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Book of Mark - Chapter 5 - Verse 21

5:21
And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

Meaning

When Jesus passed over to the other side by ship, a large crowd gathered around him, eager to hear his teachings. This verse from the Bible signifies the magnetic draw that Jesus had on people - his message was so powerful and transformative that crowds would follow him wherever he went. Jesus's proximity to the sea could also symbolize the idea of baptism and cleansing, as water is often associated with rebirth and renewal in Christianity. The fact that Jesus was constantly surrounded by people highlights his popularity and the impact he had on those around him. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking out spiritual guidance and being open to the teachings of Jesus, as demonstrated by the eager crowd that gathered around him on the other side of the sea.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse could be the significance of Jesus' constant presence and accessibility to the people. As Jesus crosses over to the other side by ship, a large crowd gathers around him. This reflects the desire of the people to be near Jesus and to hear his teachings. Jesus' proximity to the sea could symbolize his willingness to reach out to all people, regardless of their background or status. The image of Jesus by the sea also echoes themes of baptism and transformation, as water is often associated with cleansing and renewal in Christian symbolism.

Furthermore, a word study of the phrase "passed over" could reveal deeper layers of meaning. The Greek word used here is "diaperan," which can also mean "crossing to the other side" or "transferring." This could point to Jesus' mission to transcend boundaries and reach out to those who are marginalized or in need of healing. The mention of Jesus crossing over by ship could also allude to the theme of journey and movement in the spiritual life, as followers of Jesus are called to constantly move forward in their faith and relationship with him.

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