Mark 3:9 Commentary and Bible Study

What are we reading here? Is the Lord asking for a ship to be stood by in case the crowds should force him into the water? No, it wasn’t for his sake that he did this, but for theirs. We are going to read about it in a second. His relatives, his family were there. People were anxious for him, his disciples, his supporters – great danger is going to come. There is almost crowd hysteria and people pressing with gratitude and there he is right on the water line. So he asks for a ship to be stood by; it makes them feel better. For himself he is not concerned, because he knows exactly what is going to happen and take place and that there is no danger but clearly for their sakes.