Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Mark 6:47
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
47. in the midst of the sea ] With all their efforts and the toil of the entire night they had not in consequence of contrary winds (Joh 6:18) accomplished more than five and twenty or thirty furlongs, i. e. scarcely more than half of their way, the Lake being forty or forty-five furlongs in breadth, when one of the sudden storms, to which the Lake is subject, rushed down from the western mountains. See above, Mar 4:37.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 47. The ship was in the midst of the sea] See all the parts of this wonderful transaction considered, on Mt 14:22-33.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
See Poole on “Mat 14:24“, and following verses to Mat 14:33. By the sea here is meant the lake of Gennesaret.
The fourth watch of the night was after four in the morning. The foregoing part of the night our Saviour had spent alone upon the mountain in prayer.
They were sore amazed in themselves, and wondered. For they considered not, &c. Had they diligently considered by what power five loaves and two fishes were multiplied to a quantity to feed five thousand men, besides women and children, they would not have been amazed, either at the sight of Christ safely walking upon the water, or at the wind ceasing when he came into the ship; but these things had not made that due impression upon their hearts which they ought to have done. The time was not yet come when Christ would have his Divine nature fully revealed to them, and till he opened their eyes, and wrought in their hearts a full persuasion of that, it was not in their power so to apprehend it, as to give a full assent to it, and to act accordingly. This is that which is here called hardness or blindness of heart.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
47. And when even was comethelater evening (see on Mr 6:35).It had come even when the disciples embarked (Mat 14:23;Joh 6:16).
the ship was in the midst ofthe sea, and he alone on the landJohn says (Joh6:17), “It was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.”Perhaps they made no great effort to push across at first, having alingering hope that their Master would yet join them, and so allowedthe darkness to come on. “And the sea arose” (adds thebeloved disciple, Joh 6:18),”by reason of a great wind that blew.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And when even was come,…. The second evening, and it was properly night:
the ship was in the midst of the sea; of Galilee, about twenty five or thirty furlongs from the shore; see Joh 6:19;
and he alone on the land; upon the mountain. This is observed, partly to show what distress the disciples were in, in the midst of the sea, having a hard gale of wind, and their master not with them; and partly to show that there was no way, humanly speaking, of Christ’s getting to the ship, in order to go over; and is an illustration of the following miracle, of walking so many furlongs, as he must, upon the water, in a stormy, blustering night, to get to it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
When even was come ( ). The second or late evening, six P.M. at this season, or sunset on.
He alone on the land ( ). Another Markan touch. Jesus had come down out of the mountain where he had prayed to the Father. He is by the sea again in the late twilight. Apparently Jesus remained quite a while, some hours, on the beach. “It was now dark and Jesus had not yet come to them” (Joh 6:17).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And when even was come,” (kai opsias genomenes) “And when evening came on,” between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. John says it was now dark, Joh 6:17.
2) “The ship was in the midst of the sea,” (en to ploion en meso tes thalasses) “The ship was in the midst of the sea,” on the way to Bethsaida, amidst boisterous waves, high winds, Mat 14:24; Luk 9:16.
3) “And He alone on the land.” (kai autos monos epi tes ges) “And He (was) alone upon the land,” off the Western shore of the Sea of Galilee, where He had been praying, communing with His Father and theirs, Mar 6:46.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
‘And when evening was come the boat was well out at sea and he alone on the land, and seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night he comes to them walking on the sea. And he would have passed by them.’
Night drew in as the disciples were at sea. The lake was choppy and they were heading into a strong wind, and they were finding the going extremely difficult. As they pulled at the oars and seemed to make little headway they were becoming exhausted. They were no doubt wishing that they were back on land, and would have been wondering what Jesus was doing.
We are not told at what time Jesus ‘saw’ them. It was possibly from the mountain before nightfall set in, so that, knowing the weather and their situation, He knew that their voyage would take some considerable time. Or it may have been by bright moonlight, looking across the lake. But we may assume that He spent some time in prayer, and then came down from the mountain and began His walk across the sea. Praying, making His way down the mountain at night, reaching the shore and then walking across to where they were (the waves were rough and the wind was against Him too) would also take some considerable time, and by the time He reached the spot where they were it was ‘about the fourth watch of the night’ (following the Roman system, the Jews split the night into four watches), nearly three or just after three in the morning. Thus they had been at sea nearly eight or nine hours. The adverse wind was so strong that they had made little progress.
