David Bahn – Reflections

Mark 6:53-56

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. ⁵⁴ And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized [Jesus] ⁵⁵ and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. ⁵⁶ And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Mr. Tietz was the principal many years ago at Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His presence in the school lunchroom had a remarkable impact. As the children were eating and carrying on as children will do, Mr. Tietz would stand up and begin to speak. He would not raise his voice. He would not ring a bell or do anything other than stand up and begin to speak in a voice very little louder than a one-on-one conversation. Within seconds the entire cafeteria-full of children and teachers and visitors would be silent. It was stunning. If one would speak out or misbehave a simple word would correct – and all of this in a spirit of gentleness and kindness. He was a remarkable principal. Indeed when I happened to see him him a few weeks ago at a church conference, I discovered that he is still a principal, still kind and gentlemanly, and still commanding respect in his school.

I doubt that people bring their sick to him, or try to touch the fringe of his jacket as he passes by in the hall. But his presence had an impact. I think of Jesus’ impact in much the same way. People might invoke the name of Mr. Tietz with some degree of success, but there’s nothing like his actual presence. So too with Jesus: when he is present things change. Waves and storms are stilled. Waters of the sea become a walking path. Garments he wears become healing balm. People sought him out for healing help.

I’m not certain I understand fully the significance of Jesus’ promise to be in the midst of two or three who gather in his name. I don’t fully comprehend the power that Jesus has to heal and free people today by his presence mediated through his word and name among those gathered. But it is clear to me that when Jesus walked the earth in the flesh remarkable things happened. His physical presence had extraordinary impact. That he would bequeath to us even a portion of that power and impact under the authority of his name is a remarkable valuable gift.

Mark 6:45-56

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶ And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. ⁴⁷ And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. ⁴⁸ And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, ⁵⁰ for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” ⁵¹ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, ⁵² for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

⁵³ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. ⁵⁴ And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him ⁵⁵ and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. ⁵⁶ And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.