Unbelief at Home
Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
They went to Nazareth, His hometown.
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?
They were astonished, saying, Who has this man been around? For they saw him as a common man. How did he do these mighty works? Maybe some sort of magic trick? They were astonished, but had made up there view of Jesus from their own predjudices.
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.
Isn't this this that carpenter? The Greek word used was tekton, a skilled craftsman, such as might make a boat or home.
The son of Mary? They said this in a derogatory way, as if he was illegitimate, born out of sin. This was implied by the religious leaders who were jealous of him.
John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
John 8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
John 8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
Do we believe gossip? Or the word of God? The word says he came by the Holy Ghost into the virgin Mary. Jesus came from heaven, the eternal Word of God made flesh.
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
His town folks saw him as a laborer and an illegitimate son. He grew up with this unbelief surrounding him.
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.
People do not give others more honor than what they see about themselves. They were sinners, they assumed that Jesus was no better. In truth, Jesus had no sin. Do not let others opinions and actions towards you become your self opinion. Hear what God thinks and says about you. The Father had said of Jesus at the time of baptism: my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
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.
Because of unbelief, Jesus could do no mighty works there. There were a few divine healings, apart from unbelief. God works through our faith, so that he receives the glory. Why honor those who follow the devil? Faith in God and His Son are required.
Mark 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Often, Jesus was astonished at the unbelief, the lack of faith of the people, even his closest disciples. What would he say about us?
Lord Jesus, I believe in you. I have faith that you will do the impossible in my life and in those who trust in you. We believe in the Son of God...amen.
Sent Forth
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;
He gave all of them power from God, even to Judas who would betray him.
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:
The staff represents the Holy Spirit. They were to trust God to provide, for they were not yet hated and persecuted for their faith.
Mark 6:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
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.
Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
I have been into homes where you could feel the peace, and in homes where there was no peace.
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.
It is not their problem, nor ours, if people will not receive the gospel message; it is theirs. A Jew when traveling outside of Israel would shake off the dust, it was unholy to them. Sodom and Gomorrha were extremely evil, but they did not have the witness of Jesus. To reject him is a greater judgment to a city and to a nation.
Repentance and Oil
Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Has the gospel message changed? They did not yet know of the death and resurrection of their Lord for sins. They preached the kingdom, so do we. Through Jesus we enter the kingdom of God. They also preached repentance from sins. We should too, for it seems that many want to be "saved', but do not want to change. Many never become His disciples and learn of him. Are we teaching them after salvation?
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jesus gives us all the power needed through the Holy Spirit and His word. We must follow His commands and make Him Lord of our life. Go, baptize, teach. Baptism includes repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Lord. We are saved through faith in Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. If no repentance? There probably is no Holy Spirit and no hunger for God's word.
Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Get out the oil. The same Spirit works in those who have received Jesus and are His disciples.
Herod and John the Baptist
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.
Herod feared John the Baptist and when he heard of the mighty works of Jesus, he thought he was John, risen from the dead. John had pointed his followers to Jesus, saying:
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
Mark 6:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
Herod had done this horrible thing. The story is explained:
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.
John who was a prophet, spoke boldly the words that God gave to him. A true prophet must speak what God tells them to say. A false prophet may speak to please men and to be popular. Herod had taken his brother's wife for his own. The brother was not dead, this was a power move of Herodias, his wife.
Mark 6:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
Herodias, a Jezebel type of woman, wickedly desired to kill righteous John, Herod forbid it, so she would find another way later, through Herod's lust for pleasure. How many have fallen by satan's temptation to lust? How many follow a wife or husband above God?
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. Herod seemed to be a follower of John, an admirer, even if in secret. He knew he was from God. How many reading this secretly admire and follow God? Will you be bold for God, as was John? Will you stand for Jesus publicly, even unto death? If you will not follow Him or acknowledge him as Lord, do not fool yourself, you will not die for him. You are none of his and have already denied him. Stand up now for Jesus and he will stand for you, as he did when Stephen the deacon was stoned for his witness for Jesus.
Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and
Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Stephan was stoned to death and Jesus standing, observed his faithful witness. Stephen went to the presence of our Lord. Where will those go who deny the Lord?
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Herod's Birthday Party
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;
A feast in honor of Herods birthday. What could they give the king?
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.
Apparently, Herod had eyes for his step daughter, so much so that he would give her whatever she wanted. As a lustful man, perhaps he thought she would be his birthday present?
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.
Foolishly in his lust he swore to her up to half of his kingdom. Be careful not to make oaths and promises for God hears these and will hold you to them. The kings name and law made his word law, it could not be broken.
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.
Like mother, so was the daughter, The mothers anger was not yet appeased. She asked for vengeance. God would seek his righteous vengence on her, in time.
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.
On a charger, a dish or platter.
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.
He had to keep his word. Do not say things in haste or to please others around you. Be careful what comes from your mouth.
James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
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.
Do we cut off the head of someone who speaks truth to us? Many in our nation are cutting off their own heads in denying God, his word and His Son.
2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2 Tim 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Mark 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
Jesus would give this eulogy.
Mat 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
John had not yet entered the kingdom of heaven. Jesus would make the way through his own blood, death and resurrection.
A Need To Share
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.
The disciples who were sent out to preach the kingdom and to heal, report back to Jesus. Do you know that were are sent? We are not to do our own thing, but to do the will of the Lord who sends us into the world. We report back to him in continuous prayer. If too busy, too many distractions? Find a place where you can be alone with God.
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.
They needed to be alone to rest in the Lord and to fellowship with the Lord.
