Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 6:45-56

"And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before [him] unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away. And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray. And when even was come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them: but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves; for they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened. And when they had crossed over, they came to the land unto Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. And when they were come out of the boat, straightway [the people] knew him, and ran round about that whole region, and began to carry about on their beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And wheresoever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole." — Mark 6:45-56 (ASV)

The church is often like a ship at sea, tossed with tempests, and not comforted. We may have Christ for us, yet wind and tide can be against us.

But it is a comfort to Christ's disciples in a storm that their Master is in the heavenly mount, interceding for them.

And no difficulties can hinder Christ's appearance for His people when the appointed time has come. He silenced their fears by making Himself known to them.

Our fears are soon satisfied if our mistakes are set right, especially our mistakes about Christ. When disciples have their Master with them, all is well.

It is because of a lack of rightly understanding Christ's former works that we view His present works as if nothing like them had ever been seen before.

If Christ's ministers could now cure people's bodily diseases, what multitudes would flock to them! It is sad to think how much more most people care about their bodies than about their souls.