And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
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?
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.
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.
And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
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.
And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
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 shew forth themselves in him.
Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
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.
For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.
Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
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.
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;
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.
And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
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.
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.
And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
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.
And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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?
He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
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.
And they did all eat, and were filled.
And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
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.
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
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.
But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
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.
And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
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.
Mark 6 presents a multifaceted view of Jesus' ministry, highlighting themes of rejection, commission, compassion, and divine power. It reveals the varied responses to Jesus, from outright disbelief to overwhelming faith, and underscores the challenges and triumphs faced by both Jesus and His disciples.
Rejected in His Hometown (Mark 6:1-6)
Jesus' return to Nazareth should have been a triumphant homecoming, but it became a painful encounter with skepticism and disbelief (Mark 6:1-2). Despite the people's astonishment at His teaching, they were offended by Him, questioning His authority based on their familiarity with His humble origins (Mark 6:2-3). "Where did this man get these things?" they asked, blinded by their preconceived notions. They knew His family, His upbringing. How could this man be performing miracles?
This passage echoes the common proverb that "familiarity breeds contempt." Those who should have known Jesus best—His own neighbors and relatives—were the very ones who rejected Him. Like the Old Testament prophets, Jesus received no honor in His hometown and among His relatives (Mark 6:4). They focused on His humanity and failed to recognize the supernatural nature of His words and works. As a result, they limited what God would do through Jesus (Mark 6:5). Understand, Christ did not lack power; rather, the absence of faith caused God to withhold supernatural work. The Messiah was in their midst, but they missed his work in their lives because they refused to believe. Don’t hinder the work of God. His power is unlimited. But if you refuse to trust him, don’t be surprised when eternity doesn’t show up in your history.
This rejection limited Jesus' ability to perform miracles there; He could only lay His hands on a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:5). Mark emphasizes that Jesus was "amazed at their lack of faith" (Mark 6:6). This wasn't a mere disappointment; it was a profound shock that those who had witnessed His life firsthand could remain so closed off to the truth.
The Twelve Sent Out (Mark 6:7-13)
Undeterred by the rejection in Nazareth, Jesus focused on expanding His ministry through His disciples. He called the Twelve together and began to send them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). As His ambassadors, they were to do what He’d been doing: preaching the kingdom, casting out demons, and healing the sick (Mark 6:7, 12-13). They were to take no extra provisions (Mark 6:8-9) because God would provide for them through the hospitality of those who’d submit to his kingdom agenda.
Jesus instructed them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—but to wear sandals and not put on an extra tunic (Mark 6:8-9). This minimalist approach emphasized their dependence on God and the hospitality of those who would receive them. He also instructed them to stay in one place until they left that town (Mark 6:10). Yet just as Jesus experienced rejection, his representatives would as well. If a place refused to welcome them and their message, they were to shake the dust off [their] feet as a testimony against them (Mark 6:11). This is a reference to the Jewish practice of shaking the dust off one’s feet upon returning to Israel from a Gentile region. If people would not receive the King’s message, his ambassadors were to symbolically proclaim their coming judgment.
The disciples followed Jesus' instructions, preaching repentance, casting out many demons, and anointing the sick with oil and healing them (Mark 6:12-13). This mission served as a practical training exercise, preparing them for their future roles as leaders in the early church.
The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)
The narrative shifts to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch who ruled Galilee and Perea, who heard of Jesus’s growing fame (Mark 6:14). He was the son of Herod the Great, who’d tried to kill Jesus when he heard that a rival king had been born (see Matthew 2:1-23). Superstitious man that he was, this Herod thought that Jesus was John the Baptist . . . raised from the dead, coming back to haunt him (Mark 6:14). Others believed Jesus was Elijah (whom God took away in a chariot to heaven; 2 Kings 2:11) or one of the prophets (Mark 6:15; see 8:28). But Herod became convinced that John, whom he had beheaded, was back from the grave (Mark 6:16).
Mark then provides a flashback to explain the circumstances of John's death. Herod had arrested John to please his wife Herodias, who’d divorced Herod’s brother Philip to marry Herod (Mark 6:17). The divorce and remarriage had been unlawful, and John had the holy audacity to tell Herod so (Mark 6:18). As a result, Herodias hated John and wanted him dead (Mark 6:19). Herod, on the other hand, feared John, believed he was a holy man, enjoyed listening to him, and protected him from death by locking him in prison (Mark 6:20).
