Mark Chapter 6 Reflections

Setting Out on the Journey

Welcome Prayer Song

Alright, Mark chapter six – another long one – so let’s read through and see what we might need from the Lord.

Mark Chapter 6

March 7th 2021

And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 2And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given to him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3Is 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.

4But Yeshua said to them, A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. 7And he called the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8And commanded them that they should take nothing for journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in purse: 9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10And he said to them, In what place soever you enter into an house, there abide till you depart from that place. 11And whosoever will not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly I say to you, It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. 12And they went out, and preached that men should repent. 13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

The Death of John the Baptist

14And king Herod heard about this; (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. 15Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. 16But when Herod heard this, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. 17For 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. 18For John had said to Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.

19Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: 20For 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. 21And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chiefs of Galilee; 22And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said to the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it to you. 23And he sware to her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it you, to the half of my kingdom. 24And she went forth, and said to her mother, What will I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. 26And the king was very sorry; but for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. 27And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. 29And when his disciples heard about it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30And the apostles gathered themselves together to Yeshua, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31And he said to them, Come you yourselves apart into a desert.

Miracles and Teachings of Yeshua

32And they departed into a desert place by boat privately. 33And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together to him. 34And Yeshua, 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. 35And when the day was almost over, his disciples came to him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the day is almost over: 36Send 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. 37He answered and said to them, Give you them to eat. And they say to him, Will we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

Feeding of the Five Thousand

38He said to them, How many loaves have you? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 39And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. 40And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. 41And 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. 42And they did all eat, and were filled. 43And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. 45And immediately he constrained his disciples to get into the boat, and to go to the other side before to Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 46And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47And when evening had arrived, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary to them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh to them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. 49But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and said to them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51And he went up to them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52For they considered not ___ of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Healing and Rejection in Yeshua’s Own Country

53And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. 54And when they were come out of the boat, immediately the crowds knew him, 55And they ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was located. 56And whatever place he came – 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.

And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 2And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing were astonished, saying, “From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given to him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?” 3Is 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.

Yeshua's Explicit Explanation

In verse 4, Yeshua explains why he was received in this fashion by his own country people. The principle applies to all who are God’s by adoption as often the most intimate of family members and friends may reject their stated faith based on “fleshly familiarity” rather than on taking the time to see that others have gained a true saving faith.

These verses also disproves, in part, the Catholic view that Jesus had no siblings.

Faith and Unbelief

But Yeshua said to them, A prophet is not without honor, 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 was amazed at their unbelief.

The basis of Christianity is faith – a willingness to believe and trust. Without faith, there is no good religion, no good relationship, between God and Man as God acts and human beings respond by faith. Faith is the product of hearing God’s promises and then choosing to trust them.

And he went round about the villages, teaching. And he called 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 the journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in the purse: But they be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said to them, In what place soever you enter into an house, there abide till you depart from that place. And whosoever will not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly I say to you, It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

We see (through black text) that all of the instructions given are from Yeshua to His twelve apostles – to “them/then.” Nothing suggests that these directives were applicable to anyone else anywhere.

12And 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.

The Mission to Israel

In Matthew 10:5 Yeshua commands them to not go to anyone but the house of Israel. This is key to understanding His mission, the “ages” (present and to come) and proper eschatologyStudy of “last things”—TGNN teaches all biblical eschatology was fulfilled in 70 A.D. More.

The subject of repentance and repenting is an enormous one in the Bible and needs to be understood so as to avoid misunderstanding important concepts relative to salvation, conversion and spiritual maturity.

And king Herod heard about this; (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. This was Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, and own brother to Archelaus. At his father’s deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God., he obtained the government of Galilee and Peraea, with the title of ‘tetrarch’ which originally meant a ruler of a fourth part (of the kingdom), but was afterwards applied more generally, like the name ‘king.’

Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard this, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

Herod had a guilty heart which often leads to suspiciousness and unwarranted fears.

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 to Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your 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 chiefs of Galilee;

Reflections on Birthdays

There are two birthdays mentioned in the Record – that of Yeshua and that of Herod – both serve as types for believers in reflecting their focus in life – Him or self.

And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said to the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it to you. And he sware to her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it you, to

The Beheading of John the Baptist

The story of John the Baptist and his beheading reveals multiple layers of spiritual and historical significance. This narrative begins when Herod offered the daughter of Herodias whatever she desired, up to half of his kingdom. In response, Herodias instructed her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Despite his sorrow, Herod could not reject the request due to his oath and the witnesses present. An executioner was dispatched, and John was beheaded in prison.

