The Gospel of Mark (Part 20)

Date: 14 September 2025

Speaker: Justus Swart

In Mark 6:45-56. Jesus sends His disciples ahead by boat while He withdraws to pray, removing them from a crowd that wanted to make Him king by force. Later, during the fourth watch of the night, the disciples struggle against the wind and see Jesus walking on the water. Terrified, they mistake Him for a ghost until He speaks, “Take courage! It is I,” and calms the storm as He enters the boat. This scene echoes Old Testament “God passing by” moments, showing Christ’s majesty over creation and His nearness to His people.

Mark highlights that storms and delays are not accidents but invitations to deeper trust. Jesus may allow trials that unsettle our comfort to strengthen our character, yet He draws near when we call. The story closes with Jesus healing crowds at Gennesaret, reminding us that the One who walks on water also touches the sick and calls us to a faith anchored in both His glory and His closeness.