Mark 6:50
for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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When Jesus says, "It is I," he's not just identifying himself but powerfully declaring, "I AM," a divine name that immediately calms their terror by revealing His presence as the ultimate source of peace. This subtle emphasis on His identity bypasses their immediate fear of the unknown and directly addresses their need for divine reassurance.
After sending the disciples away by boat across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus prayed alone on a mountain. Later that night, as the disciples struggled against a strong headwind in their ship, Jesus appeared to them, walking on the water towards them, which terrified them as they mistook him for a ghost.
Imagine being in a boat on a dark, stormy sea. Suddenly, you see a figure walking on the water towards you. Your first instinct? Terror. But then, a familiar voice cuts through the fear.
In Mark 6:50, Jesus speaks words that are both simple and profound: 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' These aren't just calming words; they are a divine declaration. The commentators highlight how the phrase 'It is I' (or 'I AM' in other Gospels) carries immense weight. It's not just identification, but an announcement of divine presence and power. Jesus isn't just another person in the storm; He is the One who commands the storm. His voice, in that moment, was meant to cut through their terror, not just by identifying Himself, but by reminding them of who He is – the divine one whose presence is their ultimate safety and peace.
The disciples saw something impossible—a man walking on water. Their eyes told them it was a ghost, a terrifying apparition. But Jesus' words revealed a deeper truth.
The disciples' immediate reaction was terror because what they saw contradicted their understanding of reality. Mark specifically notes, 'For they all saw him, and were troubled.' This common experience of seeing something that sparks fear and disbelief is something we can all relate to. The commentators point out that their 'blinded heart' (as mentioned in other Gospel accounts of this event) kept them from recognizing Jesus' power, even after witnessing miracles like the feeding of the five thousand. This passage challenges us: are we allowing our fears and limited understanding to blind us to Christ's presence and power in our own challenging circumstances? True faith isn't about denying what we see, but about discerning the spiritual reality behind the physical appearance, trusting the Word of Christ over the fearful interpretations of our eyes.
Jesus didn't just tell them not to be afraid; He identified Himself in a way that transcended mere recognition. His 'It is I' was an invitation to a deeper reality.
The commentary notes the subtle but significant difference in Mark's wording: Jesus 'spake with them' (ἐλάλησεν μετ' αὐτῶν), suggesting a more familiar and intimate address than simply 'to them.' This wasn't a distant command, but a personal engagement. The phrase 'It is I' is unpacked as being far more than a simple statement of identity. For those who know Him, His voice and presence carry an inherent authority and comfort that can instantly dispel fear. It’s the voice of the Good Shepherd, whose sheep know His voice. In this moment, Jesus reveals that His mere presence, identified by His voice, is the solution to their terror. He doesn't immediately fix the storm, but He fixes their fear by assuring them of His presence with them in the storm.
Understand the original words
tarasso · Greek Verb/Adjective
A state of extreme distress, panic, or awe in the presence of the divine or supernatural; it is the natural human reaction to witnessing a manifestation of God’s power.
tharseo · Greek Verb
An imperative command to be of good courage or confidence; it is frequently spoken by the Lord to His people to replace fear with faith based on His presence.
ego eimi · Greek Pronoun/Verb
The divine name ("I AM") used by Jesus; in the New Testament, it serves as a powerful declaration of His deity and His identity as the Yahweh of the Old Testament.
phobeomai · Greek Verb
The state of being afraid; in a spiritual sense, it is often discouraged by God, who commands His people to trust in His providence rather than yielding to anxiety or terror.
The disciples' terror reveals their struggle to reconcile Jesus' divine power with their human understanding, a common challenge when facing the unexpected ways God reveals himself.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and calling disciples in the region of Galilee, drawing large crowds.
c. AD 28-30
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand men (plus women and children) with only five loaves and two fish, a sign of his authority and care.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Sends Disciples Ahead
After the feeding miracle, Jesus insists his disciples get into a boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while he dismisses the crowds.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Prays Alone
Jesus goes up onto a mountain by himself to pray, seeking solitude and communion with God after a busy period of ministry.
c. AD 28-30
This passage describes the disciples' reaction to seeing Jesus walking on the water, mirroring the terror and confusion mentioned in Mark 6:50, emphasizing their initial fear and mistaken belief that they were seeing a ghost.
John 6:20Jesus' words, 'It is I; do not be afraid,' are directly echoed here, highlighting the divine reassurance He offers to His disciples when they are overcome with fear.
Isaiah 41:10This Old Testament promise, 'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God,' provides a foundational theological parallel to Jesus' direct command 'Do not be afraid' in a moment of crisis.
Psalm 23:4The imagery of walking through the 'valley of the shadow of death' and not fearing evil because God is present resonates with the disciples' experience in the storm and Jesus' immediate reassurance of His presence.
pooleMark 6:50: "For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid."
See Poole on "Mark 6:47"
vincentMark 6:50: "For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid."
They all saw himPeculiar to Mark.Spake with them (ἐλάλησεν μετ' αὐτῶν)Both Matthew and John give the simple dative, αὐτοῖς, to them. Mark's with them is more familiar, and gives the idea of a more friendly and encouraging address. It is significant, in view of Peter's relation to this gospel, that Mark omits the incident of Peter's walk…
When Jesus says, "It is I," he's not just identifying himself but powerfully declaring, "I AM," a divine name that immediately calms their terror by revealing His presence as the ultimate source of peace. This subtle emphasis on His identity bypasses their immediate fear of the unknown and directly addresses their need for divine reassurance.
After sending the disciples away by boat across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus prayed alone on a mountain. Later that night, as the disciples struggled against a strong headwind in their ship, Jesus appeared to them, walking on the water towards them, which terrified them as they mistook him for a ghost.
After sending the disciples away by boat across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus prayed alone on a mountain. Later that night, as the disciples struggled against a strong headwind in their ship, Jesus appeared to them, walking on the water towards them, which terrified them as they mistook him for a ghost.
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Disciples Battle Stormy Seas
The disciples' boat is caught in a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, and they struggle to row against the strong winds and waves.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus Walks on the Water
In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus comes to his struggling disciples by walking on the sea, intending to pass by them.
"for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”" — When Jesus says, "It is I," he's not just identifying himself but powerfully declaring, "I AM," a divine name that immediately calms their terror by revealing His presence as the ultimate source of p…
