A Mixed Bag: Chapter Six
Chapter 6 begins with a homecoming of sorts. His homecoming was his second trip to Nazareth approximately one year after his first visit recorded in Luke 4. Note how many siblings are named. While not mentioned here, John 7:5 tells us that they did not believe in him.
Read Mark 6:1-6
- What was the result of his preaching on the Sabbath? Listen to their questions
- Where did this man get these things?
- What’s this wisdom that has been given him that he even does miracles?
- Jesus replied (to their amazement) that “a prophet is without honor in his own hometown.” Why do you suppose that’s true? Is it true today?
Mark inserts two events into chapter six prior to the famous Feeding of the 5,000. The first is the sending out of the 12.
Read 6:6b-13
- On-the-job training requires some field work. That’s what Jesus was doing. It was sort of a vicarage. How did he send them out? And what were their instructions?
- Mark tells us that He gave them authority over evil spirits. Go back to the protevangel (First Gospel) – Genesis 3:15.
- How effective was their on-the-job training (OJT)?
Mark gives his rendition of John the Baptist’s demise. Mark begins by saying that John was dead, then shifts to Herod and his afterthoughts concerning who Jesus might be? Luke 3:19 tells us that John had rebuked Herod for taking his brother’s wife for his own and all the other evil things he had done. Thus, John was sent to prison –for telling the truth.
Why do you think Mark insert’s this story in his gospel?
Chapter 6:30ff begins a new chapter regarding our Lord’s compassion. This time it was for his follower’s general well-being including hunger.
Read 6:30-44: The Feeding of 5,000
This is the ONLY one of Jesus’ miracles that is told in all four gospels. (Matthew 14:13ff; Mark 6:30ff; Luke 9:10ff and John 6, the famous Bread of Life Chapter. The exact location is unknown but likely on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, perhaps just west of where the Jordan River enters the Sea of Galilee (Halley’s Bible Handbook). The time was Passover one year prior to Jesus’ death and likely the only Passover that He didn’t go to Jerusalem.
The story begins by Jesus asking for a report from his disciples on their preaching. Jesus then invited them to come with Him to a quiet place and get some rest – exactly what a shepherd would do. Well, that was not the case. Jesus’ popularity was at its pinnacle. Thousands were following so that when they landed, their rest and relaxation was a moot point. But Mark tells us that, “He had compassion on them.” Why?
The story now shifts to mealtime. Sending the people away late in the day was not an option. Notice how Jesus baits the disciples! “You give them something to eat!” How would you have reacted to Jesus’ statement?
Does this miracle feeding remind you of another feeding? Or maybe two? What are they?
The miracle of dividing so little among so many goes beyond human understanding. Five loaves and two small fish among 5,000 men plus women and children. This feeding shows God’s great providence to His people. His supply of love is endless just as the loaves and fish. How long do you suppose it took for the disciples to get it? John’s version only notes the people’s amazement and no mention of the disciples!
Mark tells the orderly way in which the people were organized to expedite the feeding process. Sitting in groups of 50 and 100 still is a lot of groups. This orderly process reminds of the Mosaic camp in the desert (Exodus 18).
Mark tells us that he ordered the leftovers to be collected. For what purpose?
Questions for the Day
- The “Sent Ones” is not new. The Prophet Isaiah was called by God himself. Isaiah’s response when God said, “Whom shall I send?” “Here am I send me,” said Isaiah. Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission in Matthew 28. What FOUR commands does Jesus make?
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- How does Jesus equip you and me to do be his emissaries?
- Jesus commented in Nazareth that He was amazed at their lack of faith. Does it take faith for miracles? Explain your position.
- All four gospels record the famous feeding of Jesus’ followers. Do you remember Elijah’s miracle of “unending food?” in 1 Kings 17 and the Widow of Zarephath. How does God provide unending “grace upon grace” in our modern day? To you? To our congregation? To the church at large?