Most of the disciples were former fishermen. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. Default. Others tend to lean in the direction of an “operational emptying” of Jesus’ divinity, as Paul’s letter to the Philippians would have it: In this latter case, Mark’s description could be read as a further instance of apocalyptic symbolism expressing Mark’s own faith in the deeper mystery of Jesus. After a … Read commentary on this popular Bible verse and understand the real meaning behind God's Word using John Gill's Exposition of the Bible. It is not coincidental that the following stories of Jesus involve further instances of combating forces more powerful than what has been seen thus far. Commentary on Mark 4:35-41 “On that day.” The phrase is so brief the reader could almost ignore it. Faith in self is faith misplaced. The locale would change, as would the mood. HENRY ALFORD The Greek New Testament Commentary on the Gospel of Mark. What does Mark 4:35 mean? Commentary on Mark 4:35-41. You remember that in this section of Mark we are dealing with a theme which Mark emphasizes in several incidents -- the effects of popularity upon the ministry of Jesus. Were non-Jews fit to become members, and, if so, under what conditions? Mark would begin a new section of his narrative where Jesus would be continually moving around, across the sea, on the sea, in pagan territory, in Jewish territory. Mark 4:35-41. In the non-Jewish world many people had “mythical” explanations for simple things like the rising and setting of the sun, moon and stars, or accepted them without question. He would present the listener with the Jesus who rebuked the wind and calmed the sea. This identity would always therefore be fragile and vulnerable, since faith was not a once and for all enlightenment but a gradual growth in insight and commitment. Text: Mark 4:35-41. In its turn, faith in the Jesus who proclaimed the Kingdom would be determined by people’s sense of the authenticity of Jesus himself. The end of a toil may perhaps be but the beginning of a toss. Resume Prayer. It had been a heavy day with much work. on this passage. (They were fisherman: 1:16-19.) The other theme would be the intriguing question about the identity of Jesus: Who then is this? For the Jew the same phenomena were the result of either the direct action of God or of angelic powers, who also were the sources of the winds, etc.. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. Actually, this short transition is vastly important for setting the stage for this familiar story of the stilling of the storm. New situations would present constant challenge to the Church across the centuries, provoking particularly in those in positions of leadership consternation and paralysis instead of openness to possibilities trusting in the guiding protection of the Spirit. When a violent storm threatens to destroy the boat and its inhabitants, Jesus somehow manages to remain “asleep on the cushion.” Mark 4:35 - And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. Active. The advent of the Kingdom, as well as something of its nature and its potential, had been introduced and briefly pondered. Chapter 4 In this chapter, we have, I. Mark obviously wished that the point not be lost on his own community. 1 The *parable of the four soils 4:1-9. Let's read verses 35-41. In the introduction to his work he had claimed that Jesus was both Christ and Son of God (1:1) At the beginning of the story he had presented the vision of the heavens torn apart, the Spirit of God descending, and the (unidentified) voice from heaven proclaiming to Jesus that he was God’s son, the beloved (1:9). In the Christian communities the opening to Gentiles caused many a storm, and led some Jewish Christians to fear that they would be swamped and consequently perish. First Reading. In Mark’s mind it became important to review next the consequences for the community of disciples. Why did they even wake him if they didn't think he might be able to do something? Ed. When he had been labouring in the word and doctrineall day, instead of reposing himself, he exposeth himself, to teach us not to think of a constant remaining rest till we come to heaven. To the Jew, pagan meant more than simply non-Jewish. They had overcome many storms before. That day, as it was getting later, [Jesus] said. They each heard Jesus say, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake” (Mark 4:35). Its truth had no other criterion than its resonance, beyond projection, with the deepest inner core of each person. Commentary on Mark 4:35-41. And other boats were with him. ), all the birds of the air can find shelter in its shade; where, despite the apparent inadequacy of resources, the harvest is capable of the thirty, sixty, hundredfold. Austin Cline, a former regional director for the Council for Secular Humanism, writes and lectures extensively about atheism and agnosticism. As Mark tells the story, the disciples were terrified that the boat was going to break up and everyone would die. Mark 4:35-36 (NASB) And on that day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side." Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Mark 4:35-41 . Mark 4:35. Commentary on Job 38:1-11. Was his purpose simply to create a display of naked power in order to impress his apostles? Or if they had, do they simply not believe him? First, if we have faith, then no harm is to come to us. Why were you so frightened? 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. But Jesus was asleep (on a cushion no less, Mark notes, adding to the contrast between Jesus’ tranquility and the disciples’ panic), apparently oblivious to their pending doom. The "sea" being crossed by Jesus and his followers is the Sea of Galilee, so the area they are moving on to would be the present-day Jordan. Mark seldom dates his incidents, but he takes pains to tell us that this run across the lake closed a day of labour, Jesus was wearied, and felt the need of rest, He had been pressed on all day by ‘a very great multitude,’ and felt the need of solitude. Mark may have wished to make a statement about Jesus. iii. 2 And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. THE CONTEXT.