The Other Boats

Will you head back to the safety of the shore like the other boats did, or will you count on Jesus to get you through the storm?

“When evening came, He said to them, ‘Let’s go over to the other side.’ After dismissing the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.”—Mark 4:35–36 NASB

After a time of intense ministry, Jesus and His disciples sailed for the other side of the lake. They were not alone, for “other boats were with Him.” But when Jesus and the disciples arrived on the other side, the other boats were no longer with them. What happened? We certainly can imagine.

The boat carrying Jesus and the disciples had been caught up in a storm so violent that even seasoned fishermen feared for their lives. Perhaps the “other boats” had turned back, unwilling to face the storm, unwilling to risk all to follow Jesus.

We might think of this storm as a test. Were the people in the other boats committed to follow Him anywhere … to trust Him even during trials and troubles? Apparently not.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He encountered many people who followed Him for a time, wanting to see miracles and curious about His teachings. But over time, they fell away. When Jesus shared the high cost of being His disciple, many “left, and would no longer walk with Him” (John 6:66).

Even today, many people claim to be Christians and say they believe in Jesus. But what happens when they go through storms or experience trouble? You guessed it—many are not willing to follow Him when the going gets tough.

Make a radical commitment to follow Jesus. Don’t hold back. Commit everything to stay with Him.

Reflection Question: What is the cost Jesus is asking you to pay as a disciple?