During Herod’s birthday party, Herodias’s own daughter . . . danced for him—probably in a sexually suggestive manner (Mark 6:21-22). The ruler foolishly promised her in front of his important guests that she could have whatever she wanted (Mark 6:22-23). Then daughter helped mother plot to obtain what she wanted: John the Baptist’s head (Mark 6:24-25). Herod didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of everyone. He feared John, his wife, and his party guests—but he didn’t fear God. So he had John executed (Mark 6:26-28). Then John’s disciples buried their revered teacher (Mark 6:29).
This account serves as a stark reminder of the cost of discipleship and the opposition faced by those who speak truth to power. It also foreshadows the suffering and death that Jesus Himself would soon endure.
The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30-44)
After their mission to proclaim the kingdom in word and deed (see 6:7-13), the apostles returned to Jesus and reported to him everything that had happened (Mark 6:30). So Jesus commanded them to go away with him to rest and eat (Mark 6:31). Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is get some sleep. We need the reminder that we are created beings; we’re not God. The fact that we need rest is a reminder that we are dependent on the one who “does not slumber or sleep” (Psalm 121:4).
Many people saw Jesus and his disciples departing in a boat (Mark 6:32). His popularity was at a fever pitch. Folks were so anxious to see him that they ran on foot to arrive at Jesus’s destination ahead of the boat (Mark 6:32-33). That’s dedication. When Jesus saw the large crowd, he had compassion on them. To him they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34).
There are three things to know about sheep. They are dumb, defenseless, and directionless. Sheep lack the knowledge to make the right choices, are vulnerable to attack from predators, and struggle with decision-making. But the Lord is “like a shepherd” who “gathers the lambs in his arms” (Isaiah 40:11). So Jesus was moved to teach them (Mark 6:34).
As it became late, the disciples became worried. They were in a deserted area, so they urged Jesus to send the people away to buy food (Mark 6:35-36). From a purely human perspective, the disciples’ concerns were justified. Mark tells us there were “five thousand men” present (Mark 6:44). Were women and children also counted, there could’ve been a total of fifteen to twenty thousand people. The disciples were probably thinking, “Jesus, we’ve got some hungry people on our hands. We know you like to teach, but it’s time to bring this sermon to a conclusion. Send these folks into the villages to boost the local economies, and let’s get out of here.”
Imagine seeing the expressions on the disciples’ faces when Jesus told them, You give them something to eat (Mark 6:37). All they could say was, “It’s not in the budget!” They didn’t have the means to feed such a large crowd. Or did they? They had overlooked the fact that the kingdom power that had fed hundreds of thousands of Israelites in the wilderness for forty years (Exodus 16:1-36) was the same kingdom power available to them through Jesus.
The Twelve informed Jesus that they had five loaves of bread and two fish—barely enough to feed the thirteen of their party (Mark 6:38). But God never lacks resources; he can always afford what he chooses to provide. So Jesus instructed them to have all the people sit and get ready for the meal (Mark 6:39). Then he blessed the loaves and fish and gave them to the disciples to distribute (Mark 6:41). And the food just kept on coming! Miraculously, enough was provided for everyone. And it’s not because everyone had a mere nibble or a few crumbs. Everyone ate and was satisfied (Mark 6:42). Five thousand men (Mark 6:44), plus women and children, were stuffed like Thanksgiving turkeys. And there were still leftovers (Mark 6:43).
This miraculous feeding demonstrates Jesus' compassion and His power to provide for the needs of those who follow Him. You may not have much. But, whatever you have, you have enough to accomplish the kingdom mission God has for you. We are called to give God whatever we have—our time, our money, our abilities. If you have the compassionate Christ who has access to the all-powerful Father, you have everything you need.
Jesus Walks on Water (Mark 6:45-52)
After this, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go without him to the lake’s other side. They were about to enter a trial—that is, adverse circumstances allowed by God to deepen their experience of him. Unfortunately, the disciples were going to struggle with this trial because they hadn’t learned from the previous one.
As his disciples departed, Jesus went to pray. They didn’t know what was coming, but Jesus did. And he was already interceding for them. Because of his resurrection from the dead, Jesus “always lives to intercede for” you, too (Hebrews 7:25).
