What can we learn from Jesus' intention to "pass by" the disciples? Setting the Scene Mark 6:48: “He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night He went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them.” “Pass By” in Scripture • Exodus 33:19, 22: The LORD promises Moses, “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you.” • 1 Kings 19:11: Elijah hears, “Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” • Job 9:11: Job laments, “When He passes me, I cannot see Him.” • Mark 6:48 and Luke 24:28 show Jesus using the same idea. Across these passages, “passing by” is the language of divine self-revelation. God draws near, displays His glory, yet waits for a response. Why Would Jesus “Pass By” His Friends? • To reveal His deity. Only God treads upon the waves (Job 9:8). By intending to pass, Jesus shows that the One walking on Galilee is the same LORD who passed before Moses and Elijah. • To invite recognition and faith. He is close enough to be seen, yet He will not impose Himself. The disciples must look up and respond. • To test and strengthen trust. Earlier that day they had seen the loaves multiplied; now they must learn that His power extends over chaos itself. • To demonstrate sovereign timing. He waits until the “fourth watch,” showing that delays are purposeful, never careless. What We Can Learn • His presence is assured, even when it feels delayed. Verse 48 says He “saw” them long before He stepped onto the water. • Divine encounters often begin with ordinary obedience. They were rowing where He told them to go (Mark 6:45). • Recognition leads to reassurance. The moment they cry out, He answers, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:50). • Faith grows through participation. Peter’s later request to walk on the water (Matthew 14:28-29) shows that seeing Jesus’ glory invites us to step into it. • Worship is the right response. “Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him” (Matthew 14:33). Seeing His majesty turns fear into adoration. Connecting to Our Lives • Storms are classrooms. Trials reveal what we truly believe about Jesus. • Look for Him in the dark watch of the night. He often chooses the moment we feel most exhausted to reveal His sufficiency. • Respond when He draws near. He may come softly, waiting for our invitation, just as on the Emmaus road He “acted as though He would go farther” (Luke 24:28). • Expect Scripture’s God to act consistently today. The One who “passed by” in Exodus, Kings, and Mark is unchanged (Hebrews 13:8). Summary Jesus’ intention to “pass by” the disciples isn’t aloofness; it is a deliberate unveiling of divine glory that calls for recognition, faith, and worship. The same Lord still draws near, often in the midst of storms, inviting us to see, believe, and experience His saving presence. |
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