Mark Chapter 6: A Journey of Rejection, Miracles, and Bold Mission

Mark 6 is a bit of a roller coaster. We see Jesus experience rejection in his home town, perform amazing miracles, and send out his disciples on a daring mission. It’s a chapter full of lessons about identity, faith, and the importance of sharing the Good News.

Key Themes & Moments

• Rejection at Nazareth (6:1-6): Jesus returns to his home town, expecting a warm welcome, but instead faces scepticism and doubt. This shows us that even Jesus wasn’t immune to rejection and that sometimes the people closest to us might not understand our purpose.
• The Mission of the Twelve (6:7-13): Jesus sends out his disciples in pairs, giving them authority over evil spirits and instructing them to travel light, relying on the hospitality of others. This highlights the importance of teamwork, trust, and the power of sharing the message of Jesus even with limited resources.
• Herod’s Fear and John’s Death (6:14-29): King Herod is intrigued by Jesus but ultimately swayed by his wife’s hatred for John the Baptist. John is unjustly imprisoned and executed, reminding us that following Jesus can lead to opposition and even persecution.
• Feeding the Five Thousand (6:30-44): Jesus miraculously provides food for a huge crowd, demonstrating his compassion and power over nature. This shows us that Jesus cares about our physical needs as well as our spiritual ones.
• Walking on Water (6:45-52): Jesus walks on water, calming the disciples’ fears in a storm. This miraculous event teaches us to trust in Jesus even when things seem impossible.

Study Questions for Reflection

1. Rejection: Have you ever felt rejected or misunderstood, even by people close to you? How can Jesus’ experience in Nazareth help you in those moments?
2. Mission: What does it mean to be “sent out” today? How can you share the message of Jesus with others in your everyday life?
3. Courage: John the Baptist stood up for what was right even when it cost him his life. What can we learn from his courage and boldness?
4. Trust: The disciples were amazed when Jesus walked on water. What situations in your life require you to trust in Jesus, even when it feels scary or uncertain?
5. Compassion: Jesus showed compassion by feeding the hungry crowd. How can you demonstrate compassion to those in need around you?

Let’s Go Deeper

Take some time to think about these questions and discuss them with friends, family, or your youth group. Mark 6 has a lot to teach us about faith, courage, and the importance of sharing the love of Jesus with others. Let it inspire you to live out your faith boldly and to always trust in Jesus, no matter what challenges you face.

Let me know if you’d like any more details or have other questions!