As they reached the middle of the sea, the disciples were struggling because of the fierce wind that was against them. They were in the middle of God’s will (Jesus had sent them on their journey), yet they were also in the middle of threatening circumstances. If you’re earnestly and faithfully seeking to follow God, don’t be surprised when trials come. God grants these so that “your faith—more valuable than gold” may be refined and bring glory to Christ (1 Peter 1:7).
Jesus saw them straining at the oars, so though God may seem to be absent in your circumstances, rest assured that he sees you. Then Jesus came toward them walking on the sea (Mark 6:48). The very thing that was causing their problems was under his feet.
They became terrified, assuming that he was a ghost (Mark 6:49-50). The CSB’s “very early in the morning” (Mark 6:48) is literally “around the fourth watch of the night.” So this encounter occurred between three and six a.m. Jesus exhorted them: Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid (Mark 6:50). Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind ceased (Mark 6:51). He gave them his word, then he gave them his presence, and then their circumstances changed.
The disciples were shocked by these events because they had not understood about the loaves. Something had happened the previous day (see 6:30-44) that should’ve affected how they reacted this day. They didn’t recognize Jesus because they weren’t looking for him in the midst of their trial. And they weren’t looking for him in this problem because they’d failed to see that Jesus was the answer to the previous problem.
This event reveals Jesus' power over nature and His willingness to come to the aid of His disciples in their time of need. It also highlights their continuing struggle to grasp His true identity and the significance of His miracles.
Healing in Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56)
Jesus’s reputation continued to grow. Upon arriving at his destination, he was recognized by everyone (Mark 6:54). So they brought all who were sick to him, and anyone who merely touched the end of his robe . . . was healed (Mark 6:55-56; see 5:25-34). The overwhelming response of the people in Gennesaret demonstrates the widespread belief in Jesus' healing power and the profound impact of His ministry.
Mark 6 presents a complex and compelling portrait of Jesus' ministry, characterized by both rejection and acceptance, challenge and triumph. It underscores the importance of faith, the cost of discipleship, and the boundless power and compassion of Jesus Christ.
And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
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?
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.
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.
And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
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.
And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
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 shew forth themselves in him.
Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
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.
For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.
Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
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.
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;
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.
And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
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.
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.
And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
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.
And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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?
He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
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.
And they did all eat, and were filled.
And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
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.
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
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.
But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
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.
And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
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.
Mark 6 presents a multifaceted view of Jesus' ministry, highlighting themes of rejection, commission, compassion, and divine power. It reveals the varied responses to Jesus, from outright disbelief to overwhelming faith, and underscores the challenges and triumphs faced by both Jesus and His disciples.
Rejected in His Hometown (Mark 6:1-6)
Jesus' return to Nazareth should have been a triumphant homecoming, but it became a painful encounter with skepticism and disbelief (Mark 6:1-2). Despite the people's astonishment at His teaching, they were offended by Him, questioning His authority based on their familiarity with His humble origins (Mark 6:2-3). "Where did this man get these things?" they asked, blinded by their preconceived notions. They knew His family, His upbringing. How could this man be performing miracles?
This passage echoes the common proverb that "familiarity breeds contempt." Those who should have known Jesus best—His own neighbors and relatives—were the very ones who rejected Him. Like the Old Testament prophets, Jesus received no honor in His hometown and among His relatives (Mark 6:4). They focused on His humanity and failed to recognize the supernatural nature of His words and works. As a result, they limited what God would do through Jesus (Mark 6:5). Understand, Christ did not lack power; rather, the absence of faith caused God to withhold supernatural work. The Messiah was in their midst, but they missed his work in their lives because they refused to believe. Don’t hinder the work of God. His power is unlimited. But if you refuse to trust him, don’t be surprised when eternity doesn’t show up in your history.
This rejection limited Jesus' ability to perform miracles there; He could only lay His hands on a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:5). Mark emphasizes that Jesus was "amazed at their lack of faith" (Mark 6:6). This wasn't a mere disappointment; it was a profound shock that those who had witnessed His life firsthand could remain so closed off to the truth.
