Mark 6 Jesus Rejected in His Hometown

1 A Prophet Without Honor
Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.

2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles!

3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

4 Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”

5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.

6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

7 Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.

8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.

9 Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.

10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.

11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.”

12 They went out and preached that people should repent.

13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

14 John the Baptist Beheaded
King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

15 Others said, “He is Elijah.”
And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.”

16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!”

17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married.

18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,

20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.

21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”

23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”
“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.

25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.

27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison,

28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.

29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

30 Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.

31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.

34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late.

36 Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”
They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”
When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.

40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.

41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.

42 They all ate and were satisfied,

43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.

44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

45 Jesus Walks on the Water
Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.

48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them,

49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out,

50 because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,

52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there.

54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.

55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.

56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

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Analysis of Mark Chapter 6

Mark 6 is a profound chapter in the New Testament that illustrates various aspects of Jesus’ ministry, his interactions with people, and the miraculous works he performed. This chapter can be neatly divided into several segments: Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, the mission of the twelve apostles, the death of John the Baptist, the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus walking on water, and his healing at Gennesaret. This in-depth analysis will explore each section, providing context, interpretation, and the underlying messages conveyed through these impactful narratives.

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6)

The chapter begins with Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth, accompanied by his disciples. It is a place where he had lived most of his life, yet the reception he receives is far from welcoming. On the Sabbath, Jesus begins teaching in the synagogue, and the people are amazed by his wisdom and miraculous powers (Mark 6:2). However, their amazement quickly turns into skepticism and offense.

“He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.”

This section highlights a significant theme in Jesus’ ministry: the issue of faith. Despite his remarkable teachings and miracles, Jesus faces disbelief and hardness of heart, even among those who knew him from childhood (verses 3-4). This episode reveals that miracles and wisdom alone are not enough to inspire faith; the hearts of the people must be open and receptive.

Moreover, it underscores the humanity of Jesus. Despite being the Son of God, he experiences rejection and disbelief. His statement, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home” (Mark 6:4), points to a broader truth about the challenges of ministry, particularly in familiar environments. This passage invites readers to examine their openness to the divine and challenges preconceived notions that might hinder deeper faith.

The Commissioning of the Twelve (Mark 6:7-13)

Jesus then sends out the twelve apostles in pairs, giving them authority over impure spirits (Mark 6:7). The instructions he provides are minimalistic, emphasizing reliance on God’s provision:

“Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.”

These instructions have significant implications. By traveling light, the apostles are to depend entirely on the hospitality of those they minister to, fostering a humble and trusting spirit. The requirement to shake off the dust from places that do not welcome them (verses 10-11) symbolizes a rejection of disbelief and an encouragement to move forward with their mission without harboring resentment.

The apostles’ actions (verses 12-13) reflect their obedience and the extension of Jesus’ ministry through them. They preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick, thus demonstrating the power of faith and the authority given to them by Jesus. This passage serves as a model for Christian mission work, emphasizing faith, dependency on God, and the importance of spreading the Gospel message.

The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)

The narrative then shifts to the tragic account of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. Herod Antipas, hearing about Jesus’ miracles, is troubled and believes Jesus to be John resurrected (Mark 6:14-16). This belief sets the stage for a flashback describing John’s imprisonment and subsequent execution.

John’s confrontation with Herod over his unlawful marriage to Herodias (verses 17-18) illustrates the cost of prophetic truth-telling. Despite knowing John to be a righteous man, Herod’s fear and eventual succumbing to Herodias’ manipulations during his birthday banquet lead to John’s beheading (verses 21-28).

This passage is a somber reminder of the potential consequences of standing up for truth and righteousness. John’s steadfast commitment to his prophetic calling, even unto death, serves as a powerful example of faith and integrity. For readers, it is a call to courageously uphold their beliefs, regardless of the personal cost.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30-44)

Returning to Jesus’ ministry, the apostles regroup and report their activities to Jesus (Mark 6:30). Seeking a moment of rest, they retreat to a solitary place, but the crowds follow. Moved by compassion, Jesus begins teaching the multitude (verses 31-34). As the day progresses, the disciples express concern about feeding the large crowd.

