◄ Mark 6 ►
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The Rejection at Nazareth (Matthew 13:53–58; Luke 4:16–30) 1Jesus went on from there and came to His hometown, accompanied by His disciples. 2When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these ideas?” they asked. “What is this wisdom He has been given? And how can He perform such miracles? 3Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses,a Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him. 4Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” 5So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. 6And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He went around from village to village, teaching the people. The Ministry of the Twelve (Matthew 10:5–15; Luke 9:1–6) 7Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. 8He instructed them to take nothing but a staff for the journey—no bread, no bag, no moneyb in their belts— 9and to wear sandals, but not a second tunic. 10And He told them, “When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area. 11If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.”c 12So they set out and preached that the people should repent. 13They also drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil. The Beheading of John (Matthew 14:1–12; Luke 9:7–9) 14Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying,d “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!” 17For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. 18For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” 19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, 20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly. 21On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22When the daughter of Herodiase came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” 24Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” 26The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. 28The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. 29When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb. The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13–21; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–15) 30Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught. 31And He said to them, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary place. 33But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them. 34When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things. 35By now the hour was already late. So the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. 36Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denariif to give all of them bread to eat?” 38“Go and see how many loaves you have,” He told them. And after checking, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44And there were five thousand men who had eaten the loaves. Jesus Walks on Water (Matthew 14:22–33; John 6:16–21) 45Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. 46After bidding them farewell, He went up on the mountain to pray. 47When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land. 48He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night,g Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them, 49but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— 50for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 51Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. And the disciples were utterly astounded, 52for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened. Jesus Heals at Gennesaret (Matthew 14:34–36) 53When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and moored the boat. 54As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus 55and ran through that whole region, carrying the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. 56And wherever He went—villages and towns and countrysides—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed. Footnotes: 3 a Joses is a variant of Joseph; see Matthew 13:55. 8 b Or copper coins 11 c BYZ and TR include Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town; see Matthew 10:15. 14 d Literally they were saying; some manuscripts he was saying 22 e Some early manuscripts When his daughter Herodias 37 f A denarius was customarily a day’s wage for a laborer; see Matthew 20:2. 48 g That is, between three and six in the morning Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Mark 6 Summary The Beheading of John Verses 1–6 – Rejection in Nazareth Jesus returns to His hometown, teaches in the synagogue, and is met with scorn. His neighbors cannot see beyond His ordinary upbringing, so “He could not do any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them” (v. 5). Their unbelief amazes Him. Verses 7–13 – The Twelve Sent Out Calling the Twelve, Jesus pairs them off, gives them power over unclean spirits, and instructs them to travel light. They preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick with oil. Verses 14–29 – Herod and the Death of John Herod Antipas hears of Jesus and thinks John the Baptist has risen. Mark flashes back to explain how Herod imprisoned John for condemning his marriage to Herodias, and how at Herod’s banquet Herodias’s daughter danced, prompting Herod to behead John. Verses 30–44 – Feeding Five Thousand The apostles