Mark 6
BSB1 Jesus went on from there and came 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 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? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor." 5 So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. 6 And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He went around from village to village, teaching the people. 7 Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing but a staff for the journey—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 and to wear sandals, but not a second tunic. 10 And He told them, “When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area. 11 If 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." 12 So they set out and preached that the people should repent. 13 They also drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil. 14 Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him." 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!" 17 For 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. 18 For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!" 19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, 20 because 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. 21 On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias 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." 23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!" 24 Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist." 25 At 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." 26 The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. 28 The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. 29 When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb. 30 Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught. 31 And 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. 32 So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary place. 33 But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them. 34 When 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. 35 By 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. 36 Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." 37 But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii 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." 39 Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit 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, 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. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 And there were five thousand men who had eaten the loaves. 45 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. 46 After bidding them farewell, He went up on the mountain to pray. 47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them, 49 but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." 51 Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. And the disciples were utterly astounded, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened. 53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and moored the boat. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus 55 and ran through that whole region, carrying the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. 56 And 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.
Study Notes — Mark 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Mark 6
- Themes from Mark 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Mark 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Mark 6 begins with Jesus' visit to His hometown, Nazareth, where He is rejected by the people who know Him best. Jesus then sends out the twelve apostles to preach and heal, giving them authority over unclean spirits. The chapter also recounts the beheading of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod Antipas, who is influenced by his wife Herodias and her daughter. The chapter concludes with Jesus feeding the five thousand and walking on the water, demonstrating His power and divinity. Key verses include Mark 6:4, where Jesus says 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown,' and Mark 6:30, where the apostles return to Jesus and report on their ministry.
Context for the Chapter
Mark 6 is situated in the middle of the Gospel of Mark, which describes the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The chapter follows Jesus' teachings and miracles in Galilee and precedes His journey to Jerusalem, where He will ultimately be crucified and resurrected. The chapter also connects to the larger biblical narrative, as Jesus' rejection by His own people foreshadows the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish leaders and the Roman authorities. Additionally, the chapter highlights the importance of faith and repentance, which are central themes in the Gospel of Mark.
Heart Application
The rejection of Jesus by His own people serves as a reminder that following Jesus may lead to rejection by others. However, as Jesus says in Mark 6:4, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown,' we can trust that God will honor our faithfulness and obedience. We must also recognize the importance of faith, as Jesus' teachings and actions provoke a range of reactions, from amazement to hostility. By trusting in Jesus and following Him, we can experience the power and compassion of God in our lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Mark 6 describes Jesus' ministry in His hometown, where He is rejected by the people who know Him best. Jesus also sends out the twelve apostles to preach and heal, and He feeds the five thousand, demonstrating His power and compassion. The chapter highlights the importance of faith and repentance, as Jesus' teachings and actions provoke a range of reactions, from amazement to hostility. As Jesus says in Mark 6:4, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown,' we can trust that God will honor our faithfulness and obedience.
Voices from the Church
“The rejection of Jesus by His own people is a solemn reminder that the natural heart is enmity against God, and that faith is a gift of God's sovereign grace.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The authority of Jesus over unclean spirits is a demonstration of His divinity and power, and a reminder that He is the only one who can deliver us from the bondage of sin and Satan.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jesus Rejected in His Hometown (Mark 6:1-6) — Jesus is rejected by the people who know Him best, illustrating the theme of rejection that runs throughout the Gospel of Mark.
- Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles (Mark 6:7-13) — Jesus gives the apostles authority over unclean spirits, demonstrating His power and divinity.
- The Beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29) — The chapter recounts the beheading of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod Antipas, who is influenced by his wife Herodias and her daughter.
- Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30-44) — Jesus feeds the five thousand, demonstrating His power and compassion.
- Jesus Walks on the Water (Mark 6:45-56) — Jesus walks on the water, demonstrating His divinity and power.
Core Doctrines
- The Divinity of Christ
- Mark 6 highlights Jesus' power and authority over unclean spirits, demonstrating His divinity and power.
- The Importance of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, as Jesus' teachings and actions provoke a range of reactions, from amazement to hostility.
- The Rejection of Jesus
- The chapter illustrates the theme of rejection that runs throughout the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus is rejected by His own people.
