One of the most intriguing details in the Gospel of Mark is found in Mark 6:48:
“He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them.” (NLT)
Why would Jesus intend to pass by His struggling disciples? Was He ignoring them? Testing them? Or was something deeper happening?
This small phrase, “He intended to go past them,” is rich with meaning, revealing both the mystery of God’s ways and the assurance of His presence. Let’s explore what this means for our faith today.
1. God Sees Our Struggles, Even When We Don’t See Him
The disciples were battling the wind and waves, exhausted and afraid. Yet, long before they saw Jesus, He saw them. Verse 48 tells us that Jesus was fully aware of their struggle before He even approached them.
This reminds us that even when we feel alone in life’s storms, God sees us. He is never unaware of our pain, our confusion, or our exhaustion. Just because we don’t see Him immediately doesn’t mean He isn’t watching over us.
2. A Revelation of God’s Presence
In the Old Testament, the phrase “passing by” is often linked to divine revelation:
- Exodus 33:19-22 – God tells Moses, “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you.”
- 1 Kings 19:11-12 – God tells Elijah to stand on the mountain as “the Lord is about to pass by.”
Jesus walking on the water and intending to pass by mirrors these moments. He wasn’t trying to abandon them—He was revealing Himself as the great “I AM,” just as God revealed Himself to Moses and Elijah. This was a moment of divine revelation, showing His authority over nature and His identity as God in the flesh.
3. An Invitation to Call Upon Him
Interestingly, Jesus didn’t immediately stop the storm or jump into the boat. Instead, He waited until the disciples cried out (Mark 6:49-50). Then He reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Sometimes, God allows us to struggle—not to abandon us, but to invite us to recognize our need for Him. He wants us to call upon Him, to trust Him, and to realize that He is always near.
4. A Test of Faith and Understanding
After Jesus calmed the storm, Mark notes:
“For they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” (Mark 6:52)
The disciples had just witnessed the miracle of feeding the 5,000, yet they still struggled to grasp who Jesus truly was. Sometimes, we, too, experience God’s provision and power but still doubt in the next storm.
Jesus “passing by” wasn’t a sign of neglect—it was a moment to stretch their faith and open their eyes to His divine presence.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
- If you feel like God is passing you by, take heart—He sees you, He knows your struggle, and He is inviting you to trust Him.
- If you are rowing hard against life’s storms, don’t give up. Jesus is nearer than you think.
- If you feel like God is waiting for you to call upon Him, don’t hesitate—cry out to Him in faith.
- If you are struggling to understand His ways, remember that He is always revealing Himself, even in ways you might not expect.
Jesus does not truly pass us by—He comes near so we can recognize Him and invite Him into our situation. May we open our eyes and hearts to see Him, even in the midst of life’s storms.
Final Thought
Where in your life do you feel like Jesus is “passing by”? Could it be that He is actually inviting you into a deeper revelation of His presence? Call out to Him today—He is closer than you think.