return, Jesus draws them to a quiet place, but the crowds follow. Compassion moves Him to teach; then He multiplies five loaves and two fish, satisfying five thousand men and leaving twelve baskets of leftovers. Verses 45–52 – Walking on the Water Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat, prays on a mountain, then walks across the wind-tossed sea. He identifies Himself—“Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid” (v. 50)—and calms the wind as He steps into the boat. Verses 53–56 – Healings in Gennesaret Landing at Gennesaret, Jesus is instantly recognized. People rush from surrounding villages, laying the sick on mats wherever He goes. All who touch even the fringe of His cloak are healed. Mark 6 presents a series of remarkable narratives that revolve around belief and unbelief, the exercise of divine power, and the demands of discipleship. From Jesus' unexpected rejection in Nazareth to His empowering of the disciples, the beheading of John the Baptist, the miraculous feeding of the multitude, and Jesus walking on water, the chapter presents a mosaic of experiences that collectively challenge, inspire, and invite deeper faith. Nazareth’s Unbelief and the Carpenter’s Son • First-century Nazareth was a small village (likely fewer than 500 residents). Archaeology uncovers simple stone homes and shared courtyards, matching the Gospel picture of tight-knit familiarity. • The locals list Jesus’ family—Mary, James, Joses, Judas, Simon, and unnamed sisters (v. 3)—showing firsthand knowledge. This same list confirms Jesus’ true humanity and His insertion into an average Galilean family. • Honor-shame culture held that no one from humble roots could eclipse community status boundaries. Isaiah 53:2 foretold, “He had no form or majesty…,” a prophecy partly fulfilled in Nazareth’s rejection. Commissioning the Twelve: Travel Light, Trust Big • Staff, sandals, no extra tunic—clear reliance on God’s daily provision (compare Exodus 12:11). • Shaking dust off their feet mirrored rabbinic practice when leaving pagan soil; here it warns covenant people of unbelief (Acts 13:51 echoes this). • The duos mirror Deuteronomy 19:15—“by the mouth of two witnesses”—underscoring credibility. Power over demons previews Luke 10:17 and Acts 5:16. Herod Antipas: History, Politics, and Fear • Herod Antipas (reigned 4 BC–AD 39) ruled Galilee and Perea under Roman oversight. Coins bear a reed emblem—perhaps behind Jesus’ “reed shaken by the wind” remark about John (Matthew 11:7). • Josephus places Antipas’s palace at Tiberias and his desert fortress at Machaerus. Mark’s flashback likely occurs at Machaerus, where prisoner cells, banquet halls, and the courtyard remain identifiable in excavations. • Herod’s conscience wrestles with guilt; hearing of miracles, he assumes John has returned (v. 16), an early witness to the enduring power of a righteous testimony. John the Baptist’s Execution: Courage Meets Corruption • John’s rebuke of Antipas for marrying Herodias (wife of his half-brother Philip) reflects Leviticus 18:16. • Herodias’s daughter’s dance aligns with worldly banquet entertainment. Ancient writers note such feasts often ended with rash oaths. • John’s martyrdom foreshadows Jesus’ own unjust death and anticipates the cost of prophetic boldness (2 Timothy 3:12). The Green Grass and the Twelve Baskets • Mark alone notes “green grass” (v. 39), placing the miracle in spring near Passover (John 6:4). • Five loaves + two fish feed 5,000 men; including women and children (Matthew 14:21) the crowd may top 15,000. • Twelve baskets left over mirror Israel’s twelve tribes, signaling Jesus as provider for the whole covenant family. Compare 2 Kings 4:42-44, where Elisha feeds 100 men with twenty loaves—Jesus far surpasses that sign. Bread in the Wilderness: Echoes of Exodus • Like Moses, Jesus shepherds people in a lonely place and supplies bread. Psalm 78:19 asks, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?”—Mark 6 answers yes. • The crowd “sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties” (v. 40), reminiscent of the wilderness camp arrangement in Exodus 18:25. • Jesus “looked up to heaven, said a blessing, and broke the loaves” (v. 41). These four actions recur at the Last Supper (Mark 14:22) and Emmaus (Luke 24:30), hinting at future communion. Walking on the Water: Old Testament Resonance • Job 9:8 praises God “Who alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.” By doing the same, Jesus reveals divine authority. • The disciples think He is a ghost—common seafaring superstition on Galilee—but His “It is I” literally reads “I AM,” linking back to Exodus 3:14. • The wind ceases immediately, paralleling His earlier calming of the storm (Mark 4:39). Each nature miracle amplifies the last, drawing the disciples toward deeper understanding. Hearts Hardened: Learning Curve of the Twelve • Verse 52 states, “They had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” Despite witnessing food multiplication, the disciples still underestimate Jesus’ identity when He walks on water. • Mark’s honesty about their slow growth encourages modern readers who struggle with doubt. Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith grows by hearing the Word—experience alone is not enough. Gennesaret and the Fringe of His Cloak • Gennesaret’s fertile plain along the northwest shore of Galilee matches Josephus’s description of abundant crops. • The people touch “the fringe of His cloak” (v. 56), echoing the woman in Mark 5:27-29 and fulfilling Malachi 4:2—“the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings” (the Hebrew word for “wings” can also mean garment edge). • This act shows faith’s simplicity: no incantations, only contact with Jesus brings wholeness. Discipleship Lessons for Today • Familiarity can dull awe—Nazareth warns against presuming upon Jesus. • Jesus calls believers to travel light, depend on God, and go two by two—community mission, not solo acts. • Speaking truth may cost popularity or safety; John’s fate reinforces steadfastness. • When resources seem tiny, place them in Jesus’ hands—He multiplies. • Storms reveal who Jesus is. Look for Him walking above the waves rather than fearing the wind. • Touching Jesus by faith—through Scripture, prayer, obedience—still changes lives. Jesus Revealed: Provider, Protector, Prophet Greater than Moses • Provider: He feeds hungry crowds (Psalm 23:1). • Protector: He tramples turbulent seas (Psalm 77:19). • Prophet: He confronts rulers, like Elijah before Ahab (1 Kings 18). • More than prophet: Each miracle demands the conclusion of Mark 8:29—“You are the Christ.” Key Cross-References • Unbelief contrasted: Mark 6:6 vs. Luke 7:9 (centurion’s faith). • Sending power: Mark 6:7–13 parallels Matthew 10 and Luke 9. • John’s imprisonment narrated also in Matthew 14:3–12 and Luke 3:19–20. • Feeding repeated: Mark 8:1–10 records a second feeding of four thousand, underscoring abundance for Jews and Gentiles. • Walking on water also in Matthew 14:22–33 (includes Peter) and John 6:16–21. Final Takeaway Mark 6 showcases both soaring miracles and sobering costs. Unbelief limits blessing; faith unleashes it. Whether in hometown streets, a royal palace, grassy hillsides, storm-tossed waters, or bustling marketplaces, Jesus stands unrivaled—ready to honor faith, confront sin, and reveal divine glory. Connections to Additional Scriptures Rejection of Prophets Luke 4:24 - Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. Authority Given to Believers Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission, where Jesus gives authority to His disciples. God’s Provision Philippians 4:19 - And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Faith Over Fear Isaiah 41:10 - Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. Teaching Points Rejection in Nazareth Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary? (Mark 6:3) - Jesus faced skepticism and unbelief from those in His hometown, highlighting the challenge of familiarity breeding contempt. He could not do any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. (Mark 6:5) - The lack of faith in Nazareth limited the manifestation of Jesus' power. Commissioning of the Twelve He called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. (Mark 6:7) - Jesus empowered His disciples, emphasizing the importance of partnership and spiritual authority in ministry. Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. (Mark 6:8) - Dependence on God’s provision is crucial for those called to serve. Feeding the Five Thousand You give them something to eat. (Mark 6:37) - Jesus challenges His disciples to take responsibility, teaching them to rely on His provision. They all ate and were satisfied. (Mark 6:42) - Jesus’ miraculous provision demonstrates His compassion and sufficiency. Walking on Water Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid. (Mark 6:50) - Jesus reassures His disciples, reminding them of His presence and power over nature. They were completely astounded, for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened. (Mark 6:51-52) - The disciples' struggle to comprehend Jesus' divine nature highlights the need for spiritual insight. Practical Applications Faith in Familiarity Guard against the danger of becoming too familiar with Jesus, which can lead to a lack of reverence and faith. Dependence on God Trust in God’s provision and authority when stepping out in faith, especially in ministry or service. Compassion and Provision Be open to God using you to meet the needs of others, trusting in His ability to multiply your efforts. Recognizing Jesus’ Presence In times of fear or uncertainty, remember Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid,” and trust in His presence and power. People 1. Jesus Central figure in the chapter, performing miracles and teaching. He is referred to as the "carpenter" and "the son of Mary" (Mark 6:3). In the original Greek, "Jesus" is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous). 2. The Twelve Disciples Jesus sends them out two by two to preach and perform miracles (Mark 6:7). The term "disciples" in Greek is μαθηταί (mathētai). 3. The People of Nazareth They express skepticism about Jesus' wisdom and miracles, questioning His authority (Mark 6:2-3). 4. John the Baptist Mentioned in the context of Herod's fear that Jesus is John resurrected. John had been imprisoned and executed by Herod (Mark 6:14-29). 