- The Authority of Jesus
- Jesus gives the apostles authority over unclean spirits, demonstrating His power and divinity.
Lessons from Mark 6
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, as Jesus' teachings and actions provoke a range of reactions, from amazement to hostility.
- The Authority of Jesus — Jesus gives the apostles authority over unclean spirits, demonstrating His power and divinity.
- The Rejection of Jesus — The chapter illustrates the theme of rejection that runs throughout the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus is rejected by His own people.
- The Power of Jesus — Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the water, demonstrating His power and compassion.
- The Compassion of Jesus — Jesus feeds the five thousand, demonstrating His compassion and care for those in need.
Themes from Mark 6
- The Rejection of Jesus — The chapter illustrates the theme of rejection that runs throughout the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus is rejected by His own people.
- The Authority of Jesus — Jesus gives the apostles authority over unclean spirits, demonstrating His power and divinity.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, as Jesus' teachings and actions provoke a range of reactions, from amazement to hostility.
- The Power of Jesus — Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the water, demonstrating His power and compassion.
- The Compassion of Jesus — Jesus feeds the five thousand, demonstrating His compassion and care for those in need.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the rejection of Jesus by His own people teach us about the natural heart and the importance of faith?
- How does Jesus' authority over unclean spirits demonstrate His divinity and power?
- What is the significance of the beheading of John the Baptist in the context of Jesus' ministry?
- How does Jesus' feeding of the five thousand demonstrate His power and compassion?
- What does Jesus' walking on the water teach us about His divinity and power?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jesus Rejected in His Hometown (Mark 6:1-6)
| Mark 6:1 | Jesus returns to His hometown, Nazareth, and is rejected by the people who know Him best. |
| Mark 6:2 | The people are amazed at Jesus' teachings, but they do not believe in Him. |
| Mark 6:3 | The people know Jesus' family and are skeptical of His claims to be the Messiah. |
| Mark 6:4 | Jesus says that a prophet is not without honor except in His hometown and among His relatives and in His own household. |
| Mark 6:5 | Jesus is unable to perform many miracles in Nazareth because of the people's lack of faith. |
| Mark 6:6 | Jesus is amazed at the people's lack of faith and moves on to other towns to preach and teach. |
2. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles (Mark 6:7-13)
| Mark 6:7 | Jesus gives the apostles authority over unclean spirits and sends them out to preach and heal. |
| Mark 6:8 | Jesus instructs the apostles to take nothing with them on their journey, except for a staff and the clothes they wear. |
| Mark 6:9 | Jesus tells the apostles to wear sandals and to take no bread, bag, or money. |
| Mark 6:10 | Jesus instructs the apostles to stay in one place and to preach and teach the people. |
| Mark 6:11 | Jesus warns the apostles that some people will not receive them, and they should shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them. |
| Mark 6:12 | The apostles go out and preach that people should repent. |
| Mark 6:13 | The apostles drive out many demons and anoint many sick people with oil and heal them. |
3. The Beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)
| Mark 6:14 | King Herod hears about Jesus and thinks that He is John the Baptist, who has been raised from the dead. |
| Mark 6:15 | Others think that Jesus is Elijah or one of the other prophets. |
| Mark 6:16 | Herod thinks that Jesus is John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded. |
| Mark 6:17 | Herod had arrested John because he had spoken out against Herod's marriage to his brother's wife, Herodias. |
| Mark 6:18 | John had told Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife. |
| Mark 6:19 | Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not. |
| Mark 6:20 | Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. |
| Mark 6:21 | Herodias gets her chance to kill John when Herod has a birthday party and makes a promise to his daughter to give her anything she wants. |
| Mark 6:22 | Herod's daughter asks for John's head on a platter, and Herod is grieved but feels bound by his promise. |
| Mark 6:23 | Herod orders the executioner to bring John's head, and the executioner beheads John in prison. |
| Mark 6:24 | The executioner brings John's head on a platter and gives it to Herod's daughter, who gives it to her mother. |
