What makes you scream like a little girl? Seeing a ghost? Facing a terrifying storm? Or something more routine like finding a mouse? Mark tells us the disciples screamed when they saw Jesus walking on the water. Where was their trust and why were their hearts hardened?
Mark 6:30-56,1:35
Matthew 6:6
John 20:29
We do not obey God properly and substantially unless we simply follow whatever He commands even though it conflicts with our ideas. God always has the best reason for His purpose, but He often hides it from us for a time so that we may learn not to be wise in ourselves but to depend entirely on His will. John Calvin
Now by going up the mountain He was seeking the possibility of praying free from all interruption. We know how easily warmth in prayer can be quenched or at least cooled by the least distractions. He wished to warn us by His example to be careful to use all the helps that will disengage our minds from the snares of the world, so that we may be carried up to heaven. The most important thing is solitude. Those who set themselves to pray with God as their only witness will be more watchful, will pour forth their hear into His bosom, will examine themselves more carefully, and, knowing that they have to do with God, will rise above themselves. John Calvin
Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children: - Why did Jesus spend so much time in prayer?
- Why did He often get alone to pray?
- Why are the disciples described as having hard hearts?
- How should they have responded?
- In what ways do we respond to circumstances in life with hard hearts?
- How can we do it differently?
Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA
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