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Mark 6:47

ESV And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.
NIV Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.
NASB When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land.
CSB Well into the night, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land.
NLT Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land.
KJV And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
NKJV Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.

What does Mark 6:47 mean?

Before Jesus dismisses the thousands that He fed with five loaves of barley bread and two fish, He sends the Twelve on back across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. He had meant to give them a short respite after their time spent healing, exorcising demons, and preaching repentance. The five thousand men plus women and children who follow Him require a different response. After the impromptu meal, the crowd makes plans to make Him king. Possibly to shield them from such talk, Jesus quickly sends the Twelve away.

Jesus spends the night on a nearby mountain, praying and communing with God, while the Twelve row south against strong winds (Mark 6:48). By all rights, they should be at Capernaum by now. But the wind protects them as much as Jesus' dismissal. If they arrive in Capernaum before Him, they may get caught up with the same crowds.

Anyone who has been a mindful Christian for any length of time knows that God often takes time to sanctify us. We learn in the waiting. Our patience and faith grow when we are stretched by circumstances. But we don't always stop and think that God can protect us by stalling us. Young believers should generally not be put into leadership roles. Christians who have not immersed themselves in the Bible should not study other religions or anti-Christian arguments. Those who have not learned the basics should not teach.

When we are faced with a brick wall, whether in life or ministry, it may be something that we need to pray away, or it may be God's way of telling us that we're not ready yet. We may lack training or spiritual maturity, or it may be that we are not ready for the dangers and temptations on the other side of that wall. We need the grace of God's milk before we are ready for solid food (1 Corinthians 3:2).
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