Mark 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.
Mark 6:50
Jesus immediately addresses the disciples’ fear: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” In Greek, the phrase emphasizes self-assurance and presence. Jesus asserts his identity with a gentle, authoritative reminder that his accompanying presence overcomes fear. The response—Jesus speaks calmly, then climbs into the boat—transforms fear into faith. The disciples’ trembling is not mere fright but a response to recognizing Jesus in a moment where their perception was unsettled. The imperative to not fear aligns with Jesus’ facilitating of faith in storms, indicating that knowledge of his presence is a antidote to anxiety.
This verse centers on the person of Jesus as the reliable presence in the midst of chaos. It reinforces the theme of Jesus as the God-sent deliverer who does not abandon his followers. The call to not fear rests on the announcement “it is I,” a shallow but profound claim to divine identity and authority. It also highlights how divine reassurance often follows perceived danger, transforming fear into trust and worship.
When fear rises in personal trials—illness, job loss, relational strain—practice responding with the same cadence: “It is you, Lord. I will not fear because you are with me.” Techniques: pause, pray, and remind yourself of God’s faithfulness through Scripture. Use this moment to invite Jesus into the boat of your current reality, asking for guidance, courage, and perspective. Cultivate a habit of naming fears and countering them with a short, faith-filled confession.
Cross-References: Isaiah 41:10; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 23:4; John 14:27; Psalm 56:3