‘And He would have passed by them.’ This was how it appeared to them and indeed was His intention if they had had sufficient faith. Mark wants us to recognise that without a boat Jesus could easily have reached the destination before them, wind or no wind. It is a reminder that there are no contrary winds to God. Passing by them may not have been His final purpose. They were not in danger, just exhausted, and He had compassion on their exhaustion. But it is clear that He had an important lesson to teach them about His power over the sea, (whose idiosyncrasies they knew), and therefore over nature. He knew that it was about time that they woke up to Who and What He was, so that they recognised His ability to be with them and keep them under all circumstances. The multiplying of the bread should have made that clear, but He knew that it had not, and now He was enforcing the lesson. And perhaps He wanted to test their faith and fortitude.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Jesus walking on the sea:
v. 47. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land.
v. 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.
v. 49. But when they saw Him walking upon the sea; they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out;
v. 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.
v. 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.
v. 52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves; for their heart was hardened. In the late afternoon the disciples had left the eastern shore, and when night came on, they had not yet crossed the lake, for they were obliged to battle with contrary winds. And He alone was on the land. He knew their plight; He was with them every inch of the way; but He did nothing to help them. It is often good for the believers to be buffeted by adverse winds of life. It is only by overcoming difficulties and by conquering in the hard places that Christian character is formed. Until the fourth watch of the night, according to Roman reckoning, between three o’clock in the morning and sunrise, He prayed, although the eye of His omniscience and the reassurance of His omnipresence was with them during all these hours. But now He came walking on the water as man otherwise steps along on dry land, He, the Master of all creation, that can make all things serve His will. He was about to pass by the boat, when the disciples saw Him. And then ensued a time of panic. Superstition, the fear of ghosts and specters, was still living in their hearts. And so the unwonted appearance of a human figure striding along over the waves set them to crying and wondering and fearing. But His voice stayed the panic and slowly brought confidence into their hearts. He then climbed over the side of the boat into their midst, whereupon the wind immediately stopped. The effect of this double miracle on the disciples, wrought up as they had been by their fear, was such as to bring them almost out of their senses for astonishment. For, as the evangelist here confesses, doubtless at the suggestion of Peter, the miracle of the loaves had not been understood by them, it had not entered into their hearts, its meaning had escaped them, and their hearts were still far from being in a condition to accept, at their right value, the miracles of the Lord. In like manner, the great deeds of the Lord which pass review before us in Scriptures often do not make the impression upon our hearts that they should; but the Savior has much patience with us, renewing and repeating His teaching until we understand.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
(47) And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. (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. (49) But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: (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. (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. (52) For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
In addition to what was observed on this display of CHRIST’s power, on the parallel passage, Mat 14:24 , etc. I would just beg to re mark, what unceasing demonstrations the LORD gave of his GODHEAD. It should seem to have been done with a view to put to the blush the Infidel of after ages, as well as to comfort, and give confidence to his poor and humble believing Ones. Did the LORD JESUS make this pro vision for the present day of infidelity? (I only ask the question.) As the LORD could not but know the perilous times which in the last days should come, when men, calling themselves Christians, would nevertheless deny the LORD which bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction; did He mercifully furnish such testimonies of his GODHEAD, in the days of his flesh, as might afford peculiar strength to the faith of his people in the day of his power? Indeed, indeed, I cannot but think there was much of CHRIST’s intention, in the numberless proofs we so continually meet with, in those records of our LORD. And, I am the more inclined to this judgment, because we are told, that the disciples then, when at the time JESUS displayed such wonderful acts, were sore amazed, and wondered; their heart; as it is said, being hardened: that is, I apprehend, they did not, for surely they could not for a moment doubt CHRIST’s GODHEAD; but they stood amazed, like men overwhelmed with what they saw and heard; not knowing, as when in the Mount of Transfiguration, what to say. See Mat 17:1 , etc. See also my note on Mat 28:17 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
Ver. 47. See Trapp on “ Mat 14:23 “ See Trapp on “ Joh 6:18 “ See Trapp on “ Joh 6:19 “
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mar 6:47-52
47When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. 48Seeing 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 intended to pass by them. 49But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50for 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.” 51Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.
Mar 6:48 “Seeing them” It is uncertain whether this was (1) physical sight or (2) supernatural knowledge.
“straining at the oars” This comes from Greek into English as “torture.” It was hard rowing against the wind.
