Mark 4:35 - On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.”

Generated Verse: Mark 4:35

What does "Mark 4:35" mean?


This verse, Mark 4:35, is the setup for the famous story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Let's break down the meaning:

"On that day, when evening had come...": This situates the event within the context of a long day of teaching and ministry. Jesus had been busy sharing parables with the crowds. The fact that it was evening suggests that both Jesus and the disciples were likely tired.

"...he said to them, 'Let’s go over to the other side.'": This is Jesus' explicit command to cross the Sea of Galilee. "The other side" generally refers to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which would have been Gentile territory (specifically, the region of the Gerasenes or Gadarenes).

So, the verse means:

On a particular day, as evening approached, Jesus told his disciples that they would sail across the Sea of Galilee to the opposite shore.

Significance/Implications:

Initiative: It's Jesus who initiates the journey. He is in control of the agenda and leading the disciples.
Transition: The journey symbolizes a shift in location and possibly a shift in ministry focus (from primarily Jewish audiences to Gentiles on the other side).
Foreshadowing: The verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow (the storm and Jesus' display of power), highlighting Jesus' divine authority.
Trust/Obedience: Jesus invites the disciples to trust him and follow him into the unknown, even though they're tired and about to face a potentially dangerous situation. They do, in fact, follow him.

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