46 and having taken leave of them, he went away to the mountain to pray. 47 And evening having come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone upon the land; 48 and he saw them harassed in the rowing, for the wind was against them, and about the fourth watch of the night he doth come to them walking on the sea, and wished to pass by them. 49 And they having seen him walking on the sea, thought 'it' to be an apparition, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him, and were troubled, and immediately he spake with them, and saith to them, 'Take courage, I am 'he', be not afraid.' 51 And he went up unto them to the boat, and the wind lulled, and greatly out of measure were they amazed in themselves, and were wondering, 52 for they understood not concerning the loaves, for their heart hath been hard.
53 And having passed over, they came upon the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore, 54 and they having come forth out of the boat, immediately having recognised him, 55 having run about through all that region round about, they began upon the couches to carry about those ill, where they were hearing that he is, 56 and wherever he was going, to villages, or cities, or fields, in the market-places they were laying the infirm, and were calling upon him, that they may touch if it were but the fringe of his garment, and as many as were touching him were saved.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 6:46-56
Commentary on Mark 6:45-56
(Read Mark 6:45-56)
The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: we may have Christ for us, 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. And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for his people, when the set time is come. He silenced their fears, by making himself known to them. Our fears are soon satisfied, if our mistakes are set right, especially our mistakes as to Christ. Let the disciples have their Master with them, and all is well. It is for want of rightly understanding Christ's former works, that we view his present works as if there never were the like before. If Christ's ministers now could cure people's bodily diseases, what multitudes would flock after them! It is sad to think how much more most care about their bodies than about their souls.