The Twelve Sent Out (Mark 6:7-13)
Undeterred by the rejection in Nazareth, Jesus focused on expanding His ministry through His disciples. He called the Twelve together and began to send them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). As His ambassadors, they were to do what He’d been doing: preaching the kingdom, casting out demons, and healing the sick (Mark 6:7, 12-13). They were to take no extra provisions (Mark 6:8-9) because God would provide for them through the hospitality of those who’d submit to his kingdom agenda.
Jesus instructed them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—but to wear sandals and not put on an extra tunic (Mark 6:8-9). This minimalist approach emphasized their dependence on God and the hospitality of those who would receive them. He also instructed them to stay in one place until they left that town (Mark 6:10). Yet just as Jesus experienced rejection, his representatives would as well. If a place refused to welcome them and their message, they were to shake the dust off [their] feet as a testimony against them (Mark 6:11). This is a reference to the Jewish practice of shaking the dust off one’s feet upon returning to Israel from a Gentile region. If people would not receive the King’s message, his ambassadors were to symbolically proclaim their coming judgment.
The disciples followed Jesus' instructions, preaching repentance, casting out many demons, and anointing the sick with oil and healing them (Mark 6:12-13). This mission served as a practical training exercise, preparing them for their future roles as leaders in the early church.
The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)
The narrative shifts to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch who ruled Galilee and Perea, who heard of Jesus’s growing fame (Mark 6:14). He was the son of Herod the Great, who’d tried to kill Jesus when he heard that a rival king had been born (see Matthew 2:1-23). Superstitious man that he was, this Herod thought that Jesus was John the Baptist . . . raised from the dead, coming back to haunt him (Mark 6:14). Others believed Jesus was Elijah (whom God took away in a chariot to heaven; 2 Kings 2:11) or one of the prophets (Mark 6:15; see 8:28). But Herod became convinced that John, whom he had beheaded, was back from the grave (Mark 6:16).
Mark then provides a flashback to explain the circumstances of John's death. Herod had arrested John to please his wife Herodias, who’d divorced Herod’s brother Philip to marry Herod (Mark 6:17). The divorce and remarriage had been unlawful, and John had the holy audacity to tell Herod so (Mark 6:18). As a result, Herodias hated John and wanted him dead (Mark 6:19). Herod, on the other hand, feared John, believed he was a holy man, enjoyed listening to him, and protected him from death by locking him in prison (Mark 6:20).
During Herod’s birthday party, Herodias’s own daughter . . . danced for him—probably in a sexually suggestive manner (Mark 6:21-22). The ruler foolishly promised her in front of his important guests that she could have whatever she wanted (Mark 6:22-23). Then daughter helped mother plot to obtain what she wanted: John the Baptist’s head (Mark 6:24-25). Herod didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of everyone. He feared John, his wife, and his party guests—but he didn’t fear God. So he had John executed (Mark 6:26-28). Then John’s disciples buried their revered teacher (Mark 6:29).
This account serves as a stark reminder of the cost of discipleship and the opposition faced by those who speak truth to power. It also foreshadows the suffering and death that Jesus Himself would soon endure.
The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30-44)
After their mission to proclaim the kingdom in word and deed (see 6:7-13), the apostles returned to Jesus and reported to him everything that had happened (Mark 6:30). So Jesus commanded them to go away with him to rest and eat (Mark 6:31). Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is get some sleep. We need the reminder that we are created beings; we’re not God. The fact that we need rest is a reminder that we are dependent on the one who “does not slumber or sleep” (Psalm 121:4).
Many people saw Jesus and his disciples departing in a boat (Mark 6:32). His popularity was at a fever pitch. Folks were so anxious to see him that they ran on foot to arrive at Jesus’s destination ahead of the boat (Mark 6:32-33). That’s dedication. When Jesus saw the large crowd, he had compassion on them. To him they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34).
There are three things to know about sheep. They are dumb, defenseless, and directionless. Sheep lack the knowledge to make the right choices, are vulnerable to attack from predators, and struggle with decision-making. But the Lord is “like a shepherd” who “gathers the lambs in his arms” (Isaiah 40:11). So Jesus was moved to teach them (Mark 6:34).
