Mark gives us two of the most famous Jesus stories back to back: the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on water. And then he drops some hints that the stories are connected, but he does it in a quiet way that mirrors how Jesus’ identity and mission is slowly becoming clear to his disciples. They’re about to realize he’s come to be king and that this kingdom he keeps talking about is really his. In Mark 6.30-56 we get some clues about just what kind of king Jesus has come to be, and a challenge to all of his disciples about whether we’re ready to follow him.