Gospel of Mark Bible Part 35: Jesus Walks on Water [Bible Study]

Rev. Bruce A. Shields
Sep 24
3 min read

Bible Studies based on sermons from The House of Faith Church by Rev. Bruce A. Shields

Scripture Focus: Mark 6:45–52 “And immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the crowd away. 46 And after bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray. 47 And when it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. 48 And 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 was intending to pass by them. 49 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 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.” 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly amazed, 52 for they had not gained any insight about the loaves, but their heart was hardened.”

Opening Question

Have you ever felt like you were rowing hard against the storms of life—exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering where Jesus was in the middle of it?

Background

This event takes place right after Jesus feeds the five thousand. The disciples, weary from ministry, wanted rest, but the crowds followed. Jesus, full of compassion, taught and fed them, while His disciples grew frustrated. After this miracle, Jesus sent His disciples ahead in the boat, dismissed the crowd, and went alone to pray on the mountain. As the disciples struggled against wind and waves in the middle of the night, Jesus came to them—walking on the water.

I. Prayer During the Storms

Jesus made prayer a priority, even when He was weary (Mark 6:46).
While the disciples strained at the oars, Jesus was on the mountain interceding—just as He now intercedes for us in heaven (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34).
If the Son of God needed to pray, how much more do we need to devote ourselves to prayer (Colossians 4:2)?
Imagine: Jesus praying on the mountain while His disciples struggle in the storm. Today, He is praying in heaven while we labor through the trials of life.

II. Peace in the Presence of Jesus (Salvation)

The disciples saw Jesus and were terrified, but He immediately comforted them: “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).
Jesus’ presence brought peace—the winds ceased when He entered the boat.
In the same way, salvation brings us peace: “And it will be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).
His first coming brings peace to our hearts now; His second coming will bring ultimate peace when He makes all things new (2 Peter 3:10–13).

III. Power in Jesus’ Return

This miracle foreshadows Christ’s present ministry and future return.
As the Bible Believer’s Commentary notes, Jesus on the mountain represents Christ interceding in heaven, the disciples represent the church struggling through storms, and Jesus’ return to the boat represents His second coming to deliver His people.
One day He will guide us safe to the heavenly shore (John 14:3, Revelation 21:1–4).

Application

When storms come, remember Jesus is praying for you.
When fear rises, call on His name—He is near, waiting to bring peace.
When the struggle feels endless, look to His promised return and take courage.
The real question: are you in the “boat” with Him, rowing in service to the Lord?

Discussion Questions

Why do you think Jesus went away to pray instead of immediately going with His disciples?
How does knowing Jesus is interceding for you in heaven change how you view life’s storms?
The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first and thought He was a ghost. What keeps us today from recognizing Christ’s presence in our trials?
What does this story teach us about fear, faith, and worship?
How does this miracle give you hope about Christ’s second coming?