Jesus Dismisses the Crowd and Walks on the Sea. The first verses of this section apparently touch on an unexplained crisis in the life of Jesus. Why does He compel the disciples to leave Him? Why does He spend the night alone in prayer? Is the dismissal of the crowd a farewell, like Paul's farewell to the elders of Ephesus? The word used in Mark 6:46 occurs in Acts 18:18; Acts 18:21. There is, as J. Weiss sees, significant history here to which the evangelist does not give the key. Jesus seems to be in a condition of soul which makes the presence even of the disciples insupportable and communion with His heavenly Father indispensable (SNT, i. 131). Possibly John 6:15 suggests the reason why Jesus constrained the disciples to depart. The miracle that follows is difficult. It involves a display of power over nature which is unlike Jesus. One is tempted to believe that allegory has been materialized here. In any case, the story is most helpful when allegorized as in G. Matheson's hymn, Jesus, Fountain of my days (Baptist Church Hymnal, 337, Cong. Hymnary, 395). But the incident is associated with good history in Mark 6:45 f., and the reference to the apostles-' dullness is probably of apostolic origin. Nor is it easy to assign a motive for the story, if it be legend.
Mark 6:45-52
45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before untoh Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
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.