6:45  And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

6:46  And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

6:47  And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

6:48  And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

Fourth watch – 3:00-6:00 am.  Jesus could have calmed the wind from a distance but He chose to help them in the most caring manner possible and came to them.  But He would have walked right on by if they had not “invited” Him onboard.  The Scripture points out that He steered His course as though He would have simply walked right on by and left them to work things out on their own and we can be fairly sure that He would have because He does not remain where He is not wanted.

Some wonder where God is when they suddenly recognize they need Him without recognizing the fact that they had been for a long time telling Him that they did not need Him.  We reap as we have sown.

6:49  But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

Ghost – A popular superstition held that the appearance of apparitions of this sort spelled disaster.  They were totally terrified!

6:50  For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

6:51  And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

6:52  For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Not that they were opposed to Him but they were slow learners.  After all, this was a lesser “miracle” than the feeding of the 5,000.  The feeding of the 5,000 had already demonstrated Jesus has power over the material world. The Holy One Called Isa – Pastor Ward Clinton