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BIBLE STUDY on the Gospel of Mark
Chapter 6
Themes: Synagogue in Nazareth; healing the sick at Nazareth; the Twelve sent out; disciples heal; death of John the Baptist; the Twelve return; 5000 fed; Jesus walks on the sea; sick in land of Gennesaret healed.
This is the second longest chapter in the Gospel of Mark, with Mark 14 being the longest. Mark keeps on with his usual style of presenting the action in the ministry of Jesus with rapid succession, although in verses 1-29, there is a bit of a letup in the intense activity. Jesus returns to Nazareth. He sends out the Twelve to preach and they report back to Him.
He then feeds the 5000, walks on the water, and heals in the land of Gennesaret. The chapter closes with the ministry of Jesus around the Sea of Galilee, on the western shore. Jesus was extremely popular at this time, and this is the peak of His ministry.
Synagogue In Nazareth (Mark 6:1-4)
Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. (KJV)
And he went out from thence, and came into his own country . . . He left from Capernaum, the house of Jairus and went to Nazareth where He was brought up. This was the second trip back home and the second mission in His home synagogue (Lk.4:16; Mat.13:54-58).
The city of Nazareth was the place where Christ was conceived, and where He grew up and was educated, and for which He had an affection, and was willing it should partake of the benefit of his doctrine and miracles.
And his disciples follow him . . . as they did wherever He went; and which is a true characteristic of ANY disciple of Jesus.
Mark 6:2 And 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? (KJV)
And when the sabbath day was come . . . for it seems that it was on a weekday, that He arrived in the city, where He stayed without making Himself known, until the Sabbath day came, then
He began to teach in the synagogue . . . at Nazareth; where He clarified the Law and the Prophets, and preached the Gospel.
And many hearing him were astonished . . . at His doctrine, and His way of teaching.
Saying, from whence hath this man these things? . . . they could not understand where Jesus had obtained the skill of explaining Scripture as He did, the doctrine He was teaching, and the miracles He is said to have worked. This question they asked, because they had known Him from a child. He had lived a long time among them, and they knew what He knew, was NOT learned from men, so they were amazed at how He came by such things as these.
And what wisdom is this which is given to him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? . . . His Hands looked like any other man’s hands, how could they do mighty works?
Jesus had been in the synagogue twice. On both occasions He entered the synagogue and taught, and on both occasions He was rejected by His fellow townspeople. So this is not a conflict, but rather two records of two different visits that He made to His hometown. The first time He left, He went down to Capernaum and made that His headquarters. But He returned because He wanted to reach His hometown people.
In the first verse when it says "his own country," it literally means His fatherland. It was the custom of our Lord to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath Day WHERE EVER He was. I think He felt the need to worship God in this way and, also, it was the place to reach the people of that day. His teaching simply amazed those who had known Him.
His words, His works and His wonders shocked His fellow citizens, which brought on their questions. They just did not believe that Nazareth could produce anyone like this One before them. They were judging Nazareth by themselves. They thought that NO One like the Lord Jesus could have come from there!
Mark 6:3 Is 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. (KJV)
Is not this the carpenter? . . . "the carpenter's son" (Mat.13:55).
The Jews should NOT have spurned Christ with this trade of a carpenter, since, according to them, it was necessary that a carpenter, in some cases, should be a regular priest; as in repairing of the temple, especially the holy of holies.
The son of Mary . . . a poor woman of their town, perhaps now a widow, since Joseph is not mentioned.
The brother of James and Joses, and of Juda and Simon? . . . this Passage reveals that Mary DID have other children. These were half-brothers and sisters of Jesus. I think the Jude who is mentioned here is most likely the author of the Epistle of Jude. These were offended because of Jesus, their half-brother.
And are not sisters here with us? And they were offended at him . . . His own family were offended by Jesus, either by His wisdom, with which He delivered such doctrine as He did; or by His power, by which He did His mighty works or miracles. Possibly they suspected that He came by them in an unlawful way, through acquaintance with the devil, as did the Pharisees. It is not told to us WHY they were offended by Him, it just says: they were offended at him. So it is not meant for us to know more.
They THOUGHT that they knew Him, which was, evidently, their stumbling stone. There is a danger in getting too accustomed to Jesus. He is Almighty God, and we should NOT get too at ease with Him. That was His family’s problem. They THOUGHT that they knew Him, but they did NOT. They had seen Him as a boy grow up in the town, and they just could not see Him as being the all-powerful God. Stumbling Stone: (Isa.8:14; 28:16; 57:14; Lk.2:34; Rom.9:32-33; 11:9-11,35; 1 Cor.1:23; 2 Cor.2:16; 1 Pet.2:7-8). Jesus IS God! http://godcannotlie.org/is_jesus_god.htm
Offended by Jesus: (Mat.5:29-30; 11:6; 13:21,41,57; 15:12; 17:27; 18:6,8,9; 24:10; 26:31; Mk.4:17; 6:3; 9:42,43,45,47; 14:29; Lk.7:23; 17:2; Jn.6:61; 16:1) Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (KJV)
Mark 6:4 But 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. (KJV)
But Jesus said unto them . . . the following proverb;
A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house . . . Matthew 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. (KJV) . . . common proverbial speech showing, that a prophet, teacher or preacher, is more honored and respected among strangers, who have no personal interest, or prejudices against him, and who judge him, not by what he has been, but by his present abilities. The people of Nazareth knew His family, and watched as He grew up among them, and they could not understand where He got all the things that He was teaching.
