The Audience Mark Is Writing To
Mark’s Roman audience would connect with stories of authority and power. One example of this is the story where Jesus walks on water. This moment affirms that Jesus isn’t just a miracle worker—He commands nature, reveals divine authority, and meets His followers in their storms.
Key Focus of the Passage and Jesus’ Character
The passage highlights Jesus’ authority over chaos and His desire to strengthen faith. He doesn’t remove the storm immediately but walks into it to meet His disciples.
📖 Scripture: Mark 6:45–52 (NASB)
And immediately Jesus had His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He Himself dismissed the crowd. And after saying goodbye to them, He left for the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. Seeing them straining at the oars—for the wind was against them—at about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and they cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
The People Jesus Interacted With
Jesus appears to His disciples, who are exhausted and afraid in the middle of the night. He meets them at their point of struggle.
What Happened in the Scene
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends the disciples ahead while He prays. A storm arises, and as they struggle, Jesus comes walking on the water. He reassures them, enters the boat, and the wind ceases.
Mood and Tone
The mood is tense, fearful, and then calming. The disciples go from struggling and scared to astonished and silenced in awe.
What Jesus Said
“Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.”
These words anchor the entire scene. Jesus brings presence before peace. He doesn’t calm the storm first—He shows up in it.
The Response of the Others
- The disciples are terrified—they think He’s a ghost.
- Once Jesus enters the boat, their fear gives way to wonder, though their understanding remains incomplete.
The Lesson for Us in 2026
- Jesus Sees You in the Storm – Even when it feels like He’s far off, He’s watching—and ready to meet you.
- His Presence Brings Courage – Peace isn’t always the absence of storms. Sometimes, it’s knowing who is with you.
- Faith Grows in Struggle – Jesus used the storm to deepen the disciples’ faith. He’ll use your storms too.
Jesus didn’t avoid the storm—He entered it. He doesn’t avoid your pain either. He walks straight into it with power and compassion.
