Mark 6:50 Study Bible: for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, "Cheer up. It is I. Do not be afraid."

◄ Mark 6:50 ►

for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."

for they all saw Him and were terrified.

The disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, a location known for sudden storms due to its geographical setting. The sight of Jesus walking on water was unexpected and defied natural laws, causing fear. In Jewish culture, the sea often symbolized chaos and danger, and seeing a figure on the water could have been perceived as a ghost or omen. This reaction is consistent with human nature when confronted with the supernatural. The disciples' fear highlights their lack of understanding of Jesus' divine nature, despite witnessing previous miracles.

Mat 14:26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea…
Luk 24:37 But they were startled and frightened…
Dan 10:7 I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it…

But Jesus spoke up at once:

Jesus' immediate response demonstrates His awareness and concern for the disciples' fear. His prompt action reflects His role as a protector and shepherd, always ready to comfort and guide His followers. This moment underscores the personal relationship Jesus maintains with His disciples, emphasizing His accessibility and readiness to intervene in times of distress.

Mat 14:27 But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage!”…
Jhn 6:20 But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Luk 24:38 “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts…

“Take courage!

This command is a call to faith and trust. Throughout Scripture, God often encourages His people to be courageous in the face of fear (e.g., Joshua 1:9). Jesus' words here are a reassurance of His presence and power, inviting the disciples to shift their focus from their fear to faith in Him. Courage in the biblical sense is not the absence of fear but the presence of trust in God's sovereignty.

Act 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul…
Jos 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous?…
Jhn 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me…

It is I.

The phrase "It is I" can be translated from the Greek "ego eimi," which is significant as it echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, "I AM." This subtle yet profound declaration of Jesus' identity as God incarnate reassures the disciples of His divine authority and presence. It connects to other instances in the Gospels where Jesus uses "I AM" statements to reveal His nature and mission.

Jhn 18:5-6 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.”…
Isa 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD…
Exo 3:14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are”…

Do not be afraid.”

This command is a recurring theme in the Bible, often spoken by God or His messengers to His people (e.g., Isaiah 41:10, Luke 1:30). It serves as a reminder of God's control over all circumstances and His ability to bring peace amidst chaos. Jesus' words here are not just a comfort but a directive to live in the assurance of His power and love, which casts out fear (1 John 4:18). This moment foreshadows the peace Jesus offers through His death and resurrection, ultimately conquering fear and death itself.

Luk 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid!…
Luk 1:30 So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary,…
Gen 15:1 After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is walking on water towards His disciples. His presence and words bring comfort and courage.

2. The Disciples
They are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, experiencing fear and confusion as they see Jesus walking on water.

3. Sea of Galilee
The body of water where this miraculous event takes place. It is known for sudden storms, which can be terrifying for those on it.

4. Miracle of Walking on Water
This event demonstrates Jesus' divine authority over nature and His ability to transcend natural laws.

5. Fear and Reassurance
The disciples' initial reaction is fear, but Jesus' words provide immediate reassurance and peace.

Teaching Points

Divine Presence in Fearful Situations
Jesus' presence in the midst of the disciples' fear reminds us that He is with us in our own storms and challenges.

The Power of Jesus' Words
Jesus' command to "Take courage" and "Do not be afraid" shows the transformative power of His words, which can calm our fears and bring peace.

Recognizing Jesus' Authority
Understanding Jesus' divine authority over nature encourages us to trust Him in all circumstances, knowing that He is sovereign.

Faith Over Fear
The disciples' experience teaches us to replace fear with faith, trusting in Jesus' presence and promises.

Identity of Jesus
Jesus' use of "It is I" connects to His divine identity, encouraging us to recognize and worship Him as Lord.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' reassurance in Mark 6:50 apply to a current fear or challenge you are facing?

2. In what ways can you practice taking courage in your daily life, as Jesus instructed the disciples?

3. How does understanding Jesus' divine authority over nature impact your faith in His ability to handle your life's storms?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced fear. How did Jesus' presence or words bring you peace?

5. How can the connection between Jesus' statement "It is I" and God's self-identification in Exodus 3:14 deepen your understanding of who Jesus is?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 14:22-33
This parallel account includes Peter walking on water towards Jesus, emphasizing faith and doubt.

John 6:16-21
Another parallel account that highlights Jesus' identity and authority.

Exodus 3:14
Jesus' statement "It is I" (Greek: ego eimi) echoes God's self-identification to Moses, reinforcing His divine nature.

Isaiah 41:10
This verse reassures believers of God's presence and strength, similar to Jesus' reassurance to His disciples.