As it became late, the disciples became worried. They were in a deserted area, so they urged Jesus to send the people away to buy food (Mark 6:35-36). From a purely human perspective, the disciples’ concerns were justified. Mark tells us there were “five thousand men” present (Mark 6:44). Were women and children also counted, there could’ve been a total of fifteen to twenty thousand people. The disciples were probably thinking, “Jesus, we’ve got some hungry people on our hands. We know you like to teach, but it’s time to bring this sermon to a conclusion. Send these folks into the villages to boost the local economies, and let’s get out of here.”
Imagine seeing the expressions on the disciples’ faces when Jesus told them, You give them something to eat (Mark 6:37). All they could say was, “It’s not in the budget!” They didn’t have the means to feed such a large crowd. Or did they? They had overlooked the fact that the kingdom power that had fed hundreds of thousands of Israelites in the wilderness for forty years (Exodus 16:1-36) was the same kingdom power available to them through Jesus.
The Twelve informed Jesus that they had five loaves of bread and two fish—barely enough to feed the thirteen of their party (Mark 6:38). But God never lacks resources; he can always afford what he chooses to provide. So Jesus instructed them to have all the people sit and get ready for the meal (Mark 6:39). Then he blessed the loaves and fish and gave them to the disciples to distribute (Mark 6:41). And the food just kept on coming! Miraculously, enough was provided for everyone. And it’s not because everyone had a mere nibble or a few crumbs. Everyone ate and was satisfied (Mark 6:42). Five thousand men (Mark 6:44), plus women and children, were stuffed like Thanksgiving turkeys. And there were still leftovers (Mark 6:43).
This miraculous feeding demonstrates Jesus' compassion and His power to provide for the needs of those who follow Him. You may not have much. But, whatever you have, you have enough to accomplish the kingdom mission God has for you. We are called to give God whatever we have—our time, our money, our abilities. If you have the compassionate Christ who has access to the all-powerful Father, you have everything you need.
Jesus Walks on Water (Mark 6:45-52)
After this, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go without him to the lake’s other side. They were about to enter a trial—that is, adverse circumstances allowed by God to deepen their experience of him. Unfortunately, the disciples were going to struggle with this trial because they hadn’t learned from the previous one.
As his disciples departed, Jesus went to pray. They didn’t know what was coming, but Jesus did. And he was already interceding for them. Because of his resurrection from the dead, Jesus “always lives to intercede for” you, too (Hebrews 7:25).
As they reached the middle of the sea, the disciples were struggling because of the fierce wind that was against them. They were in the middle of God’s will (Jesus had sent them on their journey), yet they were also in the middle of threatening circumstances. If you’re earnestly and faithfully seeking to follow God, don’t be surprised when trials come. God grants these so that “your faith—more valuable than gold” may be refined and bring glory to Christ (1 Peter 1:7).
Jesus saw them straining at the oars, so though God may seem to be absent in your circumstances, rest assured that he sees you. Then Jesus came toward them walking on the sea (Mark 6:48). The very thing that was causing their problems was under his feet.
They became terrified, assuming that he was a ghost (Mark 6:49-50). The CSB’s “very early in the morning” (Mark 6:48) is literally “around the fourth watch of the night.” So this encounter occurred between three and six a.m. Jesus exhorted them: Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid (Mark 6:50). Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind ceased (Mark 6:51). He gave them his word, then he gave them his presence, and then their circumstances changed.
The disciples were shocked by these events because they had not understood about the loaves. Something had happened the previous day (see 6:30-44) that should’ve affected how they reacted this day. They didn’t recognize Jesus because they weren’t looking for him in the midst of their trial. And they weren’t looking for him in this problem because they’d failed to see that Jesus was the answer to the previous problem.
This event reveals Jesus' power over nature and His willingness to come to the aid of His disciples in their time of need. It also highlights their continuing struggle to grasp His true identity and the significance of His miracles.
Healing in Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56)
Jesus’s reputation continued to grow. Upon arriving at his destination, he was recognized by everyone (Mark 6:54). So they brought all who were sick to him, and anyone who merely touched the end of his robe . . . was healed (Mark 6:55-56; see 5:25-34). The overwhelming response of the people in Gennesaret demonstrates the widespread belief in Jesus' healing power and the profound impact of His ministry.
Mark 6 presents a complex and compelling portrait of Jesus' ministry, characterized by both rejection and acceptance, challenge and triumph. It underscores the importance of faith, the cost of discipleship, and the boundless power and compassion of Jesus Christ.