(a) Describe the miracle of "walking on the sea", according to Mark. (b) In what two ways is this miracle significant?

Answer Details

(a) The miracle of "walking on the sea" according to Mark (Mark 6:45-52)

• Immediately after feeding the five thousand, Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd.
• After taking leave of them, Jesus went up on the mountain to pray.
• When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and Jesus was alone on the land.
• He saw that the disciples were distressed in rowing, for the wind was against them.
• About the fourth watch of the night (between 3 and 6 a.m.), Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them.
• When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, for they all saw Him and were terrified.
• Immediately Jesus spoke to them: "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."
• He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased.
• The disciples were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, because their hearts were hardened.

(b) Two ways this miracle is significant

1. It reveals the divine nature and lordship of Jesus: Walking on the sea and calming the wind shows that Jesus has mastery over the forces of nature, a power that belongs to God alone, confirming His identity as the Son of God.
2. It teaches faith and reassurance in the midst of trouble: Jesus' words, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear," show that He is present with His followers in their difficulties and delivers them from danger; believers should therefore trust Him rather than give in to fear.