Mark 6:45-52 | Session 25 | Mark Rightly Divided
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Mark 6:45-52 | Trouble on the sea
Verse 45 -
Remember that Jesus and the 12 had previously departed by ship to escape the crowds (v. 32), but they were followed by an assembly of 5000. The apostles still had not been able to rest, so they set off again before nightfall, which is quickly coming.
The wording of verse 45 gives the impression of an a pressing and eager crowd. Jesus, in this situation, displays strong leadership skills, decisively maneuvering His disciples out of the pressing scene. Likely His leadership is both good for the people, who need to get home, and for the Apostles, who need rest.
The disciples are directed to Bethsaida, a city on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This location is significant in several New Testament narratives and is often mentioned in connection with the ministry of Jesus and his disciples, and recorded as the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (Jn. 1:44).
Verse 46 -
Wouldn't it be fascinating to know what Jesus prayed? What drove Him to that location? Was this the traditional "evening prayer" of rabbinical tradition, or was it simply a coincidence?
The verse only reveals what occurred and leaves the rest to our speculation. We must be content with leaving speculation as just that and nothing more.
Verse 47 -
In Mark 6:35-46, the events unfold starting in the late hours of the daylight period, as indicated by "the day was far spent" (v. 35). These events extend into the early evening, marked as "even" (v. 46), which in Jewish timekeeping, is the transitional period after the daylight hours but before the onset of complete darkness. This evening period is significant as it leads into the beginning of the next day, in accordance with the Jewish concept of a day beginning at evening.
As nightfall approached, Jesus stayed on the shore while the ship was at sea, yet he could still see it. This suggests either that they weren't far from him and the sun had not completely set, or that Jesus had a miraculous ability to see beyond human capability.
Verse 48 -
As Jesus sees them, they were “toiling in rowing” due to the winds. By the “fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them.” This suggests that either the vision in verse 47 was miraculous, or it took Jesus some time to arrive there.
The four watches of the night, according to Roman timekeeping, were approximately as follows:
1. First Watch: Evening (6 PM to 9 PM)
2. Second Watch: Midnight (9 PM to Midnight)
3. Third Watch: Cock-crowing (Midnight to 3 AM)
4. Fourth Watch: Morning (3 AM to 6 AM)
This is supported by historical records and writings that describe Roman military and civil practices. The Gospel of Mark, written in a Greco-Roman context, incorporates this method of timekeeping. As it was written by a Jew about Jewish matters, the work melds Jewish timekeeping (vv. 35, 46) with Roman (v. 48).
Jesus is walking on the water and "would have passed by them." This is intriguing because the word translated as "would" is not used in the context of an accident, but instead, it conveys the sense of the Lord's will or desire (compare Mark 7:24). The Greek verb used here is θέλω [thelō], which generally means 'to will,' 'to wish,' or 'to desire.' This verb implies intentionality rather than accident or coincidence. Why did the Lord want to pass them by? Was it to meet them on the other side? Was it just to check on them? Is it to provoke a response? Is it a display of courage and independence? Once again, we are left knowing nothing but the Lord’s will, not knowing intentions of that will.
But what is more startling is that He was “walking upon the sea.” From a scientific perspective, particularly within the realms of classical and quantum physics, there is no known theory or mechanism that would allow for a change in molecular structure that would enable water to support a human walking on its surface, or a human body to not sink in water under normal Earth gravity, as described in the biblical account of Jesus walking on water. Furthermore, any theoretical physics model that would allow for such an occurrence would be purely speculative and outside the realm of current scientific understanding. In other words, what is recorded is either fanciful myth or purely supernatural.
If I were forced to argue from a legal perspective in favor of the historical and literal occurrence of Jesus walking on water as an actual event in time and space, I would present a case built on several key points:
1. Eyewitness Testimony: Most scholars believe the Gospels, especially Mark's, are based on eyewitness accounts. The consistency of Jesus walking on water in Matthew, Mark, and John implies corroboration.
