Be Watchful, Jesus is Passing By
“He was about to pass by them.”
I read an article by a former Anglican priest, Paul Ian Clarke, entitled “The Strangest Detail in Jesus Walking on Water Changes Everything.” Clarke pointed out that in Mark 6:48, when Jesus walked on the water, it said, “He was about to pass by them.” Why in the world would Jesus go out to the middle of the sea, up to the boat, and then “pass them by.” Previously, I didn't give the sentence much thought, so I dove into my commentaries and did my own research.
The New Interpreter’s Bible commentary volume 8 states that Jesus “passing by” echoes Exodus 33:19, where Moses asked to see God’s glory. God replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The Lord.’” The New Interpreter’s Bible describes “passing by” as “the formula of divine self-revelation.” The commentary continues, “Jesus has God’s power to rescue the faithful from the raging waters of the sea.”
Next, the story grows even stranger. Just before climbing into the boat, Jesus said to them, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Then, Mark’s gospel declares, “Their [the apostles] hearts were hardened.” Matthew’s gospel adds to Mark’s story. In Matthew 14:22ff, Jesus calls Peter into the water, and when he begins to sink, Jesus chastises him, saying, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” In both Mark and Matthew, the story suggests that, like Moses, the apostles should have recognized God in Jesus’ action and been empowered to trust God even more.
What we should take from Jesus “passing by” the boat is that each of us is called to look for moments when God “passes by” us. We are our Triune God’s disciples, and in our moments of fear or despair, God will find a way to “pass by” and give us strength and hope. Our task is to keep looking for God to pass by, especially when it hurts most. Also, while you look, reflect on times when you felt God “passing by.” Never give up on God. In your moments of struggle, God does “pass by” and guides you through. Your task is to keep looking for God and trusting God to keep helping you each day.
