It is inappropriate and can be a grievous mistake to make more out of details in the Bible than we should make. That reminder should always be present in our minds. Yet, it is interesting to consider the details God chooses to give to us in Scripture, if for no other reason than to see if there are some lessons that we might learn from what is said. Consider a few thoughts from Mark 4:36.
This verse occurs at the end of a long day. Verse 35 states that “evening had come.” It is possible that this day began in 3:20, when Jesus had to deal with opposition from friends and foes. At the very least, the day began in 4:1, when Jesus sat down in a boat to teach on the Galilee shore. But the day could have started all the way back in 3:1, when He told His disciples “that a small boat should be kept ready for Him” (3:9). In any case, it had been a long day, and when evening came, Jesus wanted to “cross over to the other side” (4:35). Note two interesting statements in verse 36.
First, Mark records that they “left the multitude,” and they took Jesus “along in the boat as He was.” They took Him “as He was.” What could this mean? It could simply mean that He had been sitting in the boat and teaching all of this time, and at His bidding, they set sail without any delay. It could indicate that Jesus did not have any provisions or supplies on His person at the time, but they left anyway. He was tired, maybe smelly and had nothing on Him, and they took Him “as He was.” Whatever the meaning of the phrase, let me ask you a question—“Do you take Jesus as He is?” So many want Jesus to fit in their own box of preconceived ideas and personal preferences. We need to take Jesus exactly as He is!
Second, Mark records that “other boats were with Him.” No other information is given about those boats or their occupants. Why does he include this detail? It may be mentioned to indicate that there were other witnesses to the miracle of calming the storm, or perhaps to show that there were many followers of Jesus at this time. Whatever the reason for giving this detail, let me ask you a few questions—“Do you have to be in the lead boat where all of the attention is focused, or are you ok being in one of ‘the other boats’?” “Even if you are not one of the leaders among the people—like the apostles were—do you realize that Jesus is still with you in the midst of the storms that come?” In your Bible, you might circle the word “with.” Even though those folks were not in the lead boat, they were still “with” Jesus.
Maybe those details are insignificant and not intended to have any meaning to us. But it is interesting that they are included. Take time to read every word in your Bible.