Mark 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
A deserted place, where no people were.
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.
He saw the needs and began to teach them. It was yet another opportunity. Do we see peoples needs as a nuisance or an opportunity? Jesus is our rest and we report to him. What have we to share with him?
Don't Send Them Away, Feed Them
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.
The disciples were concerned about the time, it was getting dark, they had not been able to share with Jesus and they were hungry. They had come here to rest, to share with Jesus and to eat something.
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.
Now this great crowd was gathered, why don't you tell them to go home, and find some food to eat on the way?
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?
What does Jesus say? Give them our food to eat? No, maybe he wants us to go buy food for them? More than a years wages would be required to feed this crowd. Who has that much money?
Jesus was wanting to show them something. There was a need and the disciples just wanted to send them away. Jesus wanted them to see peoples needs and to trust him to meet the needs. Are we willing to meet the needs of those seeking Jesus? They came for him, for Jesus to meet their needs, do we send them away? In our church services is it just about me? us? Or when people come seeking Jesus do we take them to him, placing their burdens on him? Are we willing to share what we have? Or do we hoard and keep to ourselves? Time will come when all we have will go to another. Now is the time to hear the voice of God, to follow Jesus and to do what he says.
Feeding the Five Thousand
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.
Jesus first asked them what they had to give. He uses what we have, if we are obedient, and he multiplies it.
Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
Mark 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
We have seen on our TV's food trucks delivering sacks of rice to hungry people in destitute regions of the world. Often they rush the supply truck, the strongest get the supplies, the weak often go without. God cares for all, and is a God of order. No need to rush for food, going further, there is no excuse for stealing from another what is not yours. In the news, people in cities under peril of storm or fire are seen removing TV sets and valuables from stores. God will not honor this. They will be out from under his blessings. The best place we can be is in Jesus, obedient, orderly and trusting in our Lord. We work, we do our part, but the increase is up to him. He would supply the needs of this hungry multitude, by the blessings of God.
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.
They shared and God blessed.
Mark 6:42 And they did all eat, and were filled.
All were filled! God multiplied the offering. We give our best, he blesses and multiplies. This applies to finances, gifts from him, ministries, all given in his name will be blessed and will increase the giver, as God chooses. We do not name it and claim it, we are not to claim a pink Cadillac, but he will bless us as he sees our needs. Often he will give to us through another, so that they in turn will be blessed. What if all were all givers? There would be no needs unmet. if all trusted Jesus and gave believing he would bless, and multiply to meet needs, no one would be without the basic needs of life.
Mark 6:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
A basket full of leftovers for the disciples to have. They were able to experience the overflow of God's blessings.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Mark 6:44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
Five Thousand fed, not counting the women and children. Five loaves and two fishes were divided and divided, by the giving disciples; multiplied and multiplied by the grace and miracle of God through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory!
Prayer Time
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.
Jesus sent his close disciples away, in a ship, would they be conversing between themselves of the great miracle they were a part of? Did they see Jesus as God's Son? Perhaps there was doubt, or lack of concern? How many miracles has God done for us, that we have soon forgotten?
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
At last Jesus was truly alone, to pray in a wilderness place with His Father. Listening is equally important in communication as is speaking.
Mark 6:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
He prayed into the night and the ship was well out to sea. This would be a night to remember. Jesus would walk to them upon the sea!
Walking on water
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.
Jesus, high on the mountain praying, could see out to sea that the disciple's ship was not moving very fast, for they were fighting the wind. Jesus was watching out for the disciples while praying in a quiet place. Watch and pray:
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
It is good to know that Jesus watches out for us, but we also must be aware of things. Our concerns come to light in prayer, also the concerns of others are brought to our mind. I like to pray away from other people, this was the pattern of Jesus, to be alone with the Father in a wilderness place. Group prayer is good too, especially when a problem faces the whole church body.
Jesus walked upon the angry sea at the fourth watch; about 3 AM. It appeared that he was going to walk past them. He caught up with them, unhindered by the fierce wind. Why was he passing by? From other stories we see Jesus passing by as he walked to different places. It is when people reach out to touch him that help comes. Touching the hem of his garment or crying out to him, Jesus, Jesus, he responds when we approach him when he is near. Salvation comes when Jesus is nearby, first we must cry out to him.
Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
They cried out in fear, thinking he was a ghost.
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.
Cheer up, peace be with you, it is I, be not afraid, fear not. Mark does not tell us about Peter walking on water to Jesus.
Mat 14:28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
Mat 14:29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Mat 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Perhaps Peter had spoken the account to Mark, leaving out the part of him walking on water, not wanting to share this with him.
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.
They were in wonder at this miracle. Never had a man walked on water.
Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
They had put out of their mind what had occurred earlier, the feeding of the five thousand, why? It says because their hearts were hardened. Many we witness to, do not receive the evidence of Jesus, Son of God, because their hearts are hardened. Many in our churches do not care to see more of Jesus and to be his disciples. Are we seeing the glory of the Son of God in these gospel accounts? We must see with a tender heart the love and glorious workings of the Lord.
Healing in Gennesaret
Mark 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore
Mark 6:54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
His reputation had arrived before him. They knew him as a great healer.
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.
As he passed by people reached for the hem of his garment. Loved ones brought their sick and afflicted to him, he healed them all. Jesus the healer, Jesus, who fed the 5000, who walked on water, who stills the storms. This same Jesus is alive today. Through faith we reach out and touch him, he is as near as your heart if you have believed in him. He gave so much for us, we can give him our life in his service.
Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
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