Mark Chapter 6

Mark describes in detail the things that occurred while Jesus was walking about this earth. Jesus demonstrated His power over nature and over sickness and disease.

It is not normal for a crowd of 5,000 plus people to be fed from one tiny lunch. It is not normal for a man to walk on top of water. It is not normal for sick people to be healed in an instant. These are miracles from the powerful hand of God.

Let's Reflect

1. How was Jesus received in His hometown of Nazareth?

2. These people thought they knew Jesus, the man who grew up in the house of Mary (who was probably a widow for some time now). They knew Jesus as a carpenter not an educated rabbi. He had other brothers and sisters. They thought he was just an ordinary man, not someone who could possibly perform miracles. How did Jesus feel about the townspeople? See verse 6.

3. Jesus sent out the twelve disciples in groups of two, to begin delivering the gospel message to people and He gave them authority over unclean spirits and power to heal the sick. What message did they deliver to the people?

4. Herod heard about Jesus and all that was happening. Who did Herod think Jesus was being that he was ridden with guilt?

5. What horrible thing had Herod done and why did he do it?

6. When the apostles returned to Jesus and told all that they had done while they were out ministering to the people, what did Jesus say they needed to do next?

7. As their boat came to shore a crowd had gathered ready to meet Jesus. What does the Bible say about Jesus when He saw them?

8. The apostles thought it was ridiculous that Jesus would suggest they could feed the enormous crowd that had listened to Jesus’ teaching all day. There were 5,000 men plus women and children. When Jesus asked them to gather whatever food they could find that might be shared with the crowd, what little bit of food did they find? Why do you think Jesus instructed the people to sit in groups that could be counted by hundreds or fifties?

9. After miraculously feeding that large crowd, Jesus sent the apostles away in a boat. Jesus caught up with them by walking on the water. Here we do not read about Peter attempting to walk on the water too. Perhaps Peter asked Mark not to include that because of embarrassment or perhaps because he did not want to draw attention to himself. Scripture is clear that the apostles were still not understanding completely who Jesus was. How is this unbelief described? See verse 52.

10. When they reached the other side, Jesus was immediately recognized. He was the one who could perform miracles. And so what did the townspeople do?