Healing The Sick At Nazareth (Mark 6:5-6)
And He could there do no mighty work, except to heal a few sick folk.
Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (KJV)
And he could there do no mighty work . . . or no miracle, NOT because Jesus had no power in Himself to work miracles, although their unbelief and contempt of Him was very great indeed; but it was not fit and proper that He should do any there, because of their prejudices against Him. This was the usual way of speaking with the Hebrews, when it is not "fit" and proper that a thing should be done, or they "will" not do it . . . to say it cannot be done (Gen.19:22; 37:4); and it is even said of God Himself, "So that the Lord could no longer bear, because of your evil doings" (Jer.44:22). NOT that He could if He would, but He would not . . . because it was NOT fit and proper that He should. Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (KJV) . . . Matthew gives the reason; it was "because of their unbelief" . . . this was NOT that their unbelief was more powerful than His power. But, sometimes Christ required the persons He was about to heal, have faith in Him, so He could heal them; and so did His apostles (Mat.9:28; Acts 14:9). It is NOT that faith contributed anything at all to the cure, but it was the way and means in which Christ was pleased to communicate His healing virtue. When persons appealed to Him for healing, and expressed their faith in Him, it gave Him a chance of working a miracle for that purpose . . . but these people did NOT even ask such a favor of Him, and so it gave Him NO chance of doing any mighty work before them. They did not trust Him, and they rejected Him as the Messiah, so they were NOT worthy of having any great work done among them. Save that he laid his hands upon a sick folk, and healed them . . . His power was not totally held back that day, for there were a few sick people that did have faith in Him, and came to Him, begging Him to heal them. These faithful ones were blessed because He did cure them, which cures He did, to show His power, what He could do, and what benefits they could have enjoyed by Him.
Mark 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. (KJV)
And he marvelled because of their unbelief . . . He healed some, but not many. This is a fantastic disclosure. Do you SEE what it was that limited the power of God when Jesus was here in Nazareth? UNBELIEF!!! "He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." It was NOT that Jesus was not able to do miracles, but because of their unbelief, He did very few miracles there. The great problem in the world today is UNBELIEF! The great problem with people is that they do NOT have faith to believe that Jesus is Who He says He is! I am speaking about FAITH to save men and women. I am talking about the kind of faith that BELIEVES that Christ Jesus CAN save the lost, who are condemned to an everlasting Hell (Jn.3:17-19,36). The Lord Jesus is SO limited today, in your church, your family and in your own life, because of UNBELIEF! The Lord states a tremendous Truth here. Please do NOT overlook it. Such unbelief must be owing to a wretched stupidity, and judicial blindness of mind.
And he went round about the villages teaching . . . He travelled throughout all the little towns and villages around Nazareth, instructing the ignorant country people, in the things concerning the kingdom of God.
A comment: To my knowledge, the Lord Jesus “marveled” just twice: (Mk.6:6 because of the Jews unbelief, and Mat.8:10 because of a Gentile’s faith).
The Twelve Sent Out (Mark 6:7-13)
(Mat.9:35-10:42; Lk.9:1-6)
Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; (KJV)
And he called unto him the twelve . . . His twelve disciples, as some copies read; whom He had before called by His grace, and had appointed and ordained them His apostles. Until now, they had not yet been sent forth publicly. He now called them to Him, giving them their assignment, qualifications, and instructions.
And began to send them forth by two and two . . . the twelve are mentioned in this familiar style because Mark had previously given their names and account of their selection (Mk.3:13-19).
Two by two . . . just Mark mentions the fact that the twelve were sent out two by two. Luke mentions the same circumstance, but in regard to the seventy (Lk.10:1,17). In his extreme briefness, Mark mentions here only one of the miraculous powers imparted to the twelve, but he does mention in verse 13, the fact of their healing the sick.
And gave them power over unclean spirits . . . meaning to cast them out (Mat.10:1). Many things are omitted by Mark, that are mentioned by Matthew. It seems some things were more important to one writer, and other things were important to the other. There is no contradiction.
Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: (KJV)
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey . . . to provide for them, except those things told to them.
Save a staff only . . . a single one, for staves in the plural number are forbidden (Mat.10:10).
No scrip, no bread, no money in their purse . . . travelers would put their bread, or other food into their scrips (bag, sack, wallet), and their money in their girdles; but the disciples were not allowed to carry either, because provision was to be made for them wherever they were, it being what their labour was worthy of (Mat.10:9-10).
Mark 6:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. (KJV)
But be shod with sandals . . . Mark records that the disciples were instructed to take nothing with them except walking sticks, but Matthew and Luke say that Jesus told them not to take walking sticks. One explanation is that Matthew and Luke were referring to a club used for protection, while Mark was talking about a shepherd's crook. Any way you look at this, the point in all three accounts is the same . . . the disciples were to leave at once, with NO extensive preparation, trusting in God's care rather than in their own resources.
Not put on two coats . . . nothing to hinder them. From all that is said, the Lord Jesus is saying that a minister of the Gospel should not be worldly minded, one seeking what this world can offer, not seeking to amass wealth and riches to himself, and NOT preaching for filthy lucre's sake. They are not to be a sensual or lustful man, serving his own belly, and not the Lord Jesus Christ, feeding himself, and not the flock! Far too many of these greedy preachers today! Filthy lucre: (Isa.56:10-11; Jer.6:13; 1 Tim.3:3,8; Tit.1:7; 1 Pet.52)
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_cults_rich_preachers.1.htm
Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. (KJV)
And he said unto them . . . He continues giving instructions and directions to them, saying, In what place soever you enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place . . . that is, in whatsoever city or town they should come to, the first house they went into, they should continue in, during their stay in that city or town, and not change from one house to another (Mat.10:11).
Mark 6:11 And 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. (KJV)
And, whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you . . . who would neither take them into their houses, nor hear what they had to say.
When ye depart thence . . . from the house or the city,
Shake off the dust under your feet, for a testimony against them . . . for they had been with them, and tried to preach the Gospel to them, but they despised and rejected it, so they were to depart from them as unworthy people, against whom the dust of their feet would rise up as a witness, in the day of judgment (Mat.10:14).
Verily, I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city . . . this clause is omitted in some copies. It is a certainty that there shall one day be Judgment . . . on ALL people! It is a fixed day, of which we know not! God has appointed it, even though it is not known even by His angels. Judgment Day shall be universal! Every person who has ever lived, must appear there before God, the Judge of all people, Jews and Gentiles. May the inhabitants of the world today consider this!
The Disciples Heal (Mark 6:12-13)
Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. (KJV)
And they went out . . . from where they then were, some one way, and some another, two by two, with their instructions, to preach the Gospel, and work miracles, in whatever part where they were sent.
And preached that men should repent . . . of the evil practices which they were guilty of, and the bad principles they had absorbed. Warning the people to change both their thoughts and conduct: this, they exhorted them to, as John the Baptist, and Christ, had done before, who set out in their ministry the same way; and these, as they did also, preached the Gospel, and the things relating to the Kingdom of God, and Gospel dispensation, and stressed upon the people believe them. Faith and repentance went together in Christ's ministry (Mk.1:15), and so they did in the ministry of John, the Baptist (Acts 19:4), and in the ministry of the apostles (Acts 20:21).
Omitting the long speech of instruction and prophecy which Jesus at this time addressed to the twelve (Mat.10:16-42), Mark states what Matthew omits in the manner in which they executed their commission. They "preached that men should repent." This single duty, enforced by the solemn fact that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand (Mat.10:7).
When they preached that men should repent, it does not mean, that they have any power to repent of themselves: for such is the condition of men by nature. Sinful people neither SEE their need of repentance, and their hearts are so hard and stubborn, that they cannot do this by themselves, or work it in themselves, and exercise it. Repentance needs the powerful and effective grace of God to produce it, for it is a gift of His grace; and if He gives the means, and not the grace of repentance itself, it will never appear. A person’s heart MUST be open and persuaded to the apostles preaching that men should repent, shows that they were in such a state as to need it; and how necessary it was for them to have it . . . for without it they would all perish. and such an attention is required, to awaken the minds of men to a sense to the need of it, and to direct them to Christ the Saviour, who is more than willing to give it, as well as the remission of sins.
Repentance is something many do not understand. Many think that repentance means “turning from sin.” This is NOT the Biblical definition of repentance. Repent means to change one’s mind, and I will add, change one’s heart. The Bible also tells us that TRUE repentance will result in a change of actions (Lk.3:8:14; Acts 3:19). This states: “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The Biblical meaning of repentance is a change of mind that will result in a change of action.
IS there a connection between repentance and salvation? I would say YES! Luke’s Book of Acts seems to very specifically concentrate on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind and heart in regard to Christ Jesus. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38) . . . .REPENT, from what? Peter addresses the people who have rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36), to change their minds about Him, and to realize that He is definitely “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter struggles in trying to get the people to change their minds from their rejection of Christ as the Messiah, to faith in Him as both Messiah and Saviour.
Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour without first changing your mind and heart about WHO He is and WHAT He has done. You can repent from willful rejection of WHO He is . . . or you can repent from your ignorance or indifference of WHAT He has done and can do. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind FROM rejection of Christ TO faith in Christ.
It is vitally important that we understand that repentance is NOT a work we do to earn salvation. Absolutely NO work an our part can do ANYTHING whatsoever to EARN salvation! NONE!!! SALVATION (eternal life) IS A GIFT FROM GOD!
Eph.2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV)
Rom.6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)
NO one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (Jn.6:44; Acts 5:31; 11:18), indicate that repentance is something God GIVES! It is possible ONLY because of His amazing grace. NO one can repent unless God grants repentance. ALL of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's longsuffering (patience) leads us to repentance (2 Pet.3:9), as does His kindness (Ron.2:4).
Even though repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation DOES result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind, and heart, without causing a change in your actions and words. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Mat.3:8). Anyone who has truly repented from rejecting Christ Jesus to having faith in Christ Jesus will give proof of a changed life (2 Cor.5:17; Gal.5:19-23; Jam.2:14-26). Repentance, properly explained, is absolutely necessary for salvation of our souls! Biblical repentance is changing your mind and heart about Christ Jesus and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the correct definition of repentance, but it IS one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (KJV)
And they cast out many devils . . . this power was given to them, the power was NOT of themselves, but was derived from the Lord. They had this power given to them to heal the sick. They also could show their appropriated power over the devils, and as an introduction of what they were to be the instruments of, in casting demons out of the souls of men, both Jews and Gentiles.
And anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them . . . this was no doubt directed to by Christ, as an outward sign of healing; not as a medicine; or else there would have been no miracle in the cure. It is certain that the Jews used anointing with oil medically in many cases, as the means of healing; but they were NOT always successful, as were the apostles. The healing of the sick by anointing with oil, is joined with the amazing and astonishing power of casting out devils. It was one and the same power by which they performed both (Lk.9:1-2).
This Passage gives NO clue whatsoever, to the use of such a practice in today’s times. This extraordinary power was given to apostles ONLY, who used it, for they were extraordinary persons . . . and their office in the baby church was an extraordinary one to say the least! That power has now ceased; and healing in this way has ceased!
Please study the Bible so you can obtain TRUE wisdom to know wrong from right! So many preachers today are money hungry vultures! They have NO desire to heal, nor do they have the power to heal! IF these persons had the power to heal . . . WHY don’t they go to hospitals and heal the sick ones there. The answer . . . they CANNOT heal! ONLY God can heal!
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_1_false_teachers.1.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_cults_rich_preachers.1.htm
Death Of John The Baptist
Various Opinions of Herod and Others (Mark 6:14-29) (Mat.14:1-12; Lk.9:7-9)
Mark 6:14 And 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. (KJV)
And king Herod heard of him . . . of Jesus, and His miracles. This was Herod Antipater, the son of Herod the Great; the fame of Jesus reached his ears, he being governor of those parts, which were mostly visited by Christ. See this account of the death of John the Baptist in Matthew 14:1-12.
For his name was spread abroad . . . because of His ministry and miracles, and through His disciples, whom he had sent two by two into all parts of the country.
And he said that John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him . . . for Herod had some time before put John to death; and hearing of these wonderful things that were done by Christ, his conscience smote him for the murder of John; and such a thought struck into his mind, that John was risen from the dead, and did these miracles. The more he thought about it, the more strongly he was sure of it; and told it to his courtiers with a great deal of assurance, that it was John (Mat.14:2).
Mark 6:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. (KJV)
Others said that it is Elias . . . many of the Jews thought it was Elijah, for they expected that Elias the Tishbite would come in person, before the Coming of the Messiah (Mal.4:5). Others said, that it is a prophet . . . or "the prophet" (Deu.18:18) that was to come, whom Moses had spoken of, and the Jews expected; this was the opinion of others of them: or
As one of the prophets . . . the sense is, this new Prophet recently raised up, is as one of the old prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others; or one of them had risen up.
Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. (KJV)
But when Herod heard thereof . . . of Christ, or maybe the different opinions about Him,
He said, it is John, whom I have beheaded . . . the thought continued with him; he could not get rid of it. He was sure it was John the Baptist, come back again!
Risen from the dead . . . which brought him great uneasiness. All the things that He did to John kept running through his mind. At first he could not believe that since John was beheaded by him, he could not be restored to life . . . but hearing of the miracles that were done by Jesus, Herod’s conscience accused and indicted him, and soon he firmly believed that he must be risen. He admits he beheaded John; he was sorely aware of the sin, and confesses it. He does not lay it to the charge of Herodias and her daughter, though they were the ones that requested it. The guilt of it lay total upon his conscience, and he dreaded this appearance of John, as he imagined. And IF Herod was a Sadducee before, as he had been thought to be, he now changed his mind, and believed in a resurrection from the dead.
So it is with mankind today . . . they may admit their sin, they may know they are guilty of sin, and they may deter other and better notions of religion, yet they are NOT converted persons. For there is NO repentance! And NO repentance means NO salvation of their souls. BEWARE!!!
Mark 6:17 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. (KJV)
For Herod himself had sent forth . . . some of his guard, a detachment of soldiers,
And laid hold upon John . . . who seized upon him, and took him up.
And bound him in prison . . . in the castle of Machaerus.
For Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife, for he had married her . . . while his brother was still living, and who had had children by her (Mat.14:3).
Mark 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. (KJV)
For John had said unto Herod . . . for John had been with Herod personally, and had very plainly told him of his sin, and had rightfully rebuked him for it, stating clearly that what he had done opposed the law of God.
It is not lawful, for thee to have thy brother's wife . . . (Mat.14:4).
Mark 6:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: (KJV)
Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him . . . was angry with him, rather she had a grudge against John, but was most likely too proud to speak to him. She lay in wait to take the first opportunity to destroy him.
And would have killed him, but she could not . . . being hindered by Herod, who as yet would not kill him, partly through fear of the people, and partly through the respect he had for John.
Mark 6:20 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. (KJV)
For Herod feared John . . . he had great respect for him; he had a great reverence for him; which was the reason that Herodias could not as yet complete her evil plan against him, nor vent her rage upon him.
Knowing that he was a just man, and an holy . . . Herod knew that John was a good man! And he knew John was a godly man! He was a good man, who stirred up the Jews to the study of virtue, and especially piety and justice.
And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly . . . when Herod heard John explain the law and the prophets, and open the writings of the Old Testament, and preach the doctrine of repentance towards God, and faith in the Messiah to come; and then setting forth the evil, and real danger and punishment of sin, he feared, of this I am certain. John urged and encouraged to live a holy lifestyle. He taught the doctrine of repentance for the remission of sin by Christ, and told of the glories and happiness of a future state. It seems that while Herod listened to John, his feelings were moved, and he liked the things John delivered; just as the Jews for a season rejoiced in His Light (Jn.5:35). He knew that the things which John spoke were right and just and good. He could not deny it! He was confused and troubled, he did not know what to do; his conscience was uneasy, some things pleased him, but others greatly tormented him. His mind was befuddled, he did not know what to think or say or do. However, it had a great effect on him, and he respected John, along with some fear and dread of him, which kept him from taking his life, or allowing others to do it.
Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; (KJV)
And when a convenient day was come . . . for Herodias, who had long desired for a chance of avenging herself on John. Herod's birthday proved to be the perfect time.
That Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee . . . on this birthday, Herod made a festive celebration in the evening for his nobles, and the officers of the army, the captains of thousands, and the principal men, those of the first rank and quality in Galilee, of which he was Tetrarch.
There are just TWO “birthdays” listed in the entire Bible! (Gen.40:20; Mat.14:6; Mk.6:21). BOTH of these birthdays are associated with MURDER!
My friend, IF Jesus had wanted us to celebrate His birth, He most certainly would have told us; but, He did NOT say we were to do so. We are told to "remember" His death, and each time we receive communion, we can celebrate His sacrificial death for us; but NO WHERE in the Bible does Jesus tell us to celebrate His Birth. 1 Cor. 11:24-25 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [KJV]
My dear friend, Jesus’ birthday is NOT revealed to us! We do NOT know WHEN He was born, nor is there any place in the Bible, where we are told to celebrate His birthday! NO WHERE! NOT one place! We are told only to REMEMBER His death! . . . . . . . . . . http://hisservants.org/christmas_h_s.htm
Mark 6:22 And 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. (KJV)
And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in . . . to the hall, where Herod and his guests were, after supper was over; or maybe while they were still eating. She is not the daughter of Herod, but is the daughter of his brother Philip (Mat.14:6).
And danced and pleased Herod, and them that were with him . . . this must have been some dance!
The king said unto the damsel, ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee . . . which shows just how much he was pleased with her.
Mark 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. (KJV)
And he sware unto her . . . Herod even added an oath to what he had said before, to confirm it, and to encourage her in her request, and which he repeated in stronger language,
Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom . . . this was a way of speaking used by rulers, when they give full power to persons to ask what they will of them, no matter how great (Esther 5:3,6). A very stupid promise, and a rash oath, made upon only a dance. Again I say, it must have been some dance! (Mat.14:7).
As a ruler under Roman authority, Herod really did NOT have any kingdom to give. The offer of half his kingdom was just Herod's way of saying that he would give Herodias's daughter almost anything she wanted. When Herodias asked for John's head, Herod would have been greatly embarrassed in front of his guests IF he had denied her request. Words are very dangerous and very powerful. Words can lead to great sin, we MUST be very careful what we say, and HOW we say it. BEWARE!!! Words can get us into BIG trouble. Always THINK before you speak!
Mark 6:24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. (KJV)
And she went forth and said unto her mother . . . the king having made such a promise to her, and added his oath to it, she thought it proper before she asked anything of him, to consult with her mother, who was not at this feast. She told her of the offer the king had made and said,
What shall I ask? . . . to which her mother answered, without even taking time to think.
And she said, the head of John the Baptist . . . so sweet was the revenge on that great and good man, so much more important to her, than to have half the king's holdings. Abandoned women are totally shameless and heartless. John the Baptist's faithfulness to God tarnished the pleasures of Herodias, and this was too good an opportunity of getting rid of him to let it slip by.
Mark 6:25 And 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. (KJV)
And she came in straightway with haste unto the, king . . . taking her mother's advice, and being hurried by her, she returned immediately to the hall, where the king and his guests were.
And asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger, the head of John the Baptist . . . her petition proceeded from a promise with an oath, and is presented here, almost by way of a demand. She actually insisted upon it, and soon! How morbid! She asks Herod for John's head to be brought to her on a large platter, that her mother might be sure of his death. Mother and daughter both seem to be very much alike, both for lasciviousness, revenge and cruelty.
It is said that the daughter of Herodias, walked over a river which was frozen in the winter, the ice broke, and she fell in, and the pieces of ice cut off her head. IF this is so, the law of God’s vengeance, was righteously executed on her. (Mat.14:8).
Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. (KJV)
And the king was exceeding sorry . . . even though John had rebuked him; Herod respected him; maybe because his conscience told him that it was evil, and would leave unending disgrace upon him; but also because of the people, who were greatly affected by John, for fear they might rebel against him . . . and too, because it was considered an bad sign with the Romans, to take away a life on that same day that they were born. (Mat.14:9). The Romans carefully abstained on such days, from executions.
Yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him . . . Matthew adds, "at meat", for it seems as if supper was not over, when all this came to light.
He would not reject her . . . Herod would not deny her request, or send her away without granting what he had promised! For it would not be without grieving her, and treating her with contempt, and tricking her out of the promise.
Mark 6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, (KJV)
And immediately the king sent an executioner . . . an executioner to the prison where John the Baptist was, to kill him.
And commanded his head to be brought . . . ordered him to cut off John’s head in prison, and bring it away immediately in a charger to him.
And he went and beheaded him in the prison . . . NO hearing, NO trial, NO allowing John to speak for himself! John was killed where he lay, according to Herod’s orders.
Mark 6:28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. (KJV)
And brought his head in a charger . . . in a large dish, to Herod, who
Gave it to the damsel . . . the daughter of Herodias, as she had requested:
And the damsel gave it to her mother . . . who had prompted her to do it (Mat.14:11).
Mark 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. (KJV)
And when his disciples heard of it . . . when the disciples of John heard of this barbarous execution of their master,
They came . . . to the prison in the castle of Machaerus,
And took up his corpse . . . the trunk of his body; for John’s head was carried away, to flood the revenge of Herodias.
And laid it in a tomb . . . this was the last act of love to their beloved master, and was done in respect and gratitude to him, and to show that they still abided by his doctrine. And went and told Jesus (Mat.14:12), that their master was dead, what kind of death he suffered, and how it was brought about. Their coming to Christ, and informing Him of all this, show, that they were taught by their master to respect Him as the Messiah, and believe in Him, and adhere to Him; and it is very likely that they continued with Him. The sadistic, sad and sordid account of what took place in that day reveals the type of society that existed then. John the Baptist was beheaded, and his head was given to the dancing girl on a platter! Human nature has NOT changed much. Lust and murder are still a large part of contemporary society today.
Return of the Apostles, and Rush of the People (Mark 5:30-34)
(Mat.14:13-14; Lk.9:10-11; Jn.6:1-4)
Mark now returns the story to the ministry of Jesus. The apostles make their first report. Note the absence of details.
Mark 6:30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. (KJV)
And the apostles gathered themselves together . . .the twelve apostles of Christ, whom He had sent out, two by two, into different parts, having finished the mission, they were sent about, met together in one place, and came in a body together,
Unto Jesus; . . . their Lord and Master, who had sent them, and to whom they were accountable, as are all the ministers of the Gospel.
And told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught . . . they gave him a full account of what miracles were done by them, what diseases they had cured, and what a number of devils they had cast out. Also what doctrines they had preached, and what success they had in all they had done. So too, all preachers and teachers today must give an account of their ministries to Christ.
Mark 6:31 And 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. (KJV)
And he said unto them . . . after He had heard their story, and was satisfied and approved of what they had said and done.
Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while . . . where they would be free from noise and rush, and get some rest and refreshment, after their weary journey, hard labors, and great fatigue in preaching and working miracles. This reveals the great compassion, concern, tenderness and care of Christ Jesus for His disciples . . . then and now!
For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat . . . the people were constantly going to and fro. As soon as one group was gone, who came with their sick and diseased to be healed, another came. There was no chance of private meditation and prayer, no chance of spiritual conversation together, not even any chance to eat a meal. Jesus and His apostles, did not always find it easy to get the rest they needed!
It is impossible for us to really understand just how busy the Lord Jesus was and how great the demands were upon Him. He simply had to withdraw to a desolate place in an attempt to rest and let His apostles rest.
Mark 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. (KJV)
And they departed into a desert place . . . belonging to the city of Bethsaida (Lk.9:10).
By ship, privately . . . over some part of the sea of Tiberias, this place lying on a more remote side of it.
Mark 6:33 And 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. (KJV)
And the people saw them departing . . . the multitude that came to and fro, saw Christ and His disciples launching off on the ship. For although they intended to go in a very private manner, still the people watched them.
And many knew him . . . Jesus, some copies say, "them"; they knew both Christ and His disciples, although they were in the ship some distance away.
And ran afoot thither out of all cities, and out went them, and came together unto him . . . the people went on foot, as they might from Capernaum, Nazareth, and the parts nearby, over the bridge at Chammath of Gadara, to this place, that belonged to Bethsaida. The people flocked from several cities met together, and came to Jesus, to hear His doctrine, and see His miracles.
Mark 6:34 And 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. (KJV)
And Jesus, when he came out . . . of the ship, and was went ashore,
Saw much people . . . some came from the places where He came from, and some from the cities and towns nearby, and was moved with compassion towards them (Mat.14:14). Why? the reason follows,
Because they were as sheep, not having a shepherd . . . Christ Jesus sensed that they were hungering and thirsting after the Word of righteousness, and had no faithful, spiritual pastors to feed them with the Truth, for the Scribes and Pharisees were blind guides (Mat.23:16,24), and shepherds that could not understand (Isa.56:11; Eze.34:1-10; Jn.10:12-13); so that the people were ready to perish for lack of knowledge (Hos.4:6), not having any spiritual comfort and refreshment under their ministry . . . for this reason they followed Christ wherever He went. They earnestly desired the bread of life (Jn.6:33,35;48,51). This moved Him to great compassion, so that although He had come to this place for rest for Him and His apostles, He postponed private advantage for public good. So, instead of rebuking them, He kindly and very tenderly received them.
And he began to teach them many things . . . concerning the kingdom of God, the Gospel privilege and the doctrines and ordinances of it, and things involving their spiritual and eternal welfare, the comfort and salvation of their immortal souls. He spoke long about these subjects, because He realized they were very ignorant, and desperately needed instruction, and they were very eager to hear it. O that more would be so today! The people were extremely excited. John the Baptist had been a great shepherd to them for a short time, but now that he had now been brutally murdered, they had no shepherd. Began to teach . . . healing and teaching filled up the day until late in the afternoon. Each Gospel writer treats this incident differently, each illustrates the difference of their methods as historians. Matthew says that Jesus "healed their sick," but he says nothing of teaching (Mat.14:14). Mark says, "he began to teach them many things," but he says nothing of the healing. Luke mentions both: “spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing” (Lk.9:11). John says nothing of either teaching or healing (Jn.6:3-5).
For descriptions of the good shepherd, SEE: (Ps.23; Isa.40:11; Eze.34:5; Jn.10:11-16).
Shepherd, Christ as: (Ps.23:1; 77:52; 80:1; 100:3; Isa.40:11; 63:11; Eze.34:23; Mic.5:2-4; 7:14; Zec.13:7; Mat.9:36; 18:12-14; 25:32: Mk.14:27; Jn.10:1-15; Heb.13:20; 1 Pet.2:25; 5:4).
Feeding the Five Thousand (Mark 6:35-44)
(Mat.14:15-21; Lk.9:12-17; Jn.6:5-14)
Mark 6:35 And 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: (KJV)
And when the day was now far spent . . . when they had spent much time teaching the people and healing the sick.
His disciples came unto him . . . closer to Him, as He was preaching or healing the sick,
And said, this is a desert place, and now the time is far passed . . . this is a desert place and there is no food available, no stores nearby. The time is now past . . . the normal dinner time was past, which, with the Jews, was the fifth hour of the day, about eleven o'clock with us, or at furthest the sixth hour, which, with us, is twelve at noon. (Mat.14:15).
Mark 6:36 Send 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. (KJV)
Send them away . . . stop preaching, dismiss the people.
That they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat . . . they brought no provisions with them, and there were none to be had in that desert place; and it was time they had some food; for the usual time of eating was past.
Mark 6:37 He 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? (KJV)
He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat . . . He is trying their faith, to make way for the miracle that would soon follow.
And they say unto him, shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? . . . this must have been the amount of money they now had in the bag. It would not be any where near enough even to give everyone just a little (Jn.6:7).
Jesus then commands them to do an impossible task. They must learn, as we must also learn, that He some times commands the impossible (for us). The reason is quite clear. He intends to feed this crowd by a mighty work.
Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. (KJV)
And he saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see . . . He already knew what there was! He is going to try their faith even more, so the after miracle might be more noticeable and memorable.
And when they knew, they say five loaves and two fishes . . . when they had asked what food there was, and the most that could be gotten at any rate, they tell Him, Andrew. Simon Peter's brother, said that there was a boy in the multitude that had five barley loaves, and two small fishes; and, at the same time, states that they were nothing for such a great crowd.
Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. (KJV)
And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass . . . Jesus told His disciples, to command the whole multitude, men, women, and children, to sit, or lie down in groups, placing them so there might be some order among them.
Mark 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. (KJV)
And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties . . . such as "beds" in a garden, or as rows of vines in a vineyard, in which form the scholars of the wise men sat in their schools. Each row had either a hundred, or fifty in it.
Mark 6:41 And 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. (KJV)
And when he had taken the five loaves and two fishes . . . out of the hands of those that brought them to Him,
He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves . . . how many people do you know that give thanks before they eat? I watch people in restaurants, and it is RARE! When I do see it, I go and praise the person or persons for their respect and reverence of our Holy God. (Mat.14:19).
And gave them to his disciples to set before them . . . the multitude, so they could eat.
And the two fishes divided he among them all . . . He divided to His apostles, and they to the people, that every one might have a part.
Mark 6:42 And they did all eat, and were filled. (KJV)
And they did all eat, and were filled . . . see Mat.14:20.
Mark 6:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. (KJV)
And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments . . . of the pieces of bread, after all had eaten, and were satisfied.
And of the fishes . . . what remained of the fishes. For although there was just ONE loaf for a thousand persons and more, and two small fishes to be divided among 5000 and more: yet through the awesome power of Christ Jesus increasing both . . . as they were distributed and eaten, there was enough of both bread and fish for them all, AND there was such a quantity of each left, that it filled twelve baskets.
Another comment: what does THIS say to you? Did they leave the leftovers lying scattered on the ground? NO!!! They picked them up! NO waste whatsoever! What about today? Do people waste food? Back to the restaurants again . . . the waste in these buffet restaurants is horrifying! Is this a sin? YES! It certainly is a sin! I pray that you are not guilty of it.
The Jews did not consider it a meal, unless a man was filled, and believed it a bad sign if nothing was left. But, here there was fullness, more left than was started with, which was gathered up, either for the use of the poor, or reserved for after service. This teaches us charity to the needy, and frugality, NOT to waste that which is left. SO much waste today! John 6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. (KJV)
Mark 6:44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. (KJV)
And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men . . . the word "about" is omitted in some versions, which clearly tells us that there were many, a very large number to be fed with five barley loaves and two little fishes! Besides women and children (Mat.14:21) . . . only the men were counted. The women and children were not taken into the account, even though they all ate, and they too were filled. This may have been the first time many in this crowd were ever filled.
Walking on the Water (Mark 6:45-52)
(Mat. 14:22-33; Jn.6:15-21)
Mark 6:45 And 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. (KJV)
And straightway he constrained his disciples . . . straightway means right away, as soon as He had performed the above miracle, and perceived that the people were convinced by it, of His being the Messiah, that they were determined to set Him up for a temporal King, to deliver them from the Roman yoke, which they did not doubt that He was able to do, for if He could feed so large a number, with such a small quantity of provision (Jn.6:14-15). He also knew that His apostles had the same idea of a temporal kingdom. Because of this, He hurried them away, commanded they depart, lest they take any step which might be dangerous to them and the people. Christ Jesus was forced to use His power and authority; and ordered them promptly (Mat.14:22).
To get into the ship . . . probably the same they came over in, and which was waiting for them.
And to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida . . . of the lake of Tiberias or sea of Galilee, over against Bethsaida, to Capernaum, or the land of Gennesaret, or rather "to go to the other side over against Bethsaida"; for they were now in a desert belonging to that city, wherefore they were ordered to go, and did go to the other side of the sea of Tiberias, or Galilee, even to Capernaum, as appears from (Jn.6:17,24-25).
While he sent away the people . . . who would not so easily have departed, if Christ had not first shipped off His apostles, for He had withdrawn Himself, and left His disciples with them. How could He slip through that multitude? My answer is, His time had not yet come, so the Father made the way possible.
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. (KJV)
And when he had sent them away . . . His apostles and the multitude.
He departed into a mountain to pray . . . after His apostles were gone, and He had dismissed the people, He went from the desert where He had been, up into a mountain, to spend some time in private prayer to God. (Mat.14:23). Maybe the same mountain He went up to before, and from where He came down (Jn.6:3). Where ever it was, this He chose as a proper place for prayer, where He could retire and be alone, to have His thoughts free, and, as Man, pour out His soul to His Father, on His own account, and on the behalf of others.
Mark 6:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. (KJV)
And when even was come. . . when it was now dark (Jn.6:17), when the second evening was come and gone and it was now night,
The ship was in the midst of the sea . . . of Galilee, about twenty five or thirty furlongs from the shore (Jn.6:19).
And he alone on the land . . . up on the mountain. This is told, partly to show what distress the disciples were in, in the midst of the sea, having a hard gale of wind, and their Master not with them; and also to show that there was no way, humanly speaking, of Christ's getting to the ship. This is an illustration of the following miracle, of walking