“about the fourth watch of the night” In Roman time this would be 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
“He came to them, walking on the sea” This was another nature miracle of Jesus for the purpose of strengthening the disciples’ faith. They witnessed His power and authority in many different ways. But they still did not understand; they were still afraid (cf. Mar 6:49-50) and amazed (cf. Mar 6:51).
It is possible that this miracle was meant to fulfill Job 9:8; Job 38:16; Psa 77:19; and Isa 43:16. Jesus was acting out divine acts from the OT (cf. Mar 6:52).
“He intended to pass by them” This does not seem to fit the context unless it means to link up with Job 9:8; Job 9:11! In the TEV footnote it has “join them.” This verb does have this connotation in Luk 12:32; Luk 17:7.
Mar 6:49 “a ghost” This is literally the term “phantom” as in Mat 14:26. This is a strong term used of “mental and spiritual agitation and confusion” (cf. The Greek-English Lexicon of Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, and Danker, p. 805).
Mar 6:50 “‘Take courage'” This is a present active imperative used so often by Jesus (cf. Mat 9:2; Mat 9:22; Mat 14:27; Mar 6:50; Mar 10:49; Joh 16:33; Act 23:11).
“‘do not be afraid'” This is a present middle (deponent) imperative also used so often by Jesus (cf. Mat 14:27; Mat 17:7; Mat 28:10; Mar 6:50; Luk 5:10; Luk 12:32; Joh 6:20; Rev 1:17). This may link Jesus again to Moses (cf. Exo 14:13; Exo 20:20). Jesus was the new Moses or the new divine spokesman (cf. Gen 15:1; Jos 8:1).
Mar 6:51 Noticeably absent is the account of Peter walking (and sinking) on the water (cf. Mat 14:28-31). A. T. Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament, vol. 1, p. 319, has “Perhaps Peter was not fond of telling that story.”
Mar 6:52 “for they had not gained any insight” They were slow learners. Jesus was patient with them. This is so encouraging to me!
“their heart was hardened” This is a perfect passive participle. This is a difficult theological concept. Does this imply (by the passive voice) that God or the Spirit closed their minds? Probably it is idiomatic for their own biases and Jewish traditions blinding them to the truths so obvious in Jesus’ deeds and words (cf. Mar 8:17-18). This “man” just did not fit into any of the categories they knew (cf. Mar 4:13; Mar 4:40; Mar 7:18). This is a recurrent theme in Mark. See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HEART at Mar 2:6.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
on. Greek. epi. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Mat 14:23, Joh 6:16, Joh 6:17
Reciprocal: Joh 6:19 – had rowed
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
7
The boat had been making its way for several hours until evening overtook it. Still later in the night a severe wind came down upon the sea, blowing against the boat so that the rowers were having difficulty with the vessel. Jesus saw the situation and went to their rescue the fourth watch which was 3 A. M.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
THE event first recorded in these verses, is a beautiful emblem of the position of all believers, between the first and second advents of Jesus Christ. Like the disciples, we are now tossed to and fro by storms, and do not enjoy the visible presence of our Lord. Like the disciples, we shall see our Lord face to face again, though it may be a time of great extremity, when He returns. Like the disciples, we shall see all things changed for the better, when our Master comes to us. We shall no longer be buffeted by storms. There will be a great calm.
There is nothing fanciful in such an application of the passage. We need not doubt that there is a deep meaning in every step of His life, who was “God manifest in the flesh.” For the present, however, let us confine ourselves to the plain, practical lessons which these verses contain.
Let us notice, in the first place, how our Lord sees the troubles of His believing people, and in due time will help them. We read that when “the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land,” He “saw His disciples toiling in rowing”-came to them walking on the sea-cheered them with the gracious words, “It is I, be not afraid”-and changed the storm into a calm.
There are thoughts of comfort here for all true believers. Wherever they may be, or whatsoever their circumstances, the Lord Jesus sees them. Alone, or in company-in sickness or in health-by sea or by land-in perils in the city-in perils in the wilderness-the same eye which saw the disciples tossed on the lake, is ever looking at us. We are never beyond the reach of His care. Our way is never hid from Him. He knows the path that we take, and is still able to help. He may not come to our aid at the time we like best, but He will never allow us utterly to fail. He that walked upon the water never changes. He will always come at the right time to uphold His people. Though He tarry, let us wait patiently. Jesus sees us, and will not forsake us.
Let us notice, in the second place, the fears of the disciples, when they first saw our Lord walking upon the sea. We are told that “they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out. For they all saw Him, and were afraid.”