5. Herod Antipas The ruler who orders John the Baptist's execution. He is referred to as "King Herod" in the text (Mark 6:14, 16-27). 6. Herodias Herod's wife, who harbors a grudge against John the Baptist and orchestrates his execution (Mark 6:17-19). 7. Herodias' Daughter She dances for Herod and his guests, leading to Herod's promise to grant her any request, which results in John's beheading (Mark 6:22-28). 8. The Apostles They return to Jesus after being sent out, reporting all they had done and taught (Mark 6:30). The term "apostles" in Greek is ἀπόστολοι (apostoloi). 9. The Crowd A large group that follows Jesus, leading to the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:34-44). 10. The Sick in Gennesaret People who are brought to Jesus for healing as He travels through the region (Mark 6:53-56). Places 1. Nazareth Mark 6:1: "Jesus went on from there and came to His hometown, accompanied by His disciples." Description: Nazareth is referred to as Jesus' hometown. In the original Greek, the term used is "πατρίδα" (patrida), meaning "fatherland" or "native place." It is significant as the place where Jesus grew up and where He faced skepticism from those who knew Him. 2. Villages Mark 6:6: "And He was amazed at their unbelief. Then He went around to the villages in a circuit, teaching." Description: The term "villages" (Greek: "κώμας," kōmas) refers to small settlements or communities in the region. Jesus traveled through these areas to teach, indicating His ministry extended beyond major cities. 3. Bethsaida Mark 6:45: "Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd." Description: Bethsaida is a town located near the Sea of Galilee. The name in Greek, "Βηθσαϊδά" (Bethsaida), means "house of fishing." It is known as a place where Jesus performed miracles and taught His disciples. 4. Gennesaret Mark 6:53: "When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and moored the boat." Description: Gennesaret is a region on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Greek term "Γεννησαρέτ" (Gennesaret) refers to a fertile plain. It is noted for its agricultural productivity and as a place where Jesus healed many people. Events 1. Jesus Rejected at Nazareth Jesus returns to His hometown, Nazareth, and teaches in the synagogue. The people are astonished by His wisdom and miracles but take offense at Him, questioning His authority because they know His family. Jesus remarks, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household" (Mark 6:4). The Greek word for "offense" here is "σκανδαλίζω" (skandalizō), indicating a stumbling block or cause for rejection. 2. Sending Out the Twelve Apostles Jesus sends out the twelve apostles in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He instructs them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, bag, or money—and to wear sandals but not an extra tunic. They are to stay in homes that welcome them and shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who do not (Mark 6:7-11). 3. The Death of John the Baptist Herod Antipas hears of Jesus' works and believes John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, has been raised from the dead. The narrative recounts how Herod imprisoned John for condemning his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Herodias' daughter, prompted by her mother, requests John's head on a platter, leading to his execution (Mark 6:14-29). 4. Feeding the Five Thousand After the apostles return and report their activities, Jesus takes them to a solitary place. However, a large crowd follows, and Jesus, moved with compassion, teaches them. As it grows late, the disciples suggest sending the crowd away to buy food, but Jesus instructs them to feed the people. With five loaves and two fish, Jesus miraculously feeds about five thousand men (Mark 6:30-44). 5. Jesus Walks on Water Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat to Bethsaida while He dismisses the crowd and prays alone. During the night, He walks on the sea toward the struggling disciples. They are terrified, thinking He is a ghost, but He reassures them, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). The Greek phrase "ἐγώ εἰμι" (egō eimi) is significant, echoing the divine self-identification. 6. Healing at Gennesaret After crossing over, they land at Gennesaret. People recognize Jesus and bring the sick to Him, laying them in marketplaces. All who touch even the fringe of His cloak are healed (Mark 6:53-56). The Greek word for "fringe" is "κράσπεδον" (kraspedon), referring to the tassels on a garment, symbolizing the wearer's adherence to God's commandments. Lessons from Mark 6 1. The Power of Faith in Action In Mark 6, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, giving them authority over unclean spirits. This passage reminds us that faith is not passive but active. When we trust in God's power, we are equipped to make a difference in the world. As Jesus instructed His disciples, "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts" (Mark 6:8). This teaches us to rely on God's provision and to step out in faith, knowing He will supply our needs. 