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Commentaries
English
Mark
  
11. Jesus Appears to His Disciples on the Surface of the Sea
(Mark 6:45-56)
45Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away.46And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.47Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.48Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.49And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out;50for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”51Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.52For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.53When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.54And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him,55ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.56Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.


The multitudes and disciples loved the delicious, abundant bread, which the Lord Jesus provided to them, and they endeavored to make him a king over their nation. But Jesus separated his disciples from the multitudes at once. He took them away from the temptation of authority, and drove them out to the vessel that they might be far from the zealous multitudes, and think and recognize by themselves before God what had happened and who was he who had done the miracle that they might not first care about the bread provided, but about the Provider.
When the disciples had sailed, Jesus went alone to a deserted place to pray. The Son of the Highest spoke to his Father about the works, which he had already shown him, which he carried out in his name. The Son did not do anything without his Father, but he prayed at all times, and worked in full harmony with his will.
Do you pray alone silently before the face of God? You will remain weak in yourself forever, if the prayer in the Holy Spirit does not become your first aim continuously.
Through his prayers and his love, which passes knowledge, Jesus saw his disciples in trouble, and about to drown in the midst of the rough sea and storms, and he heard their praying calls for help. Then he did not remain in his deserted place, but hurried to save them, showing them that he is the Lord of all elements: walking on the sea, passing through the rocks of the tomb, and ascending to heaven. He had a spiritual body, for he was born of the Spirit of God.
Jesus did not immediately come to his disciples, but first he examined their faith. They cried out to God asking his interference. But when the Helper came unexpectedly, they trembled and cried with fear and horror: “A ghost is coming to destroy and drown us.”
Do you believe that your prayers are heard and answered? Jesus listens to you at all times, and he certainly comes near to you. Do not be afraid of the horrors around you nor from people, storms, and darkness, for your Lord is near to you. Christ commands you to feel assured because of his presence. He commands you to refrain, for the sake of his glory, from all forms of fear.
Jesus did not reproach his disciples for becoming afraid of his strange coming, but he calmed them down and assured them of his presence. He knew their background as fishermen with their fables and belief in ghosts, ghouls, and imaginations, and he wanted to break these fictitious and legendary tales. He said: “It is I. I am present, and am known to you. I am God in flesh. It is I. Don’t be afraid. Courage! Be cheerful.”
Is your heart stony, or is it filled with the Holy Spirit? Do you believe in your beloved Savior in spite of darkness and troubles, or do you seek bread and ease through your faith? Jesus is God’s offer to you, and all other things are secondary. Rivers of grace run from his love to all those who open themselves to his kindness. He alone, and not his disciples, saints, bishops, or any other man, is the source of the power of God. Christ alone will heal you in your soul and body if you seek him.
When Jesus crossed the lake with his disciples, some people recognized him. So, they ran throughout the villages around them, and brought to him all the sick and the crippled, and Jesus healed them all. There is no disease, which he cannot cure of. He is the Triumphant. Even touching the hem of his garment brought healing to whoever believed in him. As such, he says to you these days: “Your faith has saved you.” Without faith, there is neither salvation, nor peace.

Prayer
We worship to you O great Son of God, because the sea, the storms, and all the elements obey you. We submit to your love, and believe in your presence today. Stay with us, blow out our fear, and create in us faith, peace, and the love, which is prepared to run throughout villages and towns that we may bring to you those who want to be healed. You are the faithful Helper. Amen.
Question
What did Christ mean by his statement to his disciples: “It is I”?