What a faithful picture of human nature we have in these words! How many thousands in the present day, if they had seen what the disciples saw, would have behaved in the same manner! How few, if they were on board a ship, in a storm at midnight, and suddenly saw one walking on the water, and drawing near to the ship-how few would preserve their composure, and be altogether free from fears! Let men laugh, if they please, at the superstitious fears of these unlearned disciples. Let them boast, if they like, of the march of intellect, and the spread of knowledge, in these latter times. There are few, we may confidently assert, who, placed in the same position as the apostles, would have shown more courage than they. The boldest skeptics have sometimes proved the greatest cowards, when appearances have been seen at night, which they could not explain.
The truth is, there is an instinctive feeling in all men, which makes them shrink from anything which seems to belong to another world. There is a consciousness which many try in vain to conceal by affected carelessness, that there are beings unseen, as well as seen, and that the life which we now live in the flesh, is not the only life in which man has a portion. The common stories about ghosts and apparitions, are undoubtedly foolish and superstitious. They are almost always traceable to the fears and imaginations of weak-minded people. Yet the universal currency which such stories obtain, all over the world, is a fact that deserves notice. It is an indirect evidence of latent belief in unseen things, just as counterfeit coin is an evidence that there is true money. It forms a peculiar testimony which the infidel would find it hard to explain away. It proves that there is something within men, which testifies of a world beyond the grave, and that when men feel it, they are afraid.
The plain duty of the true Christian is, to live provided with an antidote against all fears of the great unseen world. That antidote is faith in an unseen Savior, and constant communion with Him. Armed with that antidote, and seeing Him who is invisible, nothing need make us afraid. We travel on towards a world of spirits. We are surrounded even now by many dangers. But with Jesus for our Shepherd, we have no cause for alarm. With Him for our Shield, we are safe.
Let us notice, in the conclusion of the chapter, what a bright example we have of our duty to one another. We are told that when our Lord came into the land of Gennesaret, the people “ran through that whole region,” and brought to Him in beds “those that were sick.” We read that “whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought Him, that they might touch if it were but the border of His garment.”
Let us see here a pattern for ourselves. Let us go and do likewise. Let us strive to bring all around us who are in need of spiritual medicine, to Jesus the great Physician, that they may be healed. Souls are dying every day. Time is short. Opportunities are rapidly passing away. The night cometh when no man can work. Let us spare no pains in laboring to bring men and women to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, that they may be saved. It is a comfortable thought, that “as many as touch Him will be made whole.”
Fuente: Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels
The disciples had evidently reached Bethsaida Julius, but Jesus had not yet come to them (Joh 6:17). The disciples had then turned their boat toward Capernaum (cf. Joh 6:17). It would have been easy for Jesus to see the disciples since they would have been only a few miles from where He was praying. Perhaps the moon illuminated the lake. They were in the middle of the lake in the sense that they were well out into it, not close to the coastline. The fourth watch of the night by Roman reckoning, which Mark followed, would have been between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m. Jesus intended to pass beside the disciples to reassure them (cf. Exo 33:19; Exo 33:22; Exo 34:6; 1Ki 19:11; Mar 6:50). Even though Jesus had been praying He had not forgotten or forsaken His disciples. He was probably praying for them.
". . . instead of a story about Jesus’ rescue of his disciples who are distressed but not in danger (cf. Mar 4:35-41), this is an epiphany story about Jesus’ self-revelation to his own followers." [Note: Ibid., p. 350.]
"Whenever the master is absent from the disciples (or appears to be so, as in Ch. Mar 4:35-41), they find themselves in distress. And each time they experience anguish it is because they lack faith (Chs. Mar 4:35 ff.; Mar 6:45 ff.; Mar 9:14 ff.)." [Note: Lane, p. 235.]
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
CHAPTER 4:35-41; 6:47-52 (Mar 4:35-41; Mar 6:47-52)
THE TWO STORMS (JESUS WALKING ON THE WATER)
“And on that day, when even was come, He saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side. And leaving the multitude, they take Him with them, even as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him. And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling. And He Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish? And He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Mar 4:35-41 (R.V.)
“And when even was come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land. And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night He cometh unto them, walking on the sea, and He would have passed by them: but they, when they saw Him walking on the sea, supposed that it was an apparition, and cried out: for they all saw Him, and were troubled. But He straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And He went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves. For they understood not concerning the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” Mar 6:47-52 (R.V.)
