4).īy faith, Jesus gives us courage (inner boldness and confidence) during our trials. For the believer, bold courage is infused by the Lord and means 'living out the inner confidence (inner bolstering) that is Spirit-produced' ( Ref. The Greek word for courage is tharseó, which means emboldened from within ( Ref. Jesus said to them, and he says to us in our trial, ' Take courage it is I, do not be afraid' ( Mark 6:50). They thought he was a ghost, and they were frightened ( Mark 6:49-50). The disciples saw Jesus approaching, but did not recognize him at first.
Jesus took the initiative and came to his disciples during their tormenting trial at sea ( Mark 6:48). The Greek word for straining is basanizó, which means a tormenting trial, to examine by using torture ( Ref. The New American Standard Bible says the disciples were straining at the oars for the wind was against them. In Mark 6:48 the Greek language uses a serious word to describe the disciple's situation. Recall the event when Jesus walked on the water of Lake Galilee late at night to come to his disciples who were struggling with rowing against the wind (read here, Mark 6:45-52).