Spot the Difference

Mark 6:45-56

Shortly before dawn, he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.—Mark 6:48-50

I’m sure you’re familiar with “Spot the Difference” puzzles. You’re given two images that at first glance look exactly the same. But the longer you look, the more you realize small details are out of place. A person’s socks are a different color. The tree in the background has one less branch. And so on.

When you have stories like today’s—where Jesus came to the disciples walking upon the water—it helps to compare with the other times this story appears in the Gospels. (Matthew 16 & John 6). At first blush, the stories seem identical. In all cases, Jesus sent the disciples ahead of him so he could remain by himself in prayer. In all cases, a storm arose, and the “wind was against” the disciples. In all three stories, the disciples mistook Jesus for a ghost. And in all three instances, Jesus told them: “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

But there’s an interesting detail that only appears in Mark’s gospel. It’s a small detail, and it feels out of place, almost like it doesn’t fit the story. Mark tells us that Jesus wasn’t walking to the disciples, but rather was walking beside them. Specifically, Mark says: “He (Jesus) was about to pass them by…” (v. 49). If the disciples were struggling against the wind, why was Jesus “passing them by”?

The answer comes from an Old Testament story. While up on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments (a second time), Moses made the bold request to see God’s face. God explained to him, You cannot see my face and live. But God agreed to hide Moses in the cleft of a rock and to cause his glory to “pass him by.” (Ex 33:12-19) As God’s glory passed him, Moses heard a voice crying out: “Yahweh, Yahweh, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Ex 34:6)

The people of Israel were about to set out into the wilderness and journey to a land that none of them had seen before. Moses’ chief concern on the mountain was making sure that God accompanied them on that journey. We can imagine how, in the coming years of leading his people, this memory of seeing God’s glory and knowing God’s character would be a source of comfort and strength for Moses.

And so it was for the disciples. Many tests and challenges awaited them ahead. Jesus’ conflict with the religious leaders would only intensify, leading ultimately to his crucifixion. But Jesus wanted them to remember his authority over the forces of chaos. He caused his goodness to “pass them by,” so that they would remember he was always walking beside them, no matter where their path would lead.

Thank you, Lord, for those moments when Your goodness has “passed me by,” when I have gotten a glimpse of Your power and compassion and care for me. Sustain me with the memory of these moments, so that I can face whatever trials and challenges lie ahead. Amen.