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Commentary on Mark 6 verses 45–56
This passage of story we had Mat 14:22, etc., only what was there related concerning Peter, is omitted here. Here we have,
I. The dispersing of the assembly; Christ constrained his disciples to go before by ship to Bethsaida, intending to follow them, as they supposed, by land. The people were loth to scatter, so that it cost him some time and pains to send them away. For now that they had got a good supper, they were in no haste to leave him. But as long as we are here in this world, we have no continuing city, no not in communion with Christ. The everlasting feast is reserved for the future state.
II. Christ departed into a mountain, to pray. Observe, 1. He prayed; though he had so much preaching-work upon his hands, yet he was much in prayer; he prayed often, and prayed long, which is an encouragement to us to depend upon the intercession he is making for us at the right hand of the Father, that continual intercession. 2. He went alone, to pray; though he needed not to retire for the avoiding either of distraction or of ostentation, yet, to set us an example, and to encourage us in our secret addresses to God, he prayed alone, and, for want of a closet, went up into a mountain, to pray. A good man is never less alone than when alone with God.
III. The disciples were in distress at sea; The wind was contrary (Mar 6:48), so that they toiled in rowing, and could not get forward. This was a specimen of the hardships they were to expect, when hereafter he should send them abroad to preach the gospel; it would be like sending them to sea at this time with the wind in their teeth: they must expect to toil in rowing, they must work hard to strive against so strong a stream; they must likewise expect to be tossed with waves, to be persecuted by their enemies; and by exposing them now he intended to train them up for such difficulties, that they might learn to endure hardness. The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted we may have Christ for us, and yet wind and tide against us; but it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm, that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them.
IV. Christ made them a kind visit upon the water. He could have checked the winds, where he was, or have sent an angel to their relief; but he chose to help them in the most endearing manner possible, and therefore came to them himself.
1.He did not come till the fourth watch of the night, not till after three o'clock in the morning; but then he came. Note, If Christ's visits to his people be deferred long, yet at length he will come; and their extremity is his opportunity to appear for them so much the more seasonably. Though the salvation tarry, yet we must wait for it; at the end it shall speak, in the fourth watch of the night, and not lie.
2.He came, walking upon the waters. The sea was now tossed with waves, and yet Christ came, walking upon it; for though the floods lift up their voice, the Lord on high is mightier, Psa 93:3, Psa 93:4. No difficulties can obstruct Christ's gracious appearances for his people, when the set time is come. He will either find, or force, a way through the most tempestuous sea, for their deliverance, Psa 42:7, Psa 42:8,
3.He would have passed by them, that is, he set his face and steered his course, as if he would have gone further, and took no notice of them; this he did, to awaken them to call to him. Note, Providence, when it is acting designedly and directly for the succour of God's people, yet sometimes seems as if it were giving them the go-by, and regarded not their case. They thought that he would, but we may be sure that he would not, have passed by them.
4.They were frightened at the sight of him, supposing him to have been an apparition; They all saw him, and were troubled (Mar 6:50), thinking it had been some daemon, or evil genius, that haunted them, and raised this storm. We often perplex and frighten ourselves with phantasms, the creatures of our own fancy and imagination.
5.He encouraged them, and silenced their fears, by making himself known to them; he talked familiarly with them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid. Note, (1.) We know not Christ till he is pleased to reveal himself to us. "It is I; I your Master, I your friend, I your Redeemer and Saviour. It is I, that came to a troublesome earth, and now to a tempestuous sea, to look after you." (2.) The knowledge of Christ, as he is in himself, and near to us, is enough to make the disciples of Christ cheerful even in a storm, and no longer fearful. If it be so, why am I thus? If it is Christ that is with thee, be of good cheer, be not afraid. Our fears are soon satisfied, if our mistakes be but rectified, especially our mistakes concerning Christ. See Gen 21:19; Kg2 6:15-17. Christ's presence with us in a stormy day, is enough to make us of good cheer, though clouds and darkness be round about us. He said, It is I. He doth not tell them who he was (there was no occasion), they knew his voice, as the sheep know the voice of their own shepherd, Joh 10:4. How readily doth the spouse say, once and again, It is the voice of my beloved! Sol 2:8; Sol 5:2. He said, egō eimi - I am he; or I am; it is God's name, when he comes to deliver Israel, Exo 3:14. So it is Christ's, now that he comes to deliver his disciples. When Christ said to those that came to apprehend him by force, I am he, they were struck down by it, Joh 18:6. When he saith to those that come to apprehend him by faith, I am he, they are raised up by it, and comforted.