Sermons

Backward to Yield Obedience	G. Petter.	Mark 6:45-51
Be of Good Cheer, it is I	D. Wilcox.	Mark 6:45-51
Christ Knows Who have Need of Him	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Mark 6:45-51
Christ Walking on the Sea	B. Maitland, M. A.	Mark 6:45-51
Christ Walking on the Sea	A. Rowland	Mark 6:45-51
Christ was Seen in the Storm	T. M. Lindsay, D. D.	Mark 6:45-51
Christ's Absence	J. H. Godwin.	Mark 6:45-51
Failing to Recognize Christ		Mark 6:45-51
God Present Though not Seen		Mark 6:45-51
Need of Constraint from Christ	G. Petter.	Mark 6:45-51
Religious Despondency	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Mark 6:45-51
Self-Confidence to be Learnt		Mark 6:45-51
The Christian Life	Dean Goulburn.	Mark 6:45-51
The Contrary Currents of Life	J. B. Brown, B. A.	Mark 6:45-51
The Disciples in the Storm	E. Bersier, D. D.	Mark 6:45-51
The Voice of Jesus in the Storm	Newman Hall, LL. B.	Mark 6:45-51
The Worth of Absent Sympathy	W. Hardman, M. A., J. W. Pearson., J. W. Pearson., J. W. Pearson.	Mark 6:45-51
Toiling in Rowing	M. Hutchison.	Mark 6:45-51
Toiling in Rowing	W. M. Statham.	Mark 6:45-51
Toiling in Rowing	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Mark 6:45-51
Christ's Retirement	A.F. Muir	Mark 6:45-52
Jesus Walking on the Sea	A.F. Muir	Mark 6:45-52
Jesus Walking on the Sea: Interpreted of the Church	A.F. Muir	Mark 6:45-52
The Vision on the Lake	E. Johnson	Mark 6:45-52
Miraculous Protection	J.J. Given	Mark 6:45-56

People

Elias, Elijah, Herod, Herodias, James, Jesus, John, Joseph, Joses, Judas, Jude, Mary, Philip, Simon

Places

Bethsaida, Galilee, Genneseret, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee

Topics

Afraid, Alarmed, Cheer, Courage, Danger, Fear, Heart, However, Immediately, Says, Spake, Spoke, Straight, Straightway, Talked, Terrified, Troubled

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Mark 6:50

8221 courage, strength from God
8416 encouragement, promises

Mark 6:1-56

5357 journey

Mark 6:45-51

2012 Christ, authority

Mark 6:45-53

5517 seafaring

Mark 6:49-50

5962 surprises
8829 superstition

Mark 6:49-51

8754 fear

Library

January 6 Evening
The apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things they had done.--MARK 6:30. There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.--The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.--Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. When ye shall have done …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 4. "Come Ye Yourselves Apart" (Mark vi. 31).
"Come ye yourselves apart" (Mark vi. 31). One of the greatest hindrances to spirituality is the lack of waiting upon God. You cannot go through twenty-four hours with two or three breaths of air, in the morning, as you sip your coffee. But you must live in the atmosphere, and you must breathe it all day long. Christians do not wait upon God enough. It needs hours and hours daily of spiritual communion with the Holy Spirit to keep your vitality healthful and full. Every moment should find you breathing …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

January 8. "It is I, be not Afraid" (Mark vi. 50).
"It is I, be not afraid" (Mark vi. 50). Someone tells of a little child with some big story of sorrow upon its little heart, flying to its mother's arms for comfort, and intending to tell her the story of its trouble; but as that mother presses it to her bosom and pours out her love, it soon becomes so occupied with her and the sweetness of her affection that it forgets to tell its story, and in a little while even the memory of the trouble is forgotten. It has just been loved away, and she has taken …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Herod --A Startled Conscience
'But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.'--Mark vi. 16. The character of this Herod, surnamed Antipas, is a sufficiently common and a sufficiently despicable one. He was the very type of an Eastern despot, exactly like some of those half-independent Rajahs, whose dominions march with ours in India; capricious, crafty, as the epithet which Christ applied to him, 'That fox!' shows; cruel, as the story of the murder of John the Baptist proves; sensuous …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth
'And He went out from thence, and came into His own country; and His disciples follow Him. 2. And when the Sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands? 3. Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary, the Brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon! and are not His sisters here with us? And they …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Martyrdom of John
'For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. 18. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. 19. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: 20. For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. 21. And when …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The World's Bread
'And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31. And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 33. And the people saw them departing, and many knew Him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Thwarted
'And He could there do no mighty work, save that He laid His hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And He marvelled because of their unbelief.'--Mark vi. 5,6. It is possible to live too near a man to see him. Familiarity with the small details blinds most people to the essential greatness of any life. So these fellow-villagers of Jesus in Nazareth knew Him too well to know Him rightly as they talked Him over; they recognised His wisdom and His mighty works; but all the impression that these …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On Attending the Church Service
"The sin of the young men was very great." 1 Sam. 2:17. 1. The corruption, not only of the heathen world, but likewise of them that were called Christians, has been matter of sorrow and lamentation to pious men, almost from the time of the apostles. And hence, as early as the second century, within a hundred years of St. John's removal from the earth, men who were afraid of being partakers of other men's sins, thought it their duty to separate from them. Hence, in every age many have retired from …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
V. 1, 2. Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, but a brother of James, to those that are called to be holy in God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied. This Epistle is ascribed to the holy Apostle, St. Jude, brother of the two Apostles, James the Less and Simon, by the sister of the mother of Christ, who is called Mary (wife) of James or Cleopas, as we read in Mark vi. But this Epistle cannot be looked upon as being that of one who was truly an Apostle, …
Martin Luther—The Epistles of St. Peter and St. Jude Preached and Explained