| Mark 6:25 | John's disciples come and take his body and bury it. |
| Mark 6:26 | Herod is grieved when he sees John's head, but he is also relieved that he no longer has to deal with John's criticism. |
| Mark 6:27 | Herodias is pleased that she has finally gotten rid of John. |
| Mark 6:28 | The news of John's death spreads, and people begin to wonder if Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead. |
| Mark 6:29 | Jesus hears about John's death and withdraws to a solitary place to mourn. |
4. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30-44)
| Mark 6:30 | The apostles return to Jesus and report on their ministry, telling Him everything they had done and taught. |
| Mark 6:31 | Jesus tells the apostles to come with Him to a solitary place and rest for a while, as many people were coming and going and they did not even have time to eat. |
| Mark 6:32 | Jesus and the apostles get into a boat and go to a solitary place, but the crowds follow them. |
| Mark 6:33 | The crowds arrive before Jesus and the apostles, and Jesus sees the large crowd and has compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. |
| Mark 6:34 | Jesus begins to teach the crowd many things, and as the day wears on, the apostles come to Him and say that the place is remote and it is already very late. |
| Mark 6:35 | The apostles ask Jesus to send the crowd away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves some food. |
| Mark 6:36 | Jesus tells the apostles to give the crowd something to eat, but they say that they do not have enough food to feed the crowd. |
| Mark 6:37 | Jesus asks the apostles how many loaves of bread they have, and they tell Him that they have five loaves and two fish. |
| Mark 6:38 | Jesus tells the apostles to have the crowd sit down in groups of fifty, and they do so. |
| Mark 6:39 | Jesus takes the five loaves and two fish, looks up to heaven, and gives thanks, and then breaks the loaves and gives them to the apostles to set before the crowd. |
| Mark 6:40 | The apostles set the food before the crowd, and Jesus also divides the two fish among them all. |
| Mark 6:41 | The crowd eats and is satisfied, and the apostles pick up twelve baskets full of broken pieces of bread and fish. |
| Mark 6:42 | The crowd is amazed at the miracle, and they realize that Jesus is the Messiah. |
| Mark 6:43 | The apostles are also amazed at the miracle, and they begin to understand the true nature of Jesus' ministry. |
| Mark 6:44 | The crowd is fed, and there are five thousand men, besides women and children. |
5. Jesus Walks on the Water (Mark 6:45-56)
| Mark 6:45 | Jesus makes the apostles get into the boat and go to the other side of the lake, to the region of Bethsaida, while He dismisses the crowd. |
| Mark 6:46 | After saying goodbye to the crowd, Jesus goes up on a mountainside to pray. |
| Mark 6:47 | When evening comes, the boat is in the middle of the lake, and Jesus is alone on land. |
| Mark 6:48 | Jesus sees the apostles straining at the oars, because the wind is against them, and about the fourth watch of the night, He goes out to them, walking on the lake. |
| Mark 6:49 | When the apostles see Jesus walking on the lake, they think He is a ghost and are terrified. |
| Mark 6:50 | But Jesus quickly speaks to them and says, 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' |
| Mark 6:51 | Then Jesus gets into the boat with the apostles, and the wind dies down, and they are completely amazed. |
| Mark 6:52 | The apostles had not understood about the loaves, because their hearts were hardened. |
| Mark 6:53 | When the apostles reach the other side of the lake, they land at Gennesaret and anchor the boat. |
| Mark 6:54 | As soon as the apostles get out of the boat, the people recognize Jesus and run through the countryside, spreading the news about Him. |
| Mark 6:55 | The people bring all their sick to Jesus, and they beg Him to let them just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touch it are healed. |
| Mark 6:56 | The news of Jesus' miracles spreads, and people come from all over to see Him and to be healed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' rejection in His hometown?
The rejection of Jesus by His own people serves as a reminder that following Jesus may lead to rejection by others, but God will honor our faithfulness and obedience. As Jesus says in Mark 6:4, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown,' we can trust that God will honor our faithfulness and obedience.
Why did Jesus send out the twelve apostles?
Jesus sent out the twelve apostles to preach and heal, giving them authority over unclean spirits, and to spread the news about Him. The apostles were to go out and preach that people should repent, and they were to drive out many demons and anoint many sick people with oil and heal them.
What is the story of the beheading of John the Baptist?
