Mark 4:35-41 is part of the section concerning Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and the surrounding areas (Mark 1:14–8:21). In particular, it narrates the first incident recounted in a large unit concerning Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35 – 6:6a). Mark shows us that Jesus is sovereign over the potent forces of nature (Mark 4:35–41), evil spirits (Mark 5:1–20), sickness (Mark 5:24–34), and death (Mark 5:21–24, Mark 5:35–43). Where previously we simply read about Jesus driving out demons and healing the sick (Mark 1:32–34, Mark 3:10–11), we are now given examples of what these healings and exorcisms looked like.
Unfortunately, despite the miraculous works that Jesus performs, many people still reject him. Thus, the conclusion of this unit (Mark 4:35–6:6a) is very similar to the conclusion of the first unit (Mark 1:14–3:6). Jesus was rejected by the Pharisees and the Herodians (Mark 3:6), now he is rejected by the people he grew up with in his hometown (Mark 6:1–6a).1
Before we come to Mark 3:35-41, we need to be aware of other events that have taken place in Mark 4. After spending some time in Capernaum (Mark 3:20) Jesus has returned to the Sea of Galilee to teach the crowds of people following him (Mark 4:1, cf. Mark 3:7). Now, he is in the boat where previously he merely had a boat ready in case the crowds got too large (Mark 4:1, contrast with Mark 3:9). Jesus then begins teaching the people by means of parables. He tells many parables and Mark’s Gospel simply records four: the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1–20), the lamp on the stand (Mark 4:21–24), the growing seed (Mark 4:26–29), and the mustard seed (Mark 4:30–32). Jesus also told other parables which have not been recorded (Mark 4:33).
From the above, we are to assume that Jesus spent the greatest part of the day teaching people.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”