Mark Lesson 7

Memory verses for this week: Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

Introduction: We continue with our study of Mark Chapter 6. In chapter 5, Jesus performed three miracles to help those in need and to show the people that he was the One sent from God. He first healed the man of Gadara who was possessed of many demons. He later healed the woman with the issue of blood, and then raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. We begin this weeks lesson with Jesus returning to Nazareth

Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

Mark 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

Jesus return to the area where he grew up. He began teaching in the synagogue, and as he taught, his friends and neighbors were astonished at His teaching. They question where he acquired this great wisdom and the ability to perform the miracles that were done by his hands. Jesus was not formally trained in a religious institution like the rabbis. He had not been to what we would call a seminary to learn about God, or to a rabbinical school. Since he had no formal training, the people of Nazareth perceived him as a carpenter. In verse 3, we see he has four brothers listed and his sisters are also mentioned. The question and say “Is not this the carpenter Joseph’s son, the one who was married to Mary. Most likely, since Joseph was mentioned like this, he had probably already died by this time. It is certain that when Jesus was about to die, he made provision for his mother to be cared for by John.

John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house

Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Mark 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Since the people of Nazareth showed little respect to the Lord, he explains that a prophet is not without honour except for his own country. Sometimes those close to us may not have the proper respect for our work involved with God. That does not mean that some of your kinfolks will not respect you, it is just that sometimes not all will. One time when I was starting the bible studies on the Internet in 1997, I mentioned it to a friend at work. He smiled and said he didn’t listen or read anything from anyone who did not have professional seminary experience. I told him that I was sad about that, because that would exclude all the teachings of the greatest teacher on the face of the earth, Jesus Christ. He smiled and didn’t say another thing about that. Of course Jesus was God and was involved in the entire writing of the Word of God, so he had total knowledge. We today must study to gain wisdom about God’s Word. I’d like to say that those who have attended professional religious training are always better teachers, but we have many who come out with a false sense of God and don’t even know what the true Bible is. So who trains us has a lot to do with whether we are truly gaining wisdom or just man’s philosophy. Be sure of this, if the things you are taught conflict with the Bible, they are not accurate teachings.

Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Prov 9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

Verse 5 says that due to their unbelief, Jesus did not do many mighty works there in Nazareth. Jesus marvelled at their unbelief. I’m sure he does that at times with us still today.

Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:

Christ gave exact instructions to the twelve disciples. They were to go forth two by two and were to take nothing for the trip. No provisions, no scrip, no bread, no money… just a staff and sandals with only one coat. Does this sound like the way missionaries go out today? Some do, but many spend months and sometimes years gaining support that they might have a relatively good income before they get on the field. There is nothing wrong with being prepared, but if God tells us to go to specific field, it would be far better to go and be short on funds than to be out of God’s will and still be out raising funds. I truly believe that God will provide if we look to him by faith. Sometimes, you might have to work to make a living like Paul did making tents, but you still go and do the work God has for you to do. These were given special powers to cast out unclean spirits, and they were to go looking to God for their daily provision and were to accept whatever those gave them that they came in contact with.

Here is, I. The commission given to the twelve apostles, to preach and work miracles; it is the same which we had more largely, Mt. 10. Mark doth not name them here, as Matthew doth, because he had named them before, when they were first called into fellowship with him, ch. 3:16–19. Hitherto they had been conversant with Christ, and had set at his feet, had heard his doctrine, and seen his miracles; and now he determines to make some use of them; they had received, that they might give, had learned, that they might teach; and therefore now he began to send them forth. They must not always be studying in the academy, to get knowledge, but they must preach in the country, to do good with the knowledge they have got. Though they were not as yet so well accomplished as they were to be, yet, according to their present ability and capacity, they must be set to work, and make further improvements afterward. Now observe here,

1. That Christ sent them forth by two and two; this Mark takes notice of. They went two and two to a place, that out of the mouth of two witnesses every word might be established; and that they might be company for one another when they were among strangers, and might strengthen the hands, and encourage the hearts, one of another; might help one another if any thing should be amiss, and keep one another in countenance. Every common soldier has his comrade; and it is an approved maxim, Two are better than one. Christ would thus teach his ministers to associate, and both lend and borrow help.