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a Pure Religion --First Disciples.
Joseph died before his son had taken any public part. Mary remained, in a manner, the head of the family, and this explains why her son, when it was wished to distinguish him from others of the same name, was most frequently called the "son of Mary."[1] It seems that having, by the death of her husband, been left friendless at Nazareth, she withdrew to Cana,[2] from which she may have come originally. Cana[3] was a little town at from two to two and a half hours' journey from Nazareth, at the foot …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Chronology
45. The length of the public ministry of Jesus was one of the earliest questions which arose in the study of the four gospels. In the second and third centuries it was not uncommon to find the answer in the passage from Isaiah (lxi. 1, 2), which Jesus declared was fulfilled in himself. "The acceptable year of the Lord" was taken to indicate that the ministry covered little more than a year. The fact that the first three gospels mention but one Passover (that at the end), and but one journey to Jerusalem, …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

The Friend of Men 223 in Nothing Does the Contrast Between Jesus and John the Baptist Appear More Clearly than in their Attitude Towards Common Social
I The Friend of Men 223. In nothing does the contrast between Jesus and John the Baptist appear more clearly than in their attitude towards common social life. John had his training and did his work apart from the homes of men. The wilderness was his chosen and fit scene of labor. From this solitude he sent forth his summons and warning to his people. They who sought him for fuller teaching went after him and found him where he was. They then returned to their homes and their work, leaving the prophet …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

Twelve Baskets Full of Fragments Gathered from the Miracle of Christ Feeding the Multitude.
1.--MAN NEEDS HELP. "They have nothing to eat." (Mark vi. 36.) 2.--GOD IS BETTER THAN GOOD MEN. "Send them away," said the disciples. (Mark vi. 36.) "They need not depart," the Lord replied. (Matt. xiv. 16.) 3.--MINISTERS SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR THE CHILDREN, THEY GIVE HELP AS WELL AS TROUBLE. Andrew said, "There is a lad here." (John vi. 9.) 4.--YOUTH CAN GIVE TO JESUS WHAT NO ONE ELSE POSSESSES. "There is a lad here which hath five barley loaves." (John vi. 9.) 5.--UNBELIEF …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
CHAPTER XXIX. THE HISTORICAL BOOKS. 1. The New Testament, like the Old, is not an abstract system of doctrines and duties, but a record of facts involving doctrines and duties of the highest import. This record does not constitute an independent history, complete in itself, and to be explained in its own light. It is rather the necessary sequel to the record of the Old Testament. It interprets the Old Testament, and is itself interpreted by it. The two constitute together an organic whole, and can …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Right to Privacy
"There were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."--Mark 6:31 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them."--Matthew 9:36 I had just come back from a strenuous month in the country. Mr. and Mrs. Sprightly, the young married couple who were in charge of the mission station, and I were relaxing around the tea table. I told about the work I had been doing, and answered interested questions. Finally the talk drifted into lighter channels, and …
Mabel Williamson—Have We No Rights?

Set at Liberty.
(MARK VI. 27.) "Hush my soul, and vain regrets be stilled; Now rest in Him who is the complement Of whatsoe'er transcends our mortal doom, Of baffled hope and unfulfilled intent; In the clear vision and aspect of whom All longings and all hopes shall be fulfilled." ARCHBISHOP TRENCH. The Genesis of a Great Crime--The Strength of Evil Influences--An Accomplice of Satan--The Triumph of Hate--The Baptist Beheaded--A Place of Repentance The evangelist Mark tells us, in the twenty-first verse of this …
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

The King's Courts
(MARK VI.) "The number of thine own complete, Sum up and make an end; Sift clean the chaff, and house the wheat; And then, O Lord, descend. "Descend, and solve by that descent This mystery of life; Where good and ill, together blent, Wage an undying strife." J. H. N. Under Royal Surveillance--"It is not Lawful."--The Revenge of Herodias--The Upbraidings of Conscience--Devotion to Truth--"A Sin unto Death." Our story brings us next to speak of the Baptist's relations with Herod Antipas, son of the …
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

Rejected in his Own Country
"And He went out from thence; and He cometh into His own country; and His disciples follow Him." MARK 6:1-6 (R.V.) WE have seen how St. Mark, to bring out more vividly the connection between four mighty signs, their ideal completeness as a whole, and that mastery over nature and the spiritual world which they reveal, grouped them resolutely together, excluding even significant incidents which would break in upon their sequence. Bearing this in mind, how profoundly instructive it is that our Evangelist …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

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