35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let's go over to the other side."
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
See the notes at Matthew 8:18-27.
Let us pass over unto the other side - Our Lord was now by the sea of Galilee.
And the same day, when the even was come,.... After he had finished his parables among the multitude, and had explained them to his disciples:
he saith unto them; his disciples,
let us pass over unto the other side: that is, of the sea of Galilee, or lake of Gennesaret, to the country of the Gadarenes, and Gergesenes; with a view for retirement and rest, after the fatigue of the day; and for the trial of the faith of his disciples, by a storm which he knew would arise, whilst they were on the sea; and for the sake of a miracle he was to work on the other side, after related.
Christ was asleep in the storm, to try the faith of his disciples, and to stir them up to pray. Their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, if he say, "Peace, be still," there is a great calm at once. Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for such fear as this. Those may suspect their faith, who can have such a thought as that Jesus careth not though his people perish. How imperfect are the best of saints! Faith and fear take their turns while we are in this world; but ere long, fear will be overcome, and faith will be lost in sight.
JESUS CROSSING THE SEA OF GALILEE, MIRACULOUSLY STILLS A TEMPEST--HE CURES THE DEMONIAC OF GADARA. ( = Matthew 8:23-34; Luke 8:22-39). (Mark 4:35-5:20)
And the same day--on which He spoke the memorable parables of the preceding section, and of the thirteenth chapter.
when the even was come--(See on Mark 6:35). This must have been the earlier evening--what we should call the afternoon--since after all that passed on the other side, when He returned to the west side, the people were waiting for Him in great numbers (Mark 4:21; Luke 8:40).
he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side--to the east side of the lake, to grapple with a desperate case of possession, and set the captive free, and to give the Gadarenes an opportunity of hearing the message of salvation, amid the wonder which that marvellous cure was fitted to awaken and the awe which the subsequent events could not but strike into them.
On the same day. The days the parables were uttered.
Unto the other side. Of the Sea of Galilee.
*More commentary available at chapter level.