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Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 81

1 Peter 3:8b "Love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous."

Day 81 – Mark 4

“Love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” 1 Peter 3:8b

TEACHING BY THE SEA

Mark noted a number of times that Jesus ministered by the Sea of Galilee. The references are as follows:

1. Calling of the first few disciples

This took place by the Sea of Galilee. Peter and Andrew, James and John were fishermen and it was by the Sea that they were invited to become disciples of Jesus.

“And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee,
He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting
a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.”
MARK 1:16 (CF. MARK 1:19-20)

2. After the clash with the scribes in a local synagogue

Jesus left the city and went to the Sea of Galilee to minister there.

“But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea.
And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him,
and from Judea.”
MARK 3:7

3. After another unpleasant encounter with the scribes from Jerusalem

Once again, Jesus stepped away from the crowds and withdrew to the Sea of Galilee.

“And again He began to teach by the sea.
And a great multitude was gathered to Him,
so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea.”
MARK 4:1

POSSIBLE REASONS WHY JESUS MINISTERED ALONG THE SEA OF GALILEE

1. The Seashore afforded much more space

On every occasion Jesus was mentioned ministering by the Sea of Galilee, we also read about “multitudes” thronging Him. There is no question about the fact that no city had the same wide expanse of land to take in the great multitudes. Much space was needed for the good name of Jesus had spread far and wide!

2. A refreshing atmosphere compared to the cities

There is absolutely nothing wrong in Jesus liking the seashore of Galilee rather than the cities. The following are things which attract many:-

a) Jesus might have found that the air was fresh and invigorating near the Seashore.
b) Returning to the Sea of Galilee would certainly be a welcome idea for a good number of the disciples. They were mostly natives of the Galilean region. Any return would be so refreshing for them.