FEW readers are insensible to the wonderful power with which the Gospels tell the story of the two storms upon the lake. The narratives are favorites in every Sunday school; they form the basis of countless hymns and poems; and we always recur to them with fresh delight.
In the first account we see as in a picture the weariness of the great Teacher, when, the long day being over and the multitude dismissed, He retreats across the sea without preparation, and “as He was,” and sinks to sleep on the one cushion in the stern, undisturbed by the raging tempest or by the waves which beat into the boat. We observe the reluctance of the disciples to arouse Him until the peril is extreme, and the boat is “now” filling. St. Mark, the associate of St. Peter, the presumptuous and characteristic cry which expresses terror, and perhaps dread lest His tranquil slumbers may indicate a separation between His cause and theirs, who perish while He is unconcerned. We admire equally the calm and masterful word which quells the tempest, and those which enjoin a faith so lofty as to endure the last extremities of peril without dismay, without agitation in its prayers. We observe the strange incident, that no sooner does the storm cease than the waters, commonly seething for many hours afterwards, grow calm. And the picture is completed by the mention of their new dread (fear of the supernatural Man replacing their terror amid the convulsions of nature), and of their awestruck questioning among themselves.
In the second narrative we see the ship far out in the lake, but watched by One, Who is alone upon the land. Through the gloom He sees them “tormented” by fruitless rowing; but though this is the reason why He comes, He is about to pass them by. The watch of the night is remembered; it is the fourth. The cry of their alarm is universal, for they all saw Him and were troubled. We are told of the promptitude with which He thereupon relieved their fears; we see Him climb up into the boat, and the sudden ceasing of the storm, and their amazement. Nor is that after-thought omitted in which they blamed themselves for their astonishment. If their hearts had not been hardened, the miracle of the loaves would have taught them that Jesus was the master of the physical world.
Now all this picturesque detail belongs to a single Gospel. And it is exactly what a believer would expect. How much soever the healing of disease might interest St. Luke the physician, who relates all such events so vividly, it would have impressed the patient himself yet more, and an account of it by him, if we had it, would be full of graphic touches. Now these two miracles were wrought for the rescue of the apostles themselves. The Twelve took the place held in others by the lame, the halt and the blind: the suspense, the appeal, and the joy of deliverance were all their own. It is therefore no wonder that we find their accounts of these especial miracles so picturesque. But this is a solid evidence of the truth of the narratives; for while the remembrance of such events should thrill with agitated life, there is no reason why a legend of the kind should be especially clear and vivid. The same argument might easily be carried farther. When the disciples began to reproach themselves for their unbelieving astonishment, they were naturally conscious of having failed to learn the lesson which had been taught them just before. Later students and moralists would have observed that another miracle, a little earlier, was a still closer precedent, but they naturally blamed themselves most for being blind to what was immediately before their eyes. Now when Jesus walked upon the waters and the disciples were amazed, it is not said that they forgot how He had already stilled a tempest, but they considered not the miracle of the loaves, for their heart was hardened. In touches like this we find the influence of a bystander beyond denial.
Every student of Scripture must have observed the special significance of those parables and miracles which recur a second time with certain designed variations. In the miraculous draughts of fishes, Christ Himself avowed an allusion to the catching of men. And the Church has always discerned a spiritual intention in these two storms, in one of which Christ slept, while in the others His disciples toiled alone, and which express, between them, the whole strain exercised upon a devout spirit by adverse circumstances. Dangers never alarmed one who realized both the presence of Jesus and His vigilant care. Temptation centers only because this is veiled. Why do adversities press hard upon me, if indeed I belong to Christ? He must either be indifferent and sleeping, or else absent altogether from my frail and foundering bark. It is thus that we let go our confidence, and incur agonies of mental suffering, and the rebuke of our Master, even though He continues to be the Protector of His unworthy people.
On the voyage of life we may conceive of Jesus as our Companion, for He is with us always, or as watching us from the everlasting hills, whither it was expedient for us that He should go.