It is significant that the Baptist declared that he must decrease so that the Lord would increase (John 3:30), and that since Christ is called the head of the Body (Colossians 1:18) that the Baptist would lose his. We also note that Jesus did not come to the rescue of the Baptist nor did He take revenge on His death. It is a truth that painful events orbit around the lives of those who are His.

28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

Yeshua's Reflection on John's Life

Yeshua called John the Baptist the Greatest among the Prophets – his life (and death) was austere, void of luxuries, and in the end, painful and lonely. So was the call on the lives of all of His elected apostles, and of the Lord and King Himself. All of the predecessors and founders of the Christian faith lived lives of suffering. These are irrefutable types for all who truly follow after Him in faith; that they will embrace a life of death to the things of the flesh through an existence of life by the Spirit with eyes focused on a future kingdom there, and not the present material Kingdom here.

Herodius was married to Herod Philip the 1st. She left him for his brother, Herod Antipas. John the Baptist boldly declared that marriage to be unlawful. For this he was "cast into prison," and was then beheaded at the request of Herodias, making Prov. 21:19 more true than ever.

29And when his disciples heard about it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. 30And the apostles gathered themselves together to Yeshua, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31And he said to them, Come you 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.

Its intriguing that even though Yeshua walked by power and knowledge, being God with us, he seemed to mourn the loss of those he loved. (see John 11:35)

32And they departed into a desert place by boat privately. 33And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together to him. 34And Yeshua, 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.

Yeshua is called the “Chief Shepherd” by Peter (see 1st Peter 5:4). The description is perfect when the relationship between sheep and their shepherd is considered.

Provision for the People

35And when the day was almost over, his disciples came to him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the day is almost over: 36Send 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.

This is a physical tale representing a spiritual principle – men, unable to supply the spiritual needs of the masses, will try to send them away empty handed to fend for themselves, but the King will always provide for those who seek Him.

37He answered and said to them, Give you them to eat. And they say to him, Will we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

Note the situation. The Apostles came to the Lord and couched the situation in terms of “they,” saying: “Send them away,” “that they may go,” “and buy themselves,” “for they have nothing to eat.” But Yeshua takes the situation and puts it back.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

On the Apostles, saying, "give you them." The Apostles were of the “they are on their own” opinion, but Yeshua took all of them in hand and the responsibility for their well-being.

38He said to them, How many loaves have you? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 39And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. 40And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. 41And 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. 42And they did all eat, and were filled.

PO The food He gives will always satisfy and those who eat if it will never be found wanting. Filled!

43And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

PO: In John 6:12 the Lord commands the disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” This was also the principle of the Harvest and Gleanings presented in the Old Testament. CLA: (see First-Fruits) The principle being that God does not waste and what He creates He wants it to be respected – even pieces of bread. If God has this attitude with bread and fishes, imagine His heart for all people He created in His image. CLA: (see Total Reconciliation).

44And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. 45And immediately he constrained his disciples to get into the boat, and to go to the other side before to Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 46And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

Yeshua's Solitude and Prayer

PO After all the engagements with both His Apostles and the masses, Yeshua left alone to commune with YHWH. In this we see that Yeshua was not God walking around but the man from Narareth walking around with God in Him as His Father – therefore He had reason to go and commune with him through prayer. The God-Man Jesus would not. CLA (see Trinity) THR: (see, Yeshua)

47And when evening had arrived, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary to them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh to them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

PO Yeshua was alone on the land, and they were without him on the sea. While he roamed out over the water, his disciples toiled against the storm. As soon as Jesus joined them in the boat, all was made right.

49But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and said to them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

The Apostles' Spiritual Dullness

51And he went up to them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

52For they considered not ___ of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

The Apostles, though called and exposed to miracles of the Lord at this point, remained spiritually dull. The Record refers this dullness to hard heartedness. Even after His resurrection, Yeshua would chide them for their hard hearts (see Mark 16:14). It would take the inner work of the Holy Spirit to enlighten and illuminate their minds to the things of the Kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future., which are the things of the Spirit. CLA: (see Spiritual Maturity; Eyes to See)

53And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. 54And when they were come out of the boat, immediately the crowds knew him, 55And they ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was located. 56And whatever place he came – 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.

Questions/Comments /Prayer