6.He went up to them into the ship, embarked in the same bottom with them, and so made them perfectly easy. Let them but have their Master with them, and all is well. And as soon as he was come into the ship, the wind ceased. In the former storm that they were in, it is said, He arose, and rebuked the winds, and said to the sea, Peace, be still (Mar 4:39); but here we read of no such formal command given, only the wind ceased all of a sudden. note, Our Lord Jesus will be sure to do his own work always effectually, though not always alike solemnly, and with observation. Though we hear not the command given, yet, if thus the wind cease, and we have the comfort of a calm, say, It is because Christ is in the ship, and his decree is gone forth or ever we are aware, Sol 6:12. When we come with Christ to heaven, the wind ceaseth presently; there are no storms in the upper region.
7.They were more surprised and astonished at this miracle than did become them, and there was that at the bottom of their astonishment, which was really culpable; They were sore amazed in themselves, were in a perfect ecstasy; as if it were a new and unaccountable thing, as if Christ had never done the like before, and they had no reason to expect he should do it now; they ought to admire the power of Christ, and to be confirmed hereby in their belief of his being the Son of God: but why all this confusion about it? It was because they considered not the miracle of the loaves; had they given that its due weight, they would not have been so much surprised at this; for his multiplying the bread was as great an instance of his power as his walking on the water. They were strangely stupid and unthinking, and their heart was hardened, or else they would not have thought it a thing incredible that Christ should command a calm. It is for want of a right understanding of Christ's former works, that we are transported at the thought of his present works, as if there never were the like before.
V. When they came to the land of Gennesaret, which lay between Bethsaida and Capernaum, the people bid them very welcome; The men of that place presently knew Jesus (Mar 6:54), and knew what mighty works he did wherever he came, what a universal Healer he was; they knew likewise that he used to stay but a little while at a place, and therefore they were concerned to improve the opportunity of this kind visit which he made them; They ran through that whole region round about, with all possible expedition, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, and not able to go themselves; there was no danger of their getting cold when they hoped to get a cure, Mar 6:55. Let him go where he would, he was crowded with patients - in towns, in the cities, in the villages about the cities; they laid the sick in the streets, to be in his way, and begged leave for them to touch if it were but the border of his garment, as the woman with the bloody issue did, by whom, it should seem, this method of application was first brought in; and as many as touched, were made whole. We do not find that they were desirous to be taught by him, only to be healed. If ministers could not cure people's bodily diseases, what multitudes would attend them! But it is sad to think how much more concerned the most of men are about their bodies than about their souls.
Or, in the gathering of the twelve baskets full of fragments, is signified the time, when they shall sit on thrones, judging all who are left of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the twelve tribes of Israel, when the remnant of Israel shall be saved.
And He says to them, Be of good cheer, it is I, because we shall see Him as He is. But the wind and the storm ceased when Jesus sat down, that is, reigned in the ship, which is the Catholic Church.
(v. Chrys. Hom. in Matt. 50) As soon then as they knew Him by His voice, their fear left them.
Thus I by my loquacious tongue
From the heaven of silence am led
Into perils unknown and dark.
Not as Peter, disciple true,
Confident in his virtue and faith,
I am as one whose unnumbered sins
Have shipwrecked on the rolling seas.…
How easily can I be shipwrecked,
One untaught in seafaring arts,
Unless you, almighty Christ,
Stretch forth your hand with help divine.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) He dismisses indeed the people with His blessing and with some cures. But He constrained His disciples, because they could not without pain separate themselves from Him, and that, not only on account of the very great affection which they had for Him, but also because they were at a loss how He would join them.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) This we must understand of Christ, in that He is man; He does it also to teach us to be constant in prayer.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Holy Scripture reckons four watches in the night, making each division three hours; wherefore by the fourth watch it means that which is after the ninth hour, that is, in the tenth or some following hour. There follows, And would have passed them.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Or else, the first watch means the time up to the deluge; the second, up to Moses; the third, up to the coming of the Lord; in the fourth the Lord came and spoke to His disciples.
