Mark 6:1-29
Q .1. Where did Jesus go with His disciples? What did He do in the synagogue? Why did the people take offense at Him? How did this impact Jesus? – (Mk.6:1-6 c.f. Lk.4:14-30)
Jesus took His disciples back to His hometown of Nazareth (Lk.4:16). On the Sabbath – He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? (Mk.6:2). However, in spite of His authority, they took offense at Him. It seemed inconceivable to them that One with such a humble background and family could be so impressive (Mk.6:2-3). Jesus observed that – a prophet is not without honour except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household (Mk.6:4). Luke recorded that Jesus drew attention to the ministries of Elijah and Elisha – when the unbelief of their generations limited God’s blessing (Lk.4:24-27). The people in the synagogue understood His inference and filled with rage, determined to throw Him down a cliff (Lk.4:28-30). Their unbelief left Jesus astonished. It greatly limited His ability to bless them, but He still taught around their villages. (Mk.6:6). The disciples learned that speaking the Truth could provoke strong opposition.
Q.2. Why did Jesus send out the Twelve in pairs? What were His instructions to them? What message did they proclaim? Why? How did God confirm their ministry? – (Mk.6:7-13 c.f. Heb.2:3-4)
Jesus knew what people were like, and this was reflected in His mission strategy (Jn.2:24-25). He sent the disciples in pairs, to strengthen the twelve as they completed their commission – and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; and He instructed them … (Mk.6:7-8). He told them what to take … to travel lightly and not to be selective, but – wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town (Mk.6:10). They were not to take rejection personally, but to accept that their testimony might benefit or work against them (Mk.6:11). Their ministry had a dramatic impact as – 12 They went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them (Mk.6:12-13). God used accompanying miraculous signs to identify their ministry with that of Jesus. (Heb.2:3-4).
Q.3. How was it that Herod confused Jesus with John, the Baptizer? What was his attitude to John? Why did Herod have John arrested and killed? What did his disciples do? – (Mk.6:14-29)
The next section was written to explain what happened to John the Baptizer. We learn that – 17 For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mk.6:17-18). Herod heard about the powerful ministry of Jesus, and that people believed that – John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him (Mk.6:14). Herod concluded – John, whom I beheaded, has risen (Mk.6:16). It is clear from the Gospel records that John and Jesus were very different, apart from one thing – both spoke with the authority of God. Without the benefit of television and the news media, it is not hard to understand how Herod thought that Jesus was John raised to life again. We are also told – 20 for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him (Mk.6:20). Mark recorded the sordid story of the murder of John the Baptist by King Herod. This occurred because he had made a rash promise to the daughter of Herodias when she had titillated him with a sensual dance. Under the influence of her mother, she had demanded the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod had previously had John arrested to silence him. It took his lust for his stepdaughter, the grudge of her mother … Herod’s new ‘wife’, and his foolish oath, to cut John’s life short (Mk.6:21-28). The devastated disciples of John buried him in a tomb (Mk.6:29).