The life of faith requires great courage. It is challenging as it frequently goes against our culture, and it is in conflict with the temptations of the flesh. As we face the struggles of fear and doubt we realize the challenge. The life of faith is a struggle against the spiritual powers of darkness.The life of faith finds its strength in knowing the presence of Christ, hearing and obeying his Word , and following Christ’s example. The gospels demonstrate that Jesus is with us, that he teaches us, and we need to follow His example — and that will require courageous faith.In Mark 6:30, the disciples excitedly tell Jesus about their experiences on the limited commission. Their joyful recounting is interrupted because many others want to see the Savior. They haven’t had time to eat or rest. So in verse 31, Jesus invites them “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they got into a boat to go to some solitary place.Now they must have gone to a place where Jesus went for quiet times, but the crowd knew where Jesus liked to go. When they arrived there was a large crowd waiting for them. Two events that are about to happen will teach the disciples—and us—that the life of faith finds its strength in knowing that Christ is near, and in following His example.When Jesus landed He saw the large crowd He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things (Mark 6: 6:34-44). But the disciples failed to have compassion (vs 35-38).After teaching all day time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. They noted that this was a remote place, the people were hungry, so Jesus needed to send them away. Then Jesus told them to “give them something to eat.” But they objected saying they didn’t have that much money to buy that much food. Jesus asked them how much they had, and after looking around, they came up with five loaves of bread and two fish.It is easy to understand the perspective of the disciples. They were exhausted from their trip, and they were hungry. The crowd had interrupted their time with Jesus. Then they didn’t have the resources to do anything about the hunger of the people.The disciples were focused on themselves.