2. The Importance of Rest After their mission, Jesus invites the disciples to "Come with Me privately to a solitary place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). This highlights the importance of rest and reflection in our busy lives. Even in ministry, taking time to recharge is crucial. It allows us to be more effective in our service and to hear God's voice more clearly. 3. Compassion as a Driving Force When Jesus sees the large crowd, He is moved with compassion because "they were like sheep without a shepherd" (Mark 6:34). Compassion should be the driving force behind our actions. It compels us to reach out to those in need, offering guidance and support, just as Jesus did. 4. God Multiplies Our Efforts The feeding of the five thousand is a powerful reminder that God can multiply our efforts. With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus feeds a multitude, demonstrating that when we offer what little we have, God can do immeasurably more. "They all ate and were satisfied" (Mark 6:42), showing that God's provision is abundant. 5. Trusting God in the Storms When the disciples are caught in a storm, Jesus walks on water to reach them, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). This teaches us to trust God in the storms of life. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, Jesus is with us, offering peace and assurance. 6. Recognizing Jesus' Authority The people of Gennesaret recognize Jesus' authority and bring the sick to Him, believing in His power to heal. This passage encourages us to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority in our lives. When we do, we open ourselves to His transformative power and healing. 7. The Danger of Unbelief In His hometown, Jesus is amazed at the people's lack of faith, which limits the miracles He can perform there. "He could not do any miracles there, except lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them" (Mark 6:5). This warns us of the danger of unbelief and the importance of maintaining a heart open to God's work. 8. The Call to Repentance The disciples preach that people should repent, echoing Jesus' message. Repentance is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, calling us to turn away from sin and towards God. It is a daily practice that keeps us aligned with His will. 9. The Cost of Discipleship John the Baptist's imprisonment and execution remind us of the cost of discipleship. Following Christ may lead to persecution, but it is a path of eternal significance. We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when it is costly. 10. The Joy of Serving Others Throughout Mark 6, we see Jesus serving others tirelessly. His example teaches us the joy of serving others, reflecting God's love in practical ways. As we serve, we find fulfillment and purpose, knowing we are part of God's greater plan. Topics 1. Jesus Rejected at Nazareth Jesus returns to His hometown, Nazareth, where He teaches in the synagogue. Despite His wisdom and miracles, the people take offense at Him, leading to His statement that "A prophet is not without honor except in his own town" (Mark 6:4). The Greek word for "offense" here is "σκανδαλίζω" (skandalizō), indicating a stumbling block or cause for rejection. 2. The Mission of the Twelve Jesus sends out the twelve disciples in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He instructs them to take nothing for their journey except a staff, emphasizing reliance on God’s provision (Mark 6:7-13). The Greek term "ἀποστέλλω" (apostellō) is used for "send out," highlighting their role as messengers. 3. The Death of John the Baptist Herod Antipas orders the beheading of John the Baptist, influenced by Herodias and her daughter’s request. This narrative highlights the cost of prophetic truth and the moral corruption of Herod’s court (Mark 6:14-29). The Greek "μαθητής" (mathētēs) refers to John's disciples who bury him, showing their loyalty. 4. The Feeding of the Five Thousand Jesus miraculously feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fish, demonstrating His compassion and divine provision (Mark 6:30-44). The Greek "εὐλογέω" (eulogeō) is used for "blessed," indicating a giving of thanks and consecration of the food. 5. Jesus Walks on Water After praying on a mountainside, Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee to reach His disciples, calming their fears and the storm (Mark 6:45-52). The Greek "θαρσέω" (tharseō) means "take courage," which Jesus uses to reassure His disciples. 6. Healing the Sick in Gennesaret Upon reaching Gennesaret, Jesus heals many who touch the fringe of His cloak, showcasing His power and the faith of the people (Mark 6:53-56). The Greek "σῴζω" (sōzō) is used for "healed," which can also mean "saved," indicating both physical and spiritual restoration. Themes 1. Rejection of Jesus in Nazareth In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus returns to His hometown, where He is met with skepticism and unbelief. The people question His wisdom and authority, saying, "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary?" (Mark 6:3). This theme highlights the Greek term "skandalizō" (σκανδαλίζω), meaning to cause to stumble or take offense, reflecting the townspeople's inability to accept Jesus' divine authority due to their familiarity with His human origins. 