Unseen Prophets and Miracle-Workers: Lessons from Mark 6

Mark 6 presents a diverse range of situations, yet in each, the transformative power of faith and the mystery of unbelief are starkly visible. The chapter invites us to trust in Christ's power and provision, to stand firm in our faith amidst rejection, and to accept the cost of discipleship. We're encouraged to see Jesus, not through the lens of familiarity or fear, but through the eyes of faith that recognize Him as the Son of God, the miracle-worker, and our compassionate Provider.

Verses 1-6: Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

Jesus, returning to His hometown, is met with skepticism and offense from His own people, leading Him to remark on a prophet's lack of honor in his own town. Despite His miracles, they can't reconcile the carpenter's son with the Messiah.

Verses 7-13: The Sending of the Twelve Apostles

Jesus sends His disciples out in pairs, granting them authority over unclean spirits. He instructs them to rely on the hospitality of those they visit, bringing peace to the houses that welcome them and shaking the dust off their feet against those that don't.

Verses 14-29: The Beheading of John the Baptist

King Herod hears about Jesus' fame and fears that John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded due to a rash promise, has been raised from the dead. The details of John's unjust execution are recounted.

Verses 30-44: Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Jesus, seeing the large crowd, has compassion on them and teaches many things. When the day grows late, instead of sending the crowd away, He miraculously feeds them with five loaves and two fish, demonstrating divine provision.

Verses 45-56: Jesus Walks on Water

After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus walks on water towards His disciples who are struggling against the wind in their boat. He calms their fear and the wind, demonstrating His power over nature.

Mark 6 presents a series of remarkable narratives that revolve around belief and unbelief, the exercise of divine power, and the demands of discipleship. From Jesus' unexpected rejection in Nazareth to His empowering of the disciples, the beheading of John the Baptist, the miraculous feeding of the multitude, and Jesus walking on water, the chapter presents a mosaic of experiences that collectively challenge, inspire, and invite deeper faith.

The Mystery of Unbelief
Divine Power and Provision
The Cost of DiscipleshipJesus Rejected at Nazareth
The Sending of the Twelve Apostles
The Beheading of John the Baptist
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Jesus Walks on WaterJesus
The Disciples
John the Baptist
Herod
Herodias
Herodias's Daughter
The Crowd
The People of NazarethNazareth
The Land of Herod
The Remote Place (where Jesus feeds the five thousand)
The Lake (where Jesus walks on water)

1. Why do you think the people of Nazareth had such difficulty accepting Jesus as a prophet?

2. What does the rejection Jesus experienced in His hometown tell you about the nature of belief and unbelief?

3. How does the sending out of the twelve apostles reveal about Jesus' faith in His followers?

4. How can you apply Jesus' instructions to His disciples to your own evangelism efforts?

5. In what ways does the account of John the Baptist's death remind you of the potential cost of discipleship?

6. How does Herod's reaction to Jesus' ministry reveal the power of a guilty conscience?

7. What lessons can we learn from the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand about God's provision?

8. How might the disciples have felt when they saw Jesus walking on water?

9. What does Jesus' calming of the wind and waves reveal about His divine authority?

10. How does the people's reaction to Jesus' miracles in Gennesaret contrast with the response He received in Nazareth?

11. How can you maintain your faith in God's provision when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges?

12. What role does faith play in your understanding of who Jesus is?

13. How can you encourage faith and discourage unbelief in your life and in your community?

14. How does the disciples' ministry inspire you to serve others?

15. What strategies can you employ to cope with rejection when you share your faith?

16. What practical steps can you take to rely on God's provision in your life?

17. How does Jesus' authority over nature inspire you in times of fear and uncertainty?

18. How does the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand inform your understanding of compassion and generosity?

19. How does Herod's actions caution you against making rash promises?

20. How can you mirror Jesus' courage and faith when facing challenging or perilous situations?