2. That he gave them power over unclean spirits. He commissioned them to attack the devil’s kingdom, and empowered them, as a specimen of their breaking his interest in the souls of men by their doctrine, to cast him out of the bodies of those that were possessed. Dr. Lightfoot suggests, that they cured diseases, and cast out devils, by the Spirit, but preached that only which they had learned from the mouth of Christ. [i]

Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

He tells them that whatever place they entered, they were to abide there and depend on the hospitality of the people. They were to treat them respectfully, and if they were not received, then they were to shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. God warned of the serious of judgment they would face if this was the case. So they went forth and preached the gospel and told people to repent and turn to God to be saved. And they cast out devils, and healed many that were sick. Remember that the apostles had special powers that you and I no longer have today. Can God still heal the sick man or woman? Of course he can. But it is not accomplished by us laying hands on people or anointing them with oil. It is by making our petitions known by prayer, and by faith, God will them. We are just messengers and prayer warriors with people today, not the carriers of divine healing.

Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.

Mark 6:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

The great miracles that Jesus performed were not long in reaching the ears of Herod. When we have done wrong, we tend to think the worse is about to come upon us. Herod thinks that John the Baptist has risen from the grave due to the great and mighty works that he did. The bible teaches that the wicked are constantly in fear.

Prov 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

When a person does wrong, they are afraid they will be caught, and they are always looking around to see if someone is coming upon them. That is a very sad way to live. But if we are living for the Lord, we are not fearful. What can man do to us? Perhaps put us to death… Paul said to be absent from the body is to be home with the Spirit. Nothing can defeat us if we live honestly and for the Lord. I forget the man who founded the Texas Rangers, but he stated that “If you are in the right, and keep coming, no one can stop you.” If that is true for worldly law enforcement, how much more true is it for the Christian that is in the perfect Will of the Lord in doing God’s Work. We should not fear man, but fear God. And looking to God for strength, we can accomplish great things. Verse 15 says that the people knew something was great about Jesus. He had to be someone great like Elias or one of the other prophets. He was great, and greater than any other who ever walked on this earth.

Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

Mark 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Mark 6:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

John had been put to death because of Herodias. Herodias was actually Philip’s wife, the brother of Herod. Herod had married this woman and John spoke out against it and told him that it was not right for a man to take his brother’s wife. This made Herodias very upset, and she determined to kill John the Baptist. However, Herod feared John because he was a just and holy man. Sometimes even evil people respect those that love the Lord and serve God.

Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

Mark 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

Mark 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

Mark 6:24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

Mark 6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

Mark 6:28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

Mark 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

The opportunity came on Herod’s birthday. At the party, Herodias’ daughter danced and it greatly impressed Herod. He makes a promise to give her whatever she desired, up to half of his kingdom. The daughter does not know what to ask for, so she asks her mother. She knew immediately what to ask for… she wanted John the Baptist’s head on a charger. So the daughter asks for it, and the king really regretted what he had promised to her. But he went ahead and had the executioner kill John, and they brought his head in on a charger. Verse 29 says the disciples come and took the body away and buried it in a tomb.

Mark 6:30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

The disciples come to Christ, and told him what they had done and taught on the mission Christ had sent them on. He tells them to come apart into a desert place and to rest awhile. For those who think the Lord wants us to work all the time, they need to read this. Having time alone and with God is crucial to our spiritual condition. We have to rest and come away from the hurried pace of life if we want to be as effective as we can be.

Mark 6:33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.

Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:

Mark 6:36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.

Mark 6:37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

They went out to a deserted area and traveled there by ship. Many on the seashore recognize that it is the Lord, and they run along the side and ran out of the cities to follow after them. In verse 34, Jesus shows how much he loves people when it says “He was moved with compassion towards them, because they were as a sheep not having a shepherd.” God does not want people to be led about by Satan. He is a cruel master, and will promise great things, but will always leave you empty. If we know Jesus as Lord and Savior, we have one who is the true shepherd. He will never lead us astray, but will lead us right in all things.

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

The disciples come to Christ and tells him to send the people away since they did not have food enough to feed them. They question Jesus as to if they should go and buy 200 pennyworth of bread. I’m not sure how much that was, but I feel it was a large quantity. Jesus replies and asks them how much did they have with them. They went and reported that they have five loaves of bread and two fishes.