(in Marc. 2, 27) But it is with reason that we wonder how Mark says, that after the miracle of the loaves the disciples crossed the sea of Bethsaida, when Luke relates that the miracle was done in the parts of Bethsaida, unless we understand that Luke means by the desert which is Bethsaida not the country immediately around the town, but the desert places belonging to it. (Luke 9:10.) But when Mark says that they should go before unto Bethsaida, the town itself is meant. It goes on: And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
(in Marc. 2, 28) Not every man, however, who prays goes up into a mountain, but he alone prays well, who seeks God in prayer. But he who prays for riches or worldly labour, or for the death of his enemy, sends up from the lowest depths his vile prayers to God. John says, When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force and make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (John 6:15) It goes on: And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
(ubi sup.) Buty Theodorus, who was Bishop of Phanara, wrote that the Lord had no bodily weight in His flesh, and walked on the sea without weight; but the Catholic faith declares that He had weight according to the flesh. For Dionysius says, We know not how without plunging in His feet, which had bodily weight and the gravity of matter, He could walk on the wet and unstable subtance.
(ubi sup.) The disciples indeed, who were still carnal, were amazed at the greatness of His virtue, they could not yet however recognise in Him the truth of the Divine Majesty. Wherefore it goes on, For their hearts were hardened. But mystically, the toil of the disciples in rowing, and the contrary wind, mark out the labours of the Holy Church, who amidst the beating waves of the world, and the blasts of unclean spirits, strives to reach the repose of her celestial country. And well is it said that the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on land, for sometimes the Church is afflicted by a pressure from the Gentiles so overwhelming, that her Redeemer seems to have entirely deserted her. But the Lord sees His own, toiling on the sea, for, lest they faint in tribulations, He strengthens them by the look of His love, and sometimes frees them by a visible assistance. Further, in the fourth watch He came to them as daylight approached, for when man lifts up his mind to the light of guidance from on high, the Lord will be with him, and the dangers of temptations will be laid asleep.
(ubi sup.) Often then does the love of heaven seem to have deserted the faithful in tribulation, so that it may be thought that Jesus wishes to pass by His disciples, as it were, toiling in the sea. And still do heretics suppose that the Lord was a phantom, and did not take upon Him real flesh from the Virgin1.
(ubi sup.) In whatsoever heart, also, He is present by the grace of His love, there soon all the strivings of vices, and of the adverse world, or of evil spirits, are kept under and put to rest.
And immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. The first aid to those trembling and in danger is to banish fear struck into their hearts. The second is to quench the fury of the storms with the power of His presence. Nor is it to be wondered at that, when the Lord ascended into the boat, the wind ceased. For in whatever heart God is present by the grace of His love, soon all the battles of vices, and the opposing world, or evil spirits, are repressed and calmed.
But when He had dismissed the crowd, He goes up to pray, for prayer requires rest and silence.
Now the Lord permitted His disciples to be in danger, that they might learn patience; wherefore He did not immediately come to their aid, but allowed them to remain in danger all night, that He might teach them to wait patiently, and not to hope at once for help in tribulations. For there follows, 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.
See again how Christ, though He was about to put an end to their dangers, puts them in greater fear. But He immediately reassured them by His voice, for it continues, And immediately he talked with them, and said unto them, It is I, be not afraid.
Then by entering into the ship, the Lord restrained the tempest. For it continues, And he went up unto them into the ship, and the wind ceased. Great indeed is the miracle of our Lord's walking on the sea, but the tempest and the contrary wind were there as well, to make the miracle greater. For the Apostles, not understanding from the miracle of the five loaves the power of Christ, now more fully knew it from the miracle of the sea. Wherefore it goes on, And they were sore amazed in themselves. For they understood not concerning the loaves.
(non occ.) The Lord indeed by the miracle of the loaves showed that He is the Creator of the world: but now by walking on the waves He proved that He had a body free from the weight of all sin, and by appeasing the winds and by calming the rage of the waves, He declared Himself to be the Master of the elements. Wherefore it is said, 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.