2. Empowerment and Mission of the Twelve Apostles Jesus sends out the Twelve Apostles in Mark 6:7-13, giving them authority over unclean spirits. The passage emphasizes the theme of discipleship and mission, as they are instructed to take nothing for their journey except a staff, symbolizing reliance on God's provision. The Greek word "apostellō" (ἀποστέλλω) is used, meaning to send forth with a commission, underscoring their role as messengers of the Gospel. 3. Herod's Fear and the Death of John the Baptist Mark 6:14-29 recounts Herod's fear of Jesus, whom he believes to be John the Baptist raised from the dead. This theme explores the consequences of sin and the cost of prophetic truth, as Herodias' grudge leads to John's beheading. The narrative reflects the moral and spiritual conflict within Herod, who is "greatly distressed" (Mark 6:26) by his oath, illustrating the Greek concept of "perilupos" (περίλυπος), meaning deeply grieved. 4. Feeding of the Five Thousand In Mark 6:30-44, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding five thousand men with five loaves and two fish. This theme highlights Jesus' compassion and divine provision, as He instructs the disciples to "give them something to eat" (Mark 6:37). The Greek term "eucharisteō" (εὐχαριστέω), meaning to give thanks, is used when Jesus blesses the food, pointing to the Eucharistic overtones and the abundance of God's grace. 5. Jesus Walks on Water Mark 6:45-52 describes Jesus walking on the sea to reach His disciples, who are struggling against the wind. This theme emphasizes Jesus' mastery over nature and His divine identity, as He reassures them with "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). The phrase "It is I" translates the Greek "egō eimi" (ἐγώ εἰμι), echoing the divine name revealed in the Old Testament, affirming His deity. 6. Healing at Gennesaret The chapter concludes with Jesus healing the sick in Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56). This theme underscores the widespread recognition of Jesus' healing power and the faith of the people who "begged Him to let them touch even the fringe of His cloak" (Mark 6:56). The Greek word "haptomai" (ἅπτομαι), meaning to touch or cling to, signifies the desperate faith and hope placed in Jesus' ability to heal and restore. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of faith that recognizes and honors Jesus’ authority and presence in your life. Ask for courage and dependence on God as you step out in faith to serve others. Seek God’s provision and guidance in meeting the needs of those around you. Pray for spiritual insight to understand and trust in Jesus’ power and presence, especially in challenging times. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Mark 6:5, why would an all-powerful Jesus be unable to perform miracles in His hometown due to their unbelief? 2. In Mark 6:14–29, how does the account of John the Baptist’s beheading align with or contradict known historical records? 3. In Mark 6:30–44, is there any credible evidence outside the Bible supporting the feeding of 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish? 4. In Mark 6:48–51, how can Jesus walking on water be reconciled with known scientific laws? 5. In Mark 6:3, how could ordinary villagers dismiss Jesus as merely a carpenter’s son if He was performing extraordinary deeds elsewhere? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think the people of Nazareth had such difficulty accepting Jesus as a prophet? 2. What does the rejection Jesus experienced in His hometown tell you about the nature of belief and unbelief? 3. How does the sending out of the twelve apostles reveal about Jesus' faith in His followers? 4. How can you apply Jesus' instructions to His disciples to your own evangelism efforts? 5. In what ways does the account of John the Baptist's death remind you of the potential cost of discipleship? 6. How does Herod's reaction to Jesus' ministry reveal the power of a guilty conscience? 7. What lessons can we learn from the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand about God's provision? 8. How might the disciples have felt when they saw Jesus walking on water? 9. What does Jesus' calming of the wind and waves reveal about His divine authority? 10. How does the people's reaction to Jesus' miracles in Gennesaret contrast with the response He received in Nazareth? 11. How can you maintain your faith in God's provision when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges? 12. What role does faith play in your understanding of who Jesus is? 13. How can you encourage faith and discourage unbelief in your life and in your community? 14. How does the disciples' ministry inspire you to serve others? 15. What strategies can you employ to cope with rejection when you share your faith? 16. What practical steps can you take to rely on God's provision in your life? 17. How does Jesus' authority over nature inspire you in times of fear and uncertainty? 18. How does the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand inform your understanding of compassion and generosity? 19. How does Herod's actions caution you against making rash promises? 20. How can you mirror Jesus' courage and faith when facing challenging or perilous situations? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions