Mark 6

Commentary

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

(Isaiah 61:1-11; Matthew 2:19-23; Matthew 13:53-58; Luke 2:39-40; Luke 4:16-30)

1And 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 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? 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 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. 5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

The Ministry of the Twelve

(Matthew 10:5-15; Luke 9:1-6)

7And he called unto him 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 their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11And 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. 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 Beheading of John

(Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9)

14And 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. 15Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. 16But when Herod heard thereof, 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 unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy 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 chief estates 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 unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. 23And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 24And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25And 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. 26And the king was exceeding sorry; yet 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 of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

(Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15)

30And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31And 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. 32And they departed into a desert place by ship 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 unto him. 34And 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. 35And 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: 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 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? 38He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? 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.

Jesus Walks on Water

(Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:16-25)

45And 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. 46And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47And when even was come, the ship 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 unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto 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 saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret

(Matthew 14:34-36)

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 ship, straightway they knew him, 55And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56And 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.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Rejection at Nazareth
(Matthew 13:53–58; Luke 4:16–30)

1 He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. 2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were offended at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them. 6 He marveled because of their unbelief. He went around the villages teaching.

The Ministry of the Twelve
(Matthew 10:5–15; Luke 9:1–6)

7 He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, 9 but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.

The Beheading of John
(Matthew 14:1–12; Luke 9:7–9)

14 King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, “John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets.” 16 But Herod, when he heard this, said, “This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead.”

17 For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her. 18 For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him, but she couldn’t, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly. 21 Then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 He swore to her, “Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 She went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” She said, “The head of John the Baptizer.” 25 She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.” 26 The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn’t wish to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand
(Matthew 14:13–21; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–15)

30 The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught. 31 He said to them, “You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32 They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.

33 They saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him. 34 Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. 35 When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, “This place is deserted, and it is late in the day. 36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give them something to eat?” 38 He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go see.” When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate, and were filled. 43 They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish. 44 Those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Jesus Walks on Water
(Matthew 14:22–33; John 6:16–21)

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. 46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.

47 When evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them, 49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” 51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled; 52 for they hadn’t understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret
(Matthew 14:34–36)

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. 54 When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, 55 and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard he was. 56 Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.

The Rejection at Nazareth
(Matthew 13:53–58; Luke 4:16–30)

1 Jesus went on from there and came to His hometown, accompanied by His disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these ideas?” they asked. “What is this wisdom He has been given? And how can He perform such miracles? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, a Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him.

4 Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” 5 So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. 6 And He was amazed at their unbelief.

And He went around from village to village, teaching the people.

The Ministry of the Twelve
(Matthew 10:5–15; Luke 9:1–6)

7 Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing but a staff for the journey—no bread, no bag, no money b in their belts— 9 and to wear sandals, but not a second tunic.

10 And He told them, “When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area. 11 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.” c

12 So they set out and preached that the people should repent. 13 They also drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil.

The Beheading of John
(Matthew 14:1–12; Luke 9:7–9)

14 Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, d “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”

16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. 18 For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

21 On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias e came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”

24 Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?”

And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.”

25 At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.”

26 The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. 28 The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.

29 When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand
(Matthew 14:13–21; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–15)

30 Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

32 So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary place. 33 But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them. 34 When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.

35 By now the hour was already late. So the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. 36 Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

37 But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.”

They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii f to give all of them bread to eat?”

38 “Go and see how many loaves you have,” He told them.

And after checking, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

39 Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.

41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all.

42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 And there were five thousand men who had eaten the loaves.

Jesus Walks on Water
(Matthew 14:22–33; John 6:16–21)

45 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. 46 After bidding them farewell, He went up on the mountain to pray.

47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, g Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them, 49 but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified.

But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. And the disciples were utterly astounded, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened.

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret
(Matthew 14:34–36)

53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and moored the boat. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus 55 and ran through that whole region, carrying the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. 56 And wherever He went—villages and towns and countrysides—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.

 

Footnotes:

3 a Joses  is a variant of Joseph ; see Matthew 13:55.
8 b Or copper coins
11 c BYZ and TR include Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town ; see Matthew 10:15.
14 d Literally they were saying ; some manuscripts he was saying
22 e Some early manuscripts When his daughter Herodias
37 f A denarius was customarily a day’s wage for a laborer; see Matthew 20:2.
48 g That is, between three and six in the morning

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

(Isaiah 61:1-11; Matthew 2:19-23; Matthew 13:53-58; Luke 2:39-40; Luke 4:16-30)

1And he went forth thence, and came to his own country, and his disciples do follow him, 2and sabbath having come, he began in the synagogue to teach, and many hearing were astonished, saying, 'Whence hath this one these things? and what the wisdom that was given to him, that also such mighty works through his hands are done? 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?' -- and they were being stumbled at him. 4And Jesus said to them -- 'A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country, and among his kindred, and in his own house;' 5and he was not able there any mighty work to do, except on a few infirm people having put hands he did heal them; 6and he wondered because of their unbelief. And he was going round the villages, in a circle, teaching,

The Ministry of the Twelve

(Matthew 10:5-15; Luke 9:1-6)

7and he doth call near the twelve, and he began to send them forth two by two, and he was giving them power over the unclean spirits, 8and he commanded them that they may take nothing for the way, except a staff only -- no scrip, no bread, no brass in the girdle, 9but having been shod with sandals, and ye may not put on two coats. 10And he said to them, 'Whenever ye may enter into a house, there remain till ye may depart thence, 11and as many as may not receive you, nor hear you, going out thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony to them; verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah in a day of judgment than for that city.' 12And having gone forth they were preaching that men might reform, 13and many demons they were casting out, and they were anointing with oil many infirm, and they were healing them.

The Beheading of John

(Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9)

14And the king Herod heard, (for his name became public,) and he said -- 'John the Baptist out of the dead was raised, and because of this the mighty powers are working in him.' 15Others said -- 'It is Elijah,' and others said -- 'It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.' 16And Herod having heard, said -- 'He whom I did behead -- John -- this is he; he was raised out of the dead.'

17For Herod himself, having sent forth, did lay hold on John, and bound him in the prison, because of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he married her, 18for John said to Herod -- 'It is not lawful to thee to have the wife of thy brother;' 19and Herodias was having a quarrel with him, and was willing to kill him, and was not able, 20for Herod was fearing John, knowing him a man righteous and holy, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly. 21And a seasonable day having come, when Herod on his birthday was making a supper to his great men, and to the chiefs of thousands, and to the first men of Galilee, 22and the daughter of that Herodias having come in, and having danced, and having pleased Herod and those reclining (at meat) with him, the king said to the damsel, 'Ask of me whatever thou wilt, and I will give to thee,' 23and he sware to her -- 'Whatever thou mayest ask me, I will give to thee -- unto the half of my kingdom.' 24And she, having gone forth, said to her mother, 'What shall I ask for myself?' and she said, 'The head of John the Baptist;' 25and having come in immediately with haste unto the king, she asked, saying, 'I will that thou mayest give me presently, upon a plate, the head of John the Baptist.' 26And the king -- made very sorrowful -- because of the oaths and of those reclining (at meat) with him, would not put her away, 27and immediately the king having sent a guardsman, did command his head to be brought, 28and he having gone, beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head upon a plate, and did give it to the damsel, and the damsel did give it to her mother; 29and having heard, his disciples came and took up his corpse, and laid it in the tomb.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

(Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15)

30And the apostles are gathered together unto Jesus, and they told him all, and how many things they did, and how many things they taught, 31and he said to them, 'Come ye yourselves apart to a desert place, and rest a little,' for those coming and those going were many, and not even to eat had they opportunity, 32and they went away to a desert place, in the boat, by themselves.

33And the multitudes saw them going away, and many recognised him, and by land from all the cities they ran thither, and went before them, and came together to him, 34and having come forth, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion on them, that they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach many things. 35And now the hour being advanced, his disciples having come near to him, say, -- 'The place is desolate, and the hour is now advanced, 36let them away, that, having gone away to the surrounding fields and villages, they may buy to themselves loaves, for what they may eat they have not.' 37And he answering said to them, 'Give ye them to eat,' and they say to him, 'Having gone away, may we buy two hundred denaries' worth of loaves, and give to them to eat?' 38And he saith to them, 'How many loaves have ye? go and see;' and having known, they say, 'Five, and two fishes.' 39And he commanded them to make all recline in companies upon the green grass, 40and they sat down in squares, by hundreds, and by fifties. 41And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves, and was giving to his disciples, that they may set before them, and the two fishes divided he to all, 42and they did all eat, and were filled, 43and they took up of broken pieces twelve hand-baskets full, and of the fishes, 44and those eating of the loaves were about five thousand men.

Jesus Walks on Water

(Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:16-25)

45And immediately he constrained his disciples to go into the boat, and to go before to the other side, unto Bethsaida, till he may let the multitude away, 46and having taken leave of them, he went away to the mountain to pray.

47And evening having come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone upon the land; 48and he saw them harassed in the rowing, for the wind was against them, and about the fourth watch of the night he doth come to them walking on the sea, and wished to pass by them. 49And they having seen him walking on the sea, thought it to be an apparition, and cried out, 50for they all saw him, and were troubled, and immediately he spake with them, and saith to them, 'Take courage, I am he, be not afraid.' 51And he went up unto them to the boat, and the wind lulled, and greatly out of measure were they amazed in themselves, and were wondering, 52for they understood not concerning the loaves, for their heart hath been hard.

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret

(Matthew 14:34-36)

53And having passed over, they came upon the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore, 54and they having come forth out of the boat, immediately having recognised him, 55having run about through all that region round about, they began upon the couches to carry about those ill, where they were hearing that he is, 56and wherever he was going, to villages, or cities, or fields, in the market-places they were laying the infirm, and were calling upon him, that they may touch if it were but the fringe of his garment, and as many as were touching him were saved.

The Favor of God Message paraphrase

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

¹ Jesus left there and went to His hometown, accompanied by His disciples.

² When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given to Him? What are these remarkable miracles He is performing?

³ Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives, and in his own home.”

⁵ He could not do any miracles there, except lay His hands on a few sick people and heal them.

⁶ He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

⁷ Calling the Twelve to Him, He began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

⁸ These were His instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.

⁹ Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.

¹⁰ Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.

¹¹ And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

¹² They went out and preached that people should repent.

¹³ They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

The Death of John the Baptist

¹⁴ King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in Him.”

¹⁵ Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.”

¹⁶ But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!”

¹⁷ For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married.

¹⁸ For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

¹⁹ So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,

²⁰ because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled, yet he liked to listen to him.

²¹ Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

²² When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”

²³ And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

²⁴ She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”

“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.

²⁵ At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

²⁶ The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.

²⁷ So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison,

²⁸ and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.

²⁹ On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught.

³¹ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

³² So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

³³ But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.

³⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things.

³⁵ By this time it was late in the day, so His disciples came to Him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late.

³⁶ Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

³⁷ But He answered, “You give them something to eat.”

They said to Him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

³⁸ “How many loaves do you have?” He asked. “Go and see.”

When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

³⁹ Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.

⁴⁰ So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.

⁴¹ Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.

⁴² They all ate and were satisfied,

⁴³ and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.

⁴⁴ The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Jesus Walks on the Water

⁴⁵ Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd.

⁴⁶ After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray.

⁴⁷ Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and He was alone on land.

⁴⁸ He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn He went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them,

⁴⁹ but when they saw Him walking on the lake, they thought He was a ghost. They cried out,

⁵⁰ because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

⁵¹ Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,

⁵² for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

⁵³ When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there.

⁵⁴ As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.

⁵⁵ They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was.

⁵⁶ And wherever He went—into villages, towns, or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged Him to let them touch even the edge of His cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Footnotes:

6:3: Referring to Jesus as a carpenter emphasizes His humble beginnings and the people’s familiarity with His family, which made it hard for them to accept Him as a prophet or Messiah.

6:11: Shaking the dust off one’s feet was a symbolic gesture showing that the messengers had done their part, and the responsibility for rejecting God’s message now rested on the people.

6:14: Herod mistakenly thought Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead, showing his guilty conscience and confusion about Jesus’ identity.

6:20: Herod’s fear and fascination with John demonstrate the power of righteousness to disturb even those in power, yet Herod’s weakness eventually led to John’s death.

6:31: Jesus’ invitation to His disciples to rest highlights the importance of balancing ministry with times of renewal, even though crowds still pursued them.

6:38: The five loaves and two fish represent a seemingly inadequate resource, yet Jesus uses it to perform a miracle of abundance, demonstrating that faith can multiply limited offerings.

6:50: Jesus’ words, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid,” are meant to reassure the disciples of His divine presence and power, even in the midst of storms.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Mark 6?
2Introduction to Mark 6
3Context of Mark 6
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Mark 6 Unique Insights
7Mark 6 Connections to Yeshua
8Mark 6 Scriptural Echoes
9Mark 6 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Mark 6?

Introduction to Mark 6

Mark 6 stands as a pivotal chapter in Mark’s Gospel, showcasing the growing tension between Jesus’ expanding ministry and mounting opposition. This chapter presents a remarkable series of events that demonstrate both the Messiah’s divine power and the tragic reality of human unbelief. The narrative moves from rejection in His hometown to the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, walking on water, and widespread healing ministry – painting a vivid portrait of Jesus’ authority over nature, disease, and even death itself.

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The chapter serves as a masterclass in discipleship, showing how Jesus prepared His followers for ministry while revealing the cost and challenges of following Him. Through these accounts, we witness the disciples’ growing understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission, even as they struggle with their own limitations and fears.

Context of Mark 6

Within Mark’s Gospel, chapter 6 represents a crucial turning point in Jesus’ Galilean ministry. Following the series of miracles and teachings in chapters 4-5, this chapter shows a shift in focus toward the training of the disciples for their future mission. The rejection in Nazareth (6:1-6) foreshadows the growing opposition that will ultimately lead to the cross, while the sending out of the Twelve (6:7-13) anticipates the future expansion of the Kingdom through the apostles’ ministry.

This chapter also connects thematically to the broader narrative of Scripture. The feeding of the 5,000 deliberately echoes Exodus 16:1-36, where יהוה provided manna in the wilderness. This miracle, recorded in all four Gospels, reveals Jesus as the new Moses, providing bread in the wilderness and shepherding His people. The walking on water scene recalls יהוה’s mastery over chaos in Genesis 1:2 and His control over the waters in Exodus 14:21-22.

Furthermore, the chapter’s themes of prophetic rejection, divine provision, and spiritual authority resonate with numerous Old Testament narratives, particularly those of Elijah and Elisha, creating a rich tapestry of biblical allusions that highlight Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • Ἀπόστολος (Apostolos) – “Sent one” or “messenger” (v.30): This term carried significant weight in the ancient world, referring to an authorized representative with full powers to act on behalf of the sender. In Jewish culture, the concept was expressed through the principle of sheliach (שליח), where the messenger was considered as the one who sent him.
  • Δύναμις (Dynamis) – “Power” or “mighty work” (v.5): This word encompasses both supernatural ability and authority. In the Septuagint, it often translated the Hebrew גְּבוּרָה (gevurah), referring to יהוה’s mighty acts in history. Its limited manifestation in Nazareth underscores the relationship between faith and divine power.
  • Κώμας (Kōmas) – “Villages” (v.6): The use of this term rather than πόλεις (cities) emphasizes Jesus’ ministry to the common people and rural areas, reflecting Isaiah’s prophecy about light coming to the marginalized (Isaiah 9:1-2).
  • Ἐξουσία (Exousia) – “Authority” (v.7): Distinguished from mere power (δύναμις), this term denotes legitimate right and jurisdiction. In giving the disciples ἐξουσία over unclean spirits, Jesus was delegating divine authority, a concept deeply significant in Jewish understanding of spiritual warfare.
  • Κλάσματα (Klasmata) – “Broken pieces” (v.43): The word specifically refers to fragments broken for distribution, echoing the bread offering terminology used in the Temple service. The twelve baskets of leftovers symbolically represent the twelve tribes of Israel and divine abundance.
  • Φάντασμα (Phantasma) – “Ghost” or “apparition” (v.49): This term reflects ancient Mediterranean beliefs about spirits on the water. Jesus’ response, “ἐγώ εἰμι” (I AM), deliberately echoes יהוה’s self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14.
  • Ἐταράχθησαν (Etarachthēsan) – “They were terrified” (v.50): The verb ταράσσω often appears in the Septuagint describing fear before divine manifestations, suggesting the disciples’ reaction was not mere fright but recognition of divine presence.
  • Κράσπεδον (Kraspedon) – “Fringe” or “tassel” (v.56): Refers to the tzitzit (ציצית) commanded in Numbers 15:38-39, symbolizing divine authority and healing power associated with the Messiah’s garments.

Compare & Contrast

  • The rejection at Nazareth (v.1-6) uses the term πατρίς (hometown) rather than the more common τόπος (place), emphasizing the personal nature of the rejection. The phrase “prophet without honor” employs ἄτιμος (without honor) rather than the stronger ἀπόβλητος (rejected), suggesting a passive dismissal rather than active hostility.
  • In the sending of the Twelve (v.7-13), Mark uses ἀποστέλλειν (to send) rather than πέμπειν (to send), emphasizing official commissioning rather than mere dispatching. The instruction to take “nothing for the journey” uses μηδὲν (nothing) emphatically, stressing complete dependence on divine provision.
  • The feeding miracle (v.35-44) deliberately echoes the language of the Last Supper, using λαβὼν (taking), εὐλόγησεν (blessed), and κατέκλασεν (broke) – the same verbs used in the institution narratives, foreshadowing the Eucharist.
  • Jesus’ walking on water (v.47-52) uses διέρχομαι (to pass by) rather than περιπατέω (to walk), echoing יהוה’s “passing by” Moses in Exodus 33:19-23.
  • The healing accounts (v.53-56) use ἥπτοντο (they were touching) in the imperfect tense rather than aorist, emphasizing continuous action and suggesting numerous healings over time.

Mark 6 Unique Insights

The structure of Mark 6 reveals a fascinating chiastic pattern that emphasizes the theme of divine provision amidst human inadequacy. The chapter begins and ends with scenes of healing ministry, bracketing the central miracles of feeding and water-walking. This arrangement highlights the progressive revelation of Jesus’ identity and power, moving from limited recognition in Nazareth to widespread acknowledgment in Gennesaret.

The account of John the Baptist’s execution (v.14-29) serves multiple purposes beyond mere historical narrative. In rabbinic tradition, the timing of meals held great significance, and Mark’s placement of this account between the disciples’ successful ministry and the feeding of the 5,000 creates a stark contrast between Herod’s corrupt feast and Jesus’ wilderness provision. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) discusses how true and false prophets can be distinguished, and this account provides a tragic example of truth-speaking resulting in martyrdom.

The feeding miracle contains numerous allusions to Moses and the Exodus that would have been obvious to Jewish readers. The people sitting in groups of hundreds and fifties (v.40) mirrors the organizational structure Moses implemented (Exodus 18:21). The green grass (v.39) recalls Psalm 23:2, suggesting Jesus as the divine shepherd. Early church father Clement of Alexandria noted that the five loaves represented the five books of Torah, while the two fish symbolized Greek and Hebrew wisdom nourishing the nations.

The multiple boat scenes in this chapter carry deep symbolic significance in light of ancient Near Eastern mythology, where water represented chaos and divine control over it indicated deity. The rabbis interpreted Psalm 107:23-32 as messianic, making Jesus’ mastery over the sea a clear claim to divine authority.

Mark 6 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter powerfully demonstrates Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah through multiple theological lenses. His rejection in Nazareth fulfills the prophetic pattern of rejected prophets (Isaiah 53:3), while His commissioning of the Twelve shows Him acting with divine authority to establish the renewed twelve tribes of Israel (Ezekiel 37:15-28).

The feeding miracle explicitly identifies Jesus as the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18) and the divine Shepherd-King who provides for His people. This miracle, unique in being recorded in all four Gospels, points forward to the Messiah’s eschatological banquet (Isaiah 25:6-8) and backward to יהוה’s provision of manna. Jesus’ walking on water and calming the storm demonstrate His divine nature, as only יהוה was said to tread upon the waves (Job 9:8).

Mark 6 Scriptural Echoes

The chapter resonates deeply with numerous Old Testament passages:

Mark 6 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own response to Jesus’ identity and authority. Like the people of Nazareth, we can become so familiar with Jesus that we fail to recognize His divine power and purpose. Their unbelief limited what Jesus could do among them – a sobering reminder that our faith or lack thereof impacts our experience of God’s work in our lives.

The disciples’ experiences – being sent out with authority, witnessing impossible miracles, yet still struggling with fear and understanding – mirror our own spiritual journey. We too are called to step out in faith, trusting in divine provision rather than our own resources. The feeding of the 5,000 reminds us that when we offer our inadequate resources to Jesus, He can multiply them beyond our imagination.

Jesus’ command “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” speaks to all who face storms in life. His presence transforms our fears into faith, our inadequacy into abundance, and our weakness into witness. The chapter ends with people being healed by touching Jesus’ garments – a powerful metaphor for how even the smallest connection with Him brings transformation.

Did You Know

  • The Greek word for “carpenter” (τέκτων) in verse 3 could also mean craftsman, builder, or artisan. Archaeological evidence from Nazareth suggests Jesus likely worked with both wood and stone, as most construction in the area used stone.
  • The disciples’ instruction to shake dust off their feet (v.11) was a practice Jews typically performed when leaving Gentile territory to avoid ritual impurity. Using this gesture toward Jewish towns would have been shocking, suggesting they had rejected their Messiah and become like pagans.
  • The “green grass” mentioned in verse 39 is a detail that helps date this event to spring (March-April), the only time when grass is green in Galilee. This timing connects the feeding miracle with Passover themes.
  • Herod’s oath to Herodias’s daughter (v.23) mirrors Persian King Ahasuerus’s oath to Esther, but with tragically different results. Both involve a king offering “up to half my kingdom” during a banquet.
  • The disciples being gathered into groups of fifty and hundred (v.40) uses military terminology in Greek, suggesting organization like an army camp. This echoes Israel’s wilderness arrangement under Moses.
  • The word for “basket” used in collecting leftovers (κόφινος) specifically refers to Jewish food baskets, designed to carry kosher food while traveling in Gentile areas.
  • The description of Jesus “wanting to pass by” the disciples (v.48) uses language that deliberately echoes יהוה’s self-revelation to Moses on Sinai (Exodus 33:19-23).
  • The healing by touching Jesus’ garment fringe (v.56) refers to the tzitzit (ritual tassels) commanded in Numbers 15:37-41, which symbolized divine authority and healing in Jewish tradition.
  • Archaeological excavations have identified Gennesaret (v.53) as modern-day el-Ghuweir, a fertile plain that Josephus called the “paradise of Galilee.”
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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

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