Nevertheless, we are storm-tossed and in danger. Although we are His, and not separated from Him by any conscious disobedience, yet the conditions of life are unmitigated, the winds as wild, the waves as merciless, the boat as cruelly “tormented” as ever. And no rescue comes: Jesus is asleep: He cares not that we perish. Then we pray after a fashion so clamorous, and with supplication so like demands, that we too appear to have undertaken to awake the Lord. Then we have to learn from the first of these miracles, and especially from its delay. The disciples were safe, had they only known it, whether Jesus would have interposed of His own accord, or whether they might still have needed to appeal to Him, but in a gentler fashion. We may ask help, provided that we do so in a serene and trustful spirit, anxious for nothing, not seeking to extort a concession, but approaching with boldness the throne of grace, on which our Father sits. It is thus that the peace of God shall rule our hearts and minds, for want of which the apostles were asked, Where is your faith? Comparing the narratives, we learn that Jesus reassured their hearts even before He arose, and then, having first silenced by His calmness the storm within them, He stood up and rebuked the storm around.
St. Augustine gave a false turn to the application, when he said, “If Jesus were not asleep within thee, thou wouldst be calm and at rest. But why is He asleep? Because thy faith is asleep,” etc. (Sermon 63.) The sleep of Jesus was natural and right; and it answers not to our spiritual torpor, but to His apparent indifference and non-intervention in our time of distress. And the true lesson of the miracle is that we should trust Him Whose care fails not when it seems to fail, Who is able to save to the uttermost, and Whom we should approach in the direst peril without panic. It was fitly taught them first when all the powers of the State and the Church were leagued against Him, and He as a blind man saw not and as a dumb man opened not His mouth.
The second storm should have found them braver by the experience of the first; but spiritually as well as bodily they were farther removed from Christ. The people, profoundly moved by the murder of the Baptist, wished to set Jesus on the throne, and the disciples were too ambitious to be allowed to be present while He dismissed the multitudes. They had to be sent away, and it was from the distant hillside that Jesus saw their danger. Surely it is instructive, that neither the shades of night, nor the abstracted fervor of His prayers, prevented Him from seeing it, nor the stormlashed waters from bringing aid. And significant also, that the experience of remoteness, though not sinful, since He had sent them away, was yet the result of their own worldliness. It is when we are out of sympathy with Jesus that we are most likely to be alone in trouble. None was in their boat to save them, and in heart also they had gone out from the presence of their God. Therefore they failed to trust in His guidance Who had sent them into the ship: they had no sense of protection or of supervision; and it was a terrible moment when a form was vaguely seen to glide over the waves. Christ, it would seem would have gone before and led them to the haven where they would be. Or perhaps He “would have passed by them,” as He would afterwards have gone further than Emmaus, to elicit any trustful half-recognition which might call to Him and be rewarded. But they cried out in fear. And so it is continually with God in His world, men are terrified at the presence of the supernatural, because they fail to apprehend the abiding presence of the supernatural Christ. And yet there is one point at least in every life, the final moment, in which all else must recede, and the soul be left alone with the beings of another world. Then, and in every trial, and especially in all trials which press in upon us the consciousness of the spiritual universe, well is it for him who hears the voice of Jesus saying, It is I, be not afraid.
For only through Jesus, only in His person, has that unknown universe ceased to be dreadful and mysterious. Only when He is welcomed does the storm cease to rage around us.
It was the earlier of these miracles which first taught the disciples that not only were human disorders under His control, and gifts and blessings at His disposal, but also the whole range of nature was subject to Him, and the winds and the sea obey Him.
Shall we say that His rebuke addressed to these was a mere figure of speech? Some have inferred that natural convulsions are so directly the work of evil angels that the words of Jesus were really spoken to them. But the plain assertion is that He rebuked the winds and the waves, and these would not become identical with Satan even upon the supposition that he excites them. We ourselves continually personify the course of nature, and even complain of it, wantonly enough, and Scripture does not deny itself the use of ordinary human forms of speech. Yet the very peculiar word employed by Jesus cannot be without significance. It is the same with which He had already confronted the violence of the demoniac in the synagogue, Be muzzled. At the least it expresses stern repression, and thus it reminds us that creation itself is made subject to vanity, the world deranged by sin, so that all around us requires readjustment as truly as all within, and Christ shall at last create a new earth as well as a new heaven.
Some pious people resign themselves much too passively to the mischiefs of the material universe, supposing that troubles which are not of their own making, must needs be a Divine infliction, calling only for submission. But God sends oppositions to be conquered as well as burdens to be borne; and even before the fall the world had to be subdued. And our final mastery over the surrounding universe was expressed, when Jesus our Head rebuked the winds, and stilled the waves when they arose.
As they beheld, a new sense fell upon His disciples of a more awful presence than they had yet discerned. They asked not only what manner of man is this? but, with surmises which went out beyond the limits of human greatness, Who then is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?