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.”

The miraculous feeding of the five thousand (verses 35-44) is a profound demonstration of God’s provision and abundance. Jesus multiplies the modest offering of loaves and fish, not only feeding the entire crowd but leaving twelve baskets of leftovers. This miracle emphasizes Christ’s divine authority over nature and his deep compassion for human needs.

Symbolically, the feeding miracle can also be viewed as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist, where Jesus offers himself as the spiritual nourishment for all. It underscores the principle that in God’s hands, even the smallest offerings can result in great blessings. This passage encourages believers to trust in God’s provision and to approach Him with their needs, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.

Jesus Walks on Water (Mark 6:45-52)

Following the feeding miracle, Jesus sends his disciples ahead by boat while he dismisses the crowd and retreats to pray (verse 46). This act of solitary prayer reflects Jesus’ dependency on God the Father and the necessity of seeking spiritual renewal amidst ministry demands.

As night falls, the disciples struggle against a strong wind while rowing. In the early hours, Jesus approaches them, walking on the lake (verses 48-49). The disciples, terrified and thinking they see a ghost, are reassured by Jesus: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (verse 50).

His walking on water is not merely a display of his power over nature but also a profound revelation of his divine identity. The phrase “It is I” (Greek: ego eimi) echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14), affirming his divinity. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the disciples’ fear and amazement reveal their still-developing understanding and faith.

Jesus’ calming presence and command over the elements serve as a powerful assurance of his sovereignty and protective care. For contemporary readers, this passage offers assurance that in the midst of life’s storms, Jesus remains sovereign and present, inviting us to trust and not be afraid.

Healing at Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56)

Upon reaching Gennesaret, Jesus’ reputation precedes him, and the sick are brought to him in droves (verses 53-55). The people’s faith is evident in their eagerness to touch even the edge of his cloak, believing in his healing power (verse 56). The result is widespread healing and restoration.

This concluding section emphasizes the accessibility and universality of Jesus’ healing ministry. Unlike earlier, where faith was lacking in Nazareth, here the people’s faith bears immediate fruit. This juxtaposition underscores the principle that faith is a crucial element in experiencing the fullness of God’s power and blessing.

Moreover, the willingness of people to seek out Jesus and their determination to reach him, despite obstacles, serves as an example of persistent faith. It encourages believers to actively seek God’s presence and intervention in their lives, trusting in his compassionate care and miraculous power.

Conclusion

Mark 6 is rich with theological insight and practical lessons for faith and discipleship. Through the narratives of Jesus’ rejection, the apostles’ mission, John the Baptist’s martyrdom, the feeding of the five thousand, walking on water, and healing at Gennesaret, several core themes emerge:

The importance of faith and the openness of heart to God’s work.
The sufficiency of God’s provision against apparent insufficiency.
The cost of discipleship and the courage required to uphold truth.
Jesus’ compassionate nature and divine authority.
The assurance of Jesus’ presence and sovereignty in life’s trials.

For contemporary readers, Mark 6 challenges preconceptions that may hinder faith, encourages reliance on God’s provision, and calls for a commitment to truth and righteousness, regardless of the personal cost. It offers assurance of God’s compassion, provision, and omnipotence, encouraging believers to seek Jesus earnestly and trust in his providential care amidst life’s uncertainties.

Understanding the Key Messages in Mark 6: Insights and Explanation

In this chapter, Jesus returns to his hometown and is rejected by the people there. He then sends out the Twelve disciples, giving them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal the sick. Jesus performs miracles and feeds thousands of people with just a few loaves and fish. He walks on water and calms a storm, revealing his power over nature.

Notes

This chapter highlights the unbelief and rejection of Jesus by his own people. It also demonstrates his authority over sickness, demons, nature, and provision.