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SUMMARY
Mark 6:50 captures the disciples' terrified reaction to seeing Jesus walk on water during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, immediately after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Mistaking him for a ghost, their fear is palpable, but Jesus swiftly addresses their distress with a profound declaration of his identity—"It is I"—and a powerful command to dismiss their fears, bringing immediate calm and reassurance amidst their panic.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Mark employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. There is clear dramatic irony, as the disciples are terrified, believing they are seeing a ghost, while the reader knows it is Jesus, their Lord, walking on water. This contrast heightens the tension and underscores the disciples' limited understanding of Jesus' divine nature. Jesus' words themselves are delivered in the imperative mood ("Be of good cheer," "be not afraid"), reflecting his divine authority and power to command not only the elements but also the emotional states of his followers. The phrase "it is I" (Greek: Egō eimi) functions as a subtle yet potent allusion to the divine name "I AM" from the Old Testament, imbuing Jesus' simple identification with profound theological significance and a claim to deity. Finally, the entire scene serves as symbolism, with the storm representing the chaos and trials of life, and Jesus' presence and words symbolizing his sovereignty over all fear and his ability to bring peace to troubled hearts.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:50 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's presence and power amidst human fear and distress. Jesus' declaration "It is I" (Greek: Egō eimi) resonates deeply with the divine self-revelation of God to Moses as "I AM THAT I AM" in Exodus 3:14. This is more than a simple identification; it is a claim to divine authority and presence, signifying that the one who commands the storm and dispels fear is none other than God incarnate. This moment highlights Jesus' sovereignty over creation and his compassionate nature, demonstrating that he actively seeks out and calms his people in their deepest anxieties. The disciples' fear, though understandable, points to their need for greater faith and recognition of who Jesus truly is, a theme consistently developed throughout the Gospels.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 6:50 offers a timeless lesson for believers facing the storms of life. Like the disciples, we often find ourselves in situations that stir deep fear and anxiety—whether physical dangers, financial uncertainties, relational conflicts, or spiritual struggles. In such moments, our perception can be clouded, leading us to mistake the very source of our help for a threat. Jesus, however, is not distant; he sees our struggles, even when we feel alone and overwhelmed. His immediate response to the disciples' terror, marked by his authoritative and comforting words, reminds us that his presence is the ultimate antidote to fear. When we are troubled, the most profound reassurance comes from recognizing who Jesus is: the sovereign Lord who has power over all circumstances and who personally cares for us. His command, "Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid," is a call to shift our focus from the overwhelming circumstances to the all-sufficient person of Christ. Embracing this truth allows us to find peace and courage, knowing that the "I AM" is with us, capable of calming not only the external storms but also the internal turmoil of our hearts.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the disciples so troubled if they had just seen Jesus perform the miracle of feeding the five thousand?
Answer: The disciples' reaction highlights their ongoing struggle to fully comprehend Jesus' divine identity and power, despite witnessing numerous miracles. While they had seen him feed thousands, seeing him walk on water in the darkness of a storm was an entirely new and terrifying phenomenon. Their immediate assumption was that they were seeing a ghost (a common fear in that culture), not their master. This demonstrates that even those closest to Jesus needed repeated revelations and experiences to grasp the full scope of his supernatural authority and to overcome their deeply ingrained human fears and limited understanding. Their fear was a natural human response to the truly extraordinary and unexpected.
What is the significance of Jesus saying "It is I" (Egō eimi)?
Answer: The phrase "It is I" (Greek: Egō eimi) is highly significant. While it literally means "It is I" in response to "Who is there?", in the context of Jesus' actions and identity, it carries profound theological weight. It echoes the divine name "I AM" (Hebrew: Yahweh) revealed by God to Moses in Exodus 3:14. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus uses "Egō eimi" in absolute declarations (e.g., "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world"), signaling his divine nature. In Mark 6:50, it serves as more than mere identification; it is a subtle yet powerful declaration of his divine presence and authority, the very presence that has the inherent power to calm storms and dispel fear. It is Jesus asserting his true identity as the sovereign Lord.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:50, with Jesus' authoritative declaration "It is I; be not afraid," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, who is the embodiment of God's comforting and sovereign presence. The "I AM" who walks on water, demonstrating power over creation and fear, is the same Christ who would later conquer sin and death, the greatest sources of human terror. His command to "be of good cheer" is not a naive dismissal of danger but an invitation to find courage in his divine person, foreshadowing the peace he would ultimately offer. Jesus' calming presence in the boat prefigures his ultimate work as the one who brings true peace to troubled hearts, a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). He is the one who, through his death and resurrection, delivers us from the fear of death and the power of the devil (Hebrews 2:14-15). The temporary calm on the Sea of Galilee points to the eternal peace and security found in Christ, who declares, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). He is the ever-present Lord who promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age, ensuring that in him, we have nothing to fear.