Mark 6:49-50

Mark 6:49-50

[49] But  him  walking  upon  the sea,  they supposed  a spirit,  and  cried out:  [50] For  they all  him,  and  were troubled.  And  immediately  he talked  with  them,  and  saith  unto them,  Be of good cheer:  it is  I;  not  afraid. 

What does Mark 6:49-50 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Mark noted that all the disciples saw Jesus, and they all thought He was a phantom (Gr. phantasma). Jesus told them to take courage and stop fearing (cf. Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 41:13-14; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 44:2). Some interpreters believe the reference to Jesus passing by them ( Mark 6:48) and His words, "It is I," indicate a theophany (cf. Exodus 3:14; Exodus 33:19; Exodus 33:22; 1 Kings 19:11; Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 51:12; Isaiah 52:6). Undoubtedly the clause at least indicates self-identification.
". . . Jesus" walking on the water ( Mark 6:45-52) connotes that Jesus treads where only God can walk [1] and designates Jesus by the same expression (ego eime [2]) that is used for God"s self-disclosure to Moses ( Exodus 3:14 LXX)." [3]
"Consequently, as the concluding story of the miracle collection, it provides the answer to the "Who is this?" question posed by the disciples after Jesus stills the storm in the opening story of the collection ( Mark 4:41)." [4]