2. Credibility of Gospel Writers: Gospel authors are traditionally seen as reliable, either being direct witnesses or close associates of witnesses.
3. Cultural and Historical Context: The Gospels were written within decades of Jesus' life, unlike myths or legends, supporting their historicity.
4. Lack of Motive for Fabrication: Early Christians, under persecution, had little reason to invent these narratives, which often portray disciples unflatteringly.
5. Analysis of Textual Variants: Despite variations, the core narrative of Jesus walking on water is consistent across different manuscripts, supporting authenticity.
6. Impact on Early Christian Community: The event's acceptance and impact suggest it was seen as genuine and significant, shaping early Christian belief.
7. Philosophical Arguments on Miracles: I'd argue for the possibility of miracles if any transcendent deity exists.
Job described God as the one, “Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea” (Job 9:8). From a Biblical perspective, this event clearly displays Jesus as God.
Incidentally, this is one of at least 11 water-related miracles mentioned in the Bible, including:
1. Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22): Moses stretches out his hand over the sea, and the Lord causes the sea to part, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
2. Water from the Rock at Horeb (Exodus 17:5-6): Moses strikes a rock at Horeb as commanded by God, and water flows out for the Israelites to drink.
3. Parting of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17): The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stand in the Jordan River, and the waters are cut off, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
4. Elijah Dividing the Jordan (2 Kings 2:8): Elijah strikes the waters of the Jordan River with his mantle, and the waters part, allowing him and Elisha to cross on dry ground.
5. Elisha Healing the Waters of Jericho (2 Kings 2:19-22): Elisha purifies the waters of Jericho, making them safe to drink.
6. Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:5-7): Elisha causes an iron axe head to float on the Jordan River, allowing it to be retrieved.
7. Jesus Turning Water into Wine (John 2:6-11): At the wedding at Cana, Jesus turns water into wine, performing His first recorded miracle.
8. Jesus Calming the Storm (Mark 4:39, Matthew 8:26, Luke 8:24): Jesus calms a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee by rebuking the wind and waves.
9. Jesus Walking on Water (Mark 6:48-51, Matthew 14:25-27, John 6:19-21): Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee and calms the fears of His disciples.
10. Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14:29): Peter walks towards Jesus on the water of the Sea of Galilee but begins to sink when he becomes fearful.
11. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9): Jesus heals a man who had been ill for 38 years at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.
Verse 49 -
Upon seeing Jesus, the disciples "supposed it had been a spirit." The original Greek word used in this context is "φάντασμα" (phantasma), which can be translated to "ghost" or "apparition." This term is used only in this instance and in Matthew's account of the same event. Outside of scripture, "phantasma" was used to denote a disembodied spirit or a supernatural vision. Jewish theology held mixed views on the existence of "ghosts," making the interpretation of this word ambiguous.
The response, as noted both here and in verse 50, is one of fear.
Verse 50 -
To calm their fears, Jesus immediately speaks to them.
In addition to this verse, there are four other instances where Jesus appears unexpectedly, each being after the resurrection:
Road to Emmaus: Luke 24:13-31
Mary Magdalene at the Tomb: John 20:14-16
Jesus Appears to the Disciples: John 20:19-20
Jesus Appears to the Disciples at the Sea of Tiberias: John 21:1-7
Verse 51 -
In addition to walking on the water, Jesus also performed the miraculous act of calming the sea, demonstrating His divine power and control over nature. Furthermore, according to Matthew's account (14:22-33), Peter was also able to briefly walk on the water. This event, full of supernatural elements, was almost beyond comprehension for the disciples, further emphasizing the supernatural power of Jesus.
Verse 52 -
Now we encounter a subtle piece of inside information that only Mark provides. Matthew portrays Peter walking on water and expressing doubt, but here we see that the 12 disciples had not even considered the miracle of feeding the 5,000. Was it because they were too busy or too tired? The underlying reason is that their hearts were hardened. Since the text does not specify, it's unwise to assume what hardened their hearts. Making a Calvinistic assumption here would be reckless.