The entertainment Christ gave them (v. 34); When he saw much people, instead of being moved with displeasure, because they disturbed him when he desired to be private, as many a man, many a good man, would have been, he was moved with compassion toward them, and looked upon them with concern, because they were as sheep having no shepherd, they seemed to be well-inclined, and manageable as sheep, and willing to be taught, but they had no shepherd, none to lead and guide them in the right way, none to feed them with good doctrine: and therefore, in compassion to them, he not only healed their sick, as it is in Matthew, but he taught them many things, and we may be sure that they were all true and good, and fit for them to learn.

1. The disciples moved that they should be sent home. When the day was not far spent, and night drew on, they said, This is a desert place, and much time is now past; send them away to buy bread, v. 35, 36. This the disciples suggested to Christ; but we do not find that the multitude themselves did. They did not say, Send us away (though they could not but be hungry), for they esteemed the words of Christ’s mouth more than their necessary food, and forgot themselves when they were hearing him; but the disciples thought it would be a kindness to them to dismiss them. Note, Willing minds will do more, and hold out longer, in that which is good, than one would expect from them.

2. Christ ordered that they should all be fed (v. 37); Give ye them to eat. Though their crowding after him and his disciples hindered them from eating (v. 31), yet he would not therefore, to be even with them, send them away fasting, but, to teach us to be kind to those who are rude to us, he ordered provision to be made for them; that bread which Christ and his disciples took with them into the desert, that they might make a quiet meal of it for themselves, he will have them to partake of. Thus was he given to hospitality. They attended on the spiritual food of his word, and then he took care that they should not want corporal food. The way of duty, as it is the way of safety, so it is the way to supply. [ii]

Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

Mark 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

Mark 6:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

It is amazing what a God can do with a little. Do you have limited talent? Let God use it, and you’ll be surprised what great things He can accomplish. Here they bring 5 loaves and 2 fishes to Jesus, he breaks the bread after offering thanks to the Father, and they were all fed. “ Little is much when God is in it “ are some great words to a song. And so true are those words. What we have may not be much, but when we give it to the Lord, he can do a lot with a little.

Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

Mark 6:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

Mark 6:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Mark 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Jesus sent the disciples away in the ship. He tells them to go over to the other side unto Bethsaida while he sent the many who had come out home. He then departs into a mountain to pray. I believe that he had something to teach the disciples this night. Without the Lord, they find themselves in a storm and they are toiling and working hard trying to row to the other side. Don’t be surprised at the storm you will face this upcoming week. But no matter what we face, we have a refuge from the storm when we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Very early in the morning, between 3 and 6 a.m., Jesus comes walking to them on top of the water. When they looked up, they were very troubled. Most likely they thought he was a spirit, and they were familiar with the fact that ordinary people do not walk on the water. Jesus calls out and tells them to not fear but to be of good cheer. It is I. When Jesus comes to us in the storm, things change. And when he got aboard, all was well. Thank God for how Jesus is always there to help us even in our darkest hour.

Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

The disciples were shocked and amazed at what they had seen. It says they had not truly considered the miracle of the loaves because their heart was hardened. That is a sad state to be in, but we can all fall away from the close fellowship we have with God if we are not careful. God wants us to have tender hearts, ones that can be molded and used by the Master.

Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Mark 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

The plain of Gennesaret was on the west shore of the Lake of Galilee, not far from Capernaum. When they arrived, the people came out because they knew who Jesus was. They hurried to bring the sick to the Lord, because they knew that Jesus could heal them. Wouldn’t it be great if we could heal a sick person? It says in verse 56 that wherever he entered, they laid the sick out in the streets. If they could but touch his garment, they could be made whole. They had to have faith, and unlike those in Nazareth we studied about in the first of the chapter, they did not limit Jesus by failing to believe. God wants us to trust him, and to have faith that whatever we have need of, if we will but ask, God will give it to us if it is according to His Will. Sometimes we ask amiss and do not receive, but if it is best for us, God will give us our petitions.

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Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Practice Random Acts of Kindness. Each act spreads, and many will be blessed.

[i]Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers) 1997.

[ii]Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers) 1997.

Mark Chapter 06