The beheading of John the Baptist is a story about the prophet John, who was beheaded by King Herod Antipas, who was influenced by his wife Herodias and her daughter. Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not, until Herod made a promise to his daughter to give her anything she wanted, and she asked for John's head on a platter.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 6:4 → John 1:11 | The rejection of Jesus by His own people is a theme that runs throughout the Gospel of John, as Jesus is rejected by the Jewish leaders and the Roman authorities. |
| 2 | Mark 6:7 → Matthew 10:1 | Jesus gives the apostles authority over unclean spirits, just as He gives the twelve apostles authority in Matthew 10:1. |
| 3 | Mark 6:14 → Luke 9:7-9 | The beheading of John the Baptist is also recorded in Luke 9:7-9, where it is said that Herod Antipas thought that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. |
| 4 | Mark 6:30 → Luke 9:10 | The apostles return to Jesus and report on their ministry, just as they do in Luke 9:10. |
| 5 | Mark 6:31 → Matthew 14:13 | Jesus takes the apostles to a solitary place to rest, just as He does in Matthew 14:13. |
| 6 | Mark 6:34 → Matthew 9:36 | Jesus has compassion on the crowd and teaches them many things, just as He does in Matthew 9:36. |
| 7 | Mark 6:37 → John 6:5-14 | The feeding of the five thousand is also recorded in John 6:5-14, where it is said that Jesus feeds the crowd with five loaves of bread and two fish. |
| 8 | Mark 6:48 → Matthew 14:25 | Jesus walks on the water, just as He does in Matthew 14:25. |
| 9 | Mark 6:52 → Matthew 16:9-10 | The apostles had not understood about the loaves, because their hearts were hardened, just as they are in Matthew 16:9-10. |
| 10 | Mark 6:56 → Matthew 9:20-22 | The news of Jesus' miracles spreads, and people come from all over to see Him and to be healed, just as they do in Matthew 9:20-22. |
Sermons on Mark 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Beginning of the End by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Feeding of the Five Thousand, where Jesus teaches his disciples a valuable lesson. The preacher emphasizes the importance of giving every |
|
|
(John) 08 - What He Takes He Breaks by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power rather than human programs or gimmicks. He uses the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand as an |
|
A Call to Repentance by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old-fashioned mill to illustrate the importance of removing hindrances and obstacles in order for the church to |
|
The Calling of God by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells a parable about a master who returns to his estate and rewards his servants based on their faithfulness and diligence. The master is pleased with |
|
Baptism of the Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from history and not repeating the mistakes of the past. He highlights the 400 years of captivity that the Israel |
|
Help Wanted: A Carpenter by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding three basic facts in life. The first fact is that Jesus Christ is the carpenter, who has a plan for our lives |
|
A Passion to Know Him (P1) by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Yohannan discusses the importance of showing love and compassion towards others, just as Jesus did. He emphasizes the need to support national missiona |
|
Ark of the Covenant - Part 5 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a small boy who had faith in God's power. The boy had five loaves of bread and two fish, and despite the crowd's doubt, he offer |
|
Casting Down Unbelief by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on the importance of casting down unbelief and having unwavering faith in God, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and the need to trust in God's power an |
|
Dealing With the Pressure of Time by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice regarding one's eternal existence. He warns against delaying the decision to accept Jesus Christ as person |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Mark 6
In Mark 6, we see the rejection of Jesus by His own people, the sending out of the twelve apostles, and the beheading of John the Baptist. We also see the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on the water, demonstrating His power and divinity. Matthew Henry notes that the rejection of Jesus by His own people is a solemn reminder that the natural heart is enmity against God, and that faith is a gift of God's sovereign grace. Henry also emphasizes the importance of faith and repentance, as Jesus' teachings and actions provoke a range of reactions, from amazement to hostility. As Henry says, 'The Lord Jesus is still rejected by many, and His disciples are still persecuted, but He will finally triumph over all His enemies, and His kingdom will be established on earth.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Rejection of Jesus
The chapter highlights the rejection of Jesus by His own people, illustrating the theme of rejection that runs throughout the Gospel of Mark. This rejection is evident in Mark 6:4, where Jesus says 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown.'
Authority of Jesus
Jesus gives the apostles authority over unclean spirits, demonstrating His power and divinity. This authority is evident in Mark 6:7, where Jesus sends out the twelve apostles to preach and heal.
Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, as Jesus' teachings and actions provoke a range of reactions, from amazement to hostility. As Jesus says in Mark 6:6, 'He was amazed at their lack of faith.'