{This work of fiction is based on the framework of Scripture found in
Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, and Luke 8:22-25}
The sun was setting, and the crowd was hungry. Jesus’s voice was growing hoarse, and Andrew could tell he was tired.
For Jesus, it had been a long day of teaching. For the disciples it had been a long day of managing the crowds. Today, as they pressed in on him, Jesus had again climbed into their boat, and Andrew and Peter had waded into the sea of Galilee to push it out just a bit. They dropped an anchor to keep him far enough away from being crushed, and near enough to be heard.
And for the better part of the day, Jesus taught them with stories–seeds in different soils, a tiny seed sprouting large–and all of it pointing to the Kingdom Jesus would establish.
Soon, Andrew hoped.
Jesus concluded and with a raspy prayer, dismissed the crowd, and whispered to the disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the sea.” Andrew knew he meant to preach over there also. At least there would be the evening to rest.
At dusk, the gathering point of the shoreline became the parting point. The crowds to their homes, the boats to their night’s work of fishing.
Peter, Andrew and several other disciples took Jesus in the boat, while James and John and the rest followed in theirs.
They pulled up the anchor, shoved out toward deeper water, and heaved themselves aboard.
The oars sliced through the water, creating a relaxing rhythm. Jesus took a long drink from a skin of water then stretched out across the leather bench at the back of the boat and closed his eyes.
As Andrew rowed, he stared into the grey horizon of the sea with images of Jesus’s stories mingling in his mind. Lamp and yeast, pearl and treasure, seeds and plants.
Andrew was eager to learn, but so slow to understand. When would Jesus finally bring the kingdom? That’s what they all were really dying to know. How much longer until you show them who you really are? Andrew had wondered. How long?
The day had been warm, but the damp night air rolled in over the hills down into the basin that was the sea of Gallilee. The water wrinkled. Andrew heard deep breathing coming from the back of the boat. Tucked under the curvature of the stern, Jesus had fallen asleep.
As if on cue, a breeze rushed toward the lamp hanging from the mast and extinguished its flame.
***************
The disciples and the crowd were fat and happy having feasted on Jesus’s teaching all day long. They were hearing and learning, but rarely understanding. Though he spoke to the crowds in stories, his disciples often got the direct application straight from Jesus when they were alone with him.
Even after hearing him teach for days on end, listening to explanations, and helping in ministry, they still didn’t understand the magnitude of who he was.
Sound familiar?
We can read, listen, learn and serve, but until we are transformed by the magnitude of who Christ is, it will remain academic.
And such a wealth of head knowledge can only be forged into strong faith, by following Jesus into the roiling waves of a place we wouldn’t normally choose to go.
[…] {Part 1, Part 2} […]