And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that Jesus and his disciples got into "the boat," implying it was one they specifically prepared or boarded for their journey, not just any vessel nearby. This emphasizes that this was a deliberate departure, a next step in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for the intense trial that would soon follow.
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had just finished teaching and healing, and then he instructs his disciples to get into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, even as other boats followed along. As they set sail, a violent storm suddenly arose, threatening to overwhelm their vessel, while Jesus himself slept soundly.
Ever feel like you're stepping into a boat with Jesus, not knowing what's ahead? This verse captures that moment.
Jesus calls us to follow Him, and often, that means stepping into situations we can't fully predict.
A Moving School
Jesus didn't just teach from a fixed location; He had a 'moving school.' The disciples followed Him into boats, onto roads, and into new territories. This wasn't just about physical travel; it was about engaging with His mission.
Not Always a Private Yacht
While Jesus had His own boat for this journey, the context (Mark 4:36) mentions other boats accompanying them. This highlights that following Jesus isn't always a solitary, perfectly controlled experience. Often, others are part of the journey, and circumstances can be a bit more crowded or unpredictable than we'd prefer.
Jesus got into a boat and fell asleep. Why? And what does His sleep mean for us when life's storms hit?
Jesus’ sleep in the boat is profound. It wasn't just exhaustion; it was a deliberate act that highlighted a deeper reality.
Divine Trust, Human Fatigue
Jesus was truly human, and He was tired from a long day of teaching and healing. He rested naturally. However, His divine nature meant He was never truly out of control. His rest demonstrates a profound trust in the Father's plan and timing.
God's Opportunity in Our Extremity
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When the storm hits, Jesus is asleep. This isn't carelessness, but divine timing. The disciples' 'extremity' becomes God’s 'opportunity' to reveal His power and to teach them about their own faith. It shows that even in our moments of panic, God is at work, often preparing to demonstrate His might.
Understand the original words
ploion · Greek Noun
A vessel used for transport across water, often symbolizing the precarious life of the believer in the world or the community of the church facing trials.
This event highlights that following Jesus isn't always a smooth journey. It reveals the disciples' developing faith, moving from the practicalities of embarking on a boat to confronting life-threatening danger and ultimately questioning the true identity of their Master.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus calls disciples to follow Him
Jesus begins his public ministry, calling individuals like Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their fishing businesses and follow Him. These early disciples would become the core group accompanying Him.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus teaches on the Sea of Galilee
Jesus often taught crowds gathered along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. On this particular occasion, after a day of teaching, He directs His disciples to prepare a boat for crossing the lake.
c. AD 29
Sudden storm on the Sea of Galilee
As Jesus and His disciples sail across the Sea of Galilee in a boat, a violent and sudden storm erupts. The tempest poses an immediate threat of sinking the vessel.
c. AD 29
Jesus calms the storm
While Jesus sleeps, the disciples in panic wake Him. He then rebukes the wind and the waves, and an immediate and profound calm settles over the sea.
c. AD 29
Disciples' awe and fear
Witnessing Jesus' power over the natural elements, the disciples are filled with awe and fear, questioning who He truly is.
This passage is a parallel account of the same event, detailing Jesus' intention to cross the Sea of Galilee and the disciples following him into the boat.
Luke 8:22Another parallel account that sets the scene for the miracle, emphasizing that Jesus entered a boat with his disciples and they set sail.
Matthew 14:22This passage describes Jesus sending the crowds away and going up on the mountain to pray, then later walking on water to the disciples in their boat, showing another instance of Jesus interacting with his disciples in a boat amidst challenging circumstances.
John 6:16This verse recounts the disciples getting into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, providing another instance where the disciples followed Jesus into a boat, preceding a significant event.
Psalm 107:28-30This Old Testament passage speaks of sailors crying out to the Lord in a storm and being delivered to their desired haven, reflecting the disciples' cry for help and Jesus' power over the elements.
barnesMatthew 8:23: "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him."
Into a ship - This was on the Sea of Tiberias. The "ship" in which they sailed was probably a small open boat with sails, such as was commonly used for fishing on the lake. His disciples - Not merely the apostles, but probably many others. There were many other ships in company with him, Mark 4:36. This circumstance would render the miracle much more striking and impressive.
bensonMatthew 8:23: "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him."
Matthew 8:23-27 . When he was entered into the ship — Being, as is said above, about to cross the lake; his disciples followed him — Even as many as were desirous of learning of him, and could get a passage, either in that vessel or any others that were near. And there arose a great tempest in the sea — Σεισμος μεγας , a great commotion, or, agitation of the waters, namely, in consequence of a sudden change of the…
The text highlights that Jesus and his disciples got into "the boat," implying it was one they specifically prepared or boarded for their journey, not just any vessel nearby. This emphasizes that this was a deliberate departure, a next step in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for the intense trial that would soon follow.
Jesus had just finished teaching and healing, and then he instructs his disciples to get into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, even as other boats followed along. As they set sail, a violent storm suddenly arose, threatening to overwhelm their vessel, while Jesus himself slept soundly.
Jesus had just finished teaching and healing, and then he instructs his disciples to get into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, even as other boats followed along. As they set sail, a violent storm suddenly arose, threatening to overwhelm their vessel, while Jesus himself slept soundly.
"And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him." — The text highlights that Jesus and his disciples got into "the boat," implying it was one they specifically prepared or boarded for their journey, not just any vessel nearby. This emphasizes that thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026