion Questions

• What is the difference between reading the Bible religiously and reading it worshipfully?
• What is the significance of Mark mentioning that Jesus saw the disciples struggling?
• What is the significance of Jesus walking on the water with the intention to pass by the disciples? In other words, what was the point of the miracle?
• What is the significance of what Jesus said to the disciples in verse 50? Was he simply reassuring the disciples that he was not a ghost or was he saying much more?
• What is the ultimate reason why the disciples did not recognize the true and full identity of Jesus through the miracle in this story? (cf. v. 52)

Application Questions

• If the greatest danger to discipleship is unbelief, how are you planning to fight that danger in 2018?
• Reflect on your pursuit of seeing the glory of Christ in Scripture. What got in the way in 2017? How can you address those hurdles in 2018?

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace to see and savor the all-satisfying glory of Christ in Scripture in 2018 and to not fall prey to hardness of heart.