This transitional verse sets up one of Jesus's most powerful nature miracles. The phrase "on that day" (ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, en ekeinē tē hēmera) connects to Jesus's extensive parable teaching earlier in Mark 4—He'd been teaching crowds from a boat on the Sea of Galilee about the Kingdom of God. The temporal marker "when evening had come" (ὀψίας γενομένης, opsias genomenēs) indicates exhaustion after a full day of ministry, setting up Jesus's profound sleep during the storm. Jesus's command "Let us pass over to the other side" (Διέλθωμεν εἰς τὸ πέραν, dielthōmen eis to peran) is significant—the Greek verb διέρχομαι (dierchomai) means to go through completely, suggesting determination and certainty of arrival. The phrase 'the other side' refers to the eastern shore of Galilee, predominantly Gentile territory (the Decapolis), foreshadowing Jesus's ministry expansion beyond Jewish boundaries. This simple command demonstrates Jesus's authority—He doesn't suggest or request, but decisively directs. The disciples' immediate obedience sets up the dramatic storm encounter (verses 36-41) that reveals Jesus's divine authority over nature. The initiative is entirely Jesus's—He decides when and where to go, even into Gentile regions and dangerous evening crossings.
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee, actually a freshwater lake, is about 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, 680 feet below sea level. Its location in a basin surrounded by hills makes it prone to sudden, violent storms when cool air from the heights rushes down to meet warm air over the water. The crossing from the western (Jewish) shore to the eastern (Gentile) shore was about 5-7 miles, normally taking 2-3 hours. Jesus and the disciples had spent the entire day on the water—Jesus teaching from the boat to avoid crushing crowds (Mark 4:1). By evening, Jesus was exhausted (He falls asleep in verse 38). The decision to cross at evening was unusual—most fishermen avoided night sailing unless necessary. This sets up the lesson about faith during storms and Jesus's power to command creation.
Questions for Reflection
Why did Jesus choose to cross to the Gentile side of the lake—what does this foreshadow?
What does the timing (evening after a full day of teaching) reveal about Jesus's humanity?
How does Jesus's decisive command 'Let us pass over' demonstrate His leadership?
What spiritual parallels exist between crossing to 'the other side' and Christian life?
How does this verse set up the faith lesson that follows in the storm narrative?
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Analysis & Commentary
This transitional verse sets up one of Jesus's most powerful nature miracles. The phrase "on that day" (ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, en ekeinē tē hēmera) connects to Jesus's extensive parable teaching earlier in Mark 4—He'd been teaching crowds from a boat on the Sea of Galilee about the Kingdom of God. The temporal marker "when evening had come" (ὀψίας γενομένης, opsias genomenēs) indicates exhaustion after a full day of ministry, setting up Jesus's profound sleep during the storm. Jesus's command "Let us pass over to the other side" (Διέλθωμεν εἰς τὸ πέραν, dielthōmen eis to peran) is significant—the Greek verb διέρχομαι (dierchomai) means to go through completely, suggesting determination and certainty of arrival. The phrase 'the other side' refers to the eastern shore of Galilee, predominantly Gentile territory (the Decapolis), foreshadowing Jesus's ministry expansion beyond Jewish boundaries. This simple command demonstrates Jesus's authority—He doesn't suggest or request, but decisively directs. The disciples' immediate obedience sets up the dramatic storm encounter (verses 36-41) that reveals Jesus's divine authority over nature. The initiative is entirely Jesus's—He decides when and where to go, even into Gentile regions and dangerous evening crossings.