On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' simple invitation, "Let us go across to the other side," sets the stage not just for a boat ride, but for a profound revelation of His divine authority over the natural world. The fact that He offers this as a shared endeavor, "Let us go," highlights His desire to involve His disciples in His mission, even as they are about to witness His power in a way that will shatter their understanding of who He is.
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a long day of teaching crowds with parables, Jesus decides it's time to leave the shore. He tells his disciples they should head to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, and they set sail in his boat, with other boats following along. As evening falls and they are out on the water, a violent storm suddenly brews, threatening to overwhelm them.
Jesus tells his disciples, 'Let us go across to the other side.' But why this destination? What was the divine agenda for this journey?
When Jesus speaks, His words carry divine purpose, not just casual suggestion.
A Destination with Divine Design
This shows us that even simple instructions from Jesus can be part of a much larger, divinely orchestrated plan. He is always moving toward His purposes.
While the disciples are panicking, Jesus is sound asleep. How can He be so calm when danger is so near?
Jesus' sleep in the storm reveals His unique relationship with God and His unwavering trust.
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The Divine Assurance of the Sleep
Jesus’ rest wasn't a sign of indifference but a profound display of His peace, rooted in His knowledge of who He is and His Father's purposes. It challenges us to find our rest in Him, even when life's storms rage.
This event occurred after a long day of teaching and immediately before a dangerous sea crossing, highlighting Jesus' humanity and divine power when his disciples' faith was tested.
Early to Mid 1st Century AD
Jesus' Ministry around the Sea of Galilee
Jesus spent a significant portion of his ministry teaching and healing around the Sea of Galilee, attracting large crowds.
Late Afternoon on a specific day
Jesus Teaches Through Parables
Jesus taught the crowds by the Sea of Galilee using parables, including the Parable of the Sower. This occurred on the same day as the storm event.
Evening on that same day— this verse
Jesus and Disciples Set Sail
Jesus, weary from a day of teaching, instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He took his place in a boat, accompanied by other vessels.
During the night crossing
Violent Storm Erupts
A fierce storm suddenly arose on the Sea of Galilee, threatening to capsize the boat and its occupants.
During the night crossing
Jesus Calms the Storm
Jesus, awakened by his terrified disciples, rebuked the wind and waves, bringing about an immediate and profound calm.
Following the storm
Disciples' Astonishment and Questioning
The disciples were overcome with awe and fear, questioning Jesus' identity and power over the natural elements.
This passage parallels Mark's account, showing Jesus entering the boat and falling asleep before a storm arises, highlighting the disciples' fear and their awakening of Jesus.
Luke 8:22Luke's version also describes Jesus' command to 'cross to the other side' and the subsequent tempest, emphasizing the disciples' question about Jesus' apparent lack of concern for their perishing.
Job 38:8-11This passage from Job reveals God's sovereign power over the sea and its boundaries, providing a cosmic context for Jesus' authority over the storm, showing He shares this divine attribute.
Psalm 107:25-30This psalm describes God commanding the storm and bringing the waves to silence, mirroring Jesus' actions and demonstrating His divine power over the elements, aligning Him with God's powerful acts.
Isaiah 43:2This prophetic promise assures God's presence and protection through the waters, offering a theological parallel to Jesus' presence in the boat during the storm, signifying that He is the ultimate protection for His people.
barnesMark 4:35: "And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side."
See the notes at Matthew 8:18-27 .
expositorsMark 4:35-41: "And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side."
CHAPTER 4:35-41; 6:47-52 (Mark 4:35-41; Mark 6:47-52)THE TWO STORMS (JESUS WALKING ON THE WATER) "And on that day, when even was come, He saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side. And leaving the multitude, they take Him with them, even as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him. And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insom…
Jesus' simple invitation, "Let us go across to the other side," sets the stage not just for a boat ride, but for a profound revelation of His divine authority over the natural world. The fact that He offers this as a shared endeavor, "Let us go," highlights His desire to involve His disciples in His mission, even as they are about to witness His power in a way that will shatter their understanding of who He is.
After a long day of teaching crowds with parables, Jesus decides it's time to leave the shore. He tells his disciples they should head to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, and they set sail in his boat, with other boats following along. As evening falls and they are out on the water, a violent storm suddenly brews, threatening to overwhelm them.
After a long day of teaching crowds with parables, Jesus decides it's time to leave the shore. He tells his disciples they should head to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, and they set sail in his boat, with other boats following along. As evening falls and they are out on the water, a violent storm suddenly brews, threatening to overwhelm them.
"On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”" — Jesus' simple invitation, "Let us go across to the other side," sets the stage not just for a boat ride, but for a profound revelation of His divine authority over the natural world. The fact that He…
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Last reviewed October 2026