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Mark 6

56 verses

TL;DR

Jesus returns to his hometown, is rejected, then travels, sends disciples, performs miracles like the feeding of 5,000 and walking on water, while Herod plots John the Baptist's death.

Summary

In Mark 6, Jesus goes to his hometown where the locals recognize him and reject him, reflecting the paradox of a prophet's honor being greatest among his own kin. He then travels among villages, teaches, and sends the twelve disciples forth with specific instructions. Jesus performs miracles: he feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish, and later walks on water to calm a storm, both demonstrations of his divine authority and compassion. Meanwhile, Herod, who once executed John the Baptist, is deceived by Herodias' daughter who seeks vengeance and receives the beheaded head of John. The chapter concludes with the disciples returning to Jesus, who advises them to rest in a solitary place before they encounter the crowd and continue his ministry.

Outline
  1. Jesus’ return to his hometown and the disciples’ preaching in Galilee
  2. The sending of the twelve disciples with instructions and the miracles of the feeding and walking on water
  3. Herod’s plot against John the Baptist and the aftermath
Themes
Faith versus unbeliefThe authority of JesusCompassion and divine power
Keywords
faithunbeliefmiracledisciplesHerodJohn the Baptistfeedingwalking on watercompassionprophecy
People
Jesusthe disciplesHerodHerodiasHerodias' daughterJohn the BaptistJamesJosesJudasSimonMaryPhilip
Places
Galileehis own countrythe synagoguevillagesBethsaidaGennesaretSea of Galileemountaindesertcity
Things
five loaves and two fishhead of John the Baptiststaffsandalsdustshipcharger
Key Verses
  • Mark 6:41-44: The miracle of feeding five thousand, showcasing Jesus’ compassion and divine provision
  • Mark 6:48-50: Jesus walks on water, demonstrating His mastery over nature and calming the disciples' fears
  • Mark 6:1-5: Jesus’ return to His hometown highlights the paradox of recognition versus rejection
Questions
  • Why did Jesus choose to perform miracles publicly in Mark 6, and what impact did they have on his following?
  • How does the reaction of Jesus’ hometown relatives illustrate the theme of recognition versus rejection?
  • What can we learn from the instructions Jesus gave to the disciples regarding their journey and behavior?
  • In what way does the story of Herod’s revenge against John the Baptist reflect the dangers of political power over religious truth?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both acts of compassion and miracles (positive) and political intrigue and violence (negative), resulting in a balanced emotional tone.