There’s a small line in Mark 6 that’s easy to read past, but once you notice it, it changes how you see the whole moment. As the disciples struggle against the wind late at night, Jesus comes toward them, walking on the water—and the passage says He was about to pass by them. That single phrase invites us to slow down and ask what Jesus was really doing in the middle of the storm.
Jesus knew exactly where He was going
The disciples were exhausted, afraid, and straining at the oars, but Jesus wasn’t lost or uncertain. He knew the destination. If they hadn’t cried out, it seems He would have continued walking straight across the water toward the other side.
Jesus wasn’t rushing to fix the storm. He wasn’t panicked by their struggle. He was already moving with purpose, even while they were barely making progress.
It’s not Jesus following us — it’s us following Him
This moment quietly flips a common assumption. It isn’t Jesus’ role to walk with us wherever we decide to go. It’s our calling to walk with Him where He is already going.
The disciples were headed where Jesus told them to go, even though the journey was hard. When they cried out, Jesus responded immediately with compassion. He calmed their fear. He got into the boat. But the invitation came from them.
Faith isn’t asking Jesus to bless our direction. It’s choosing to align ourselves with His.
The cry that brings Him close
Jesus doesn’t force His way into the boat. He waits for the cry.
When the disciples called out, He reassured them: “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then He climbed into the boat, and the wind died down.
That tells us something important about the heart of Jesus. He is near. He is merciful. But He desires to be welcomed.
A willingness that opens the door
John’s account of this story adds another detail: the disciples were willing for Jesus to get into the boat.
That word matters. Willingness creates space.
Jesus doesn’t barge into our lives. He waits to be wanted. He allows us to keep paddling in our own strength until we’re ready to say, “We need You here.”
That willingness isn’t weakness. It’s worship.
Getting on board with where He’s going
This week, take a few quiet moments to pray honestly. Tell Jesus you’re willing for Him to be part of every area of your life—your family, your work, your decisions, your everyday routines.
And also pray this: Jesus, I want to get on board with where You’re going. I don’t want to miss what You’re doing. I don’t want You to pass me by.
Following Jesus isn’t about striving harder. It’s about staying close, crying out, and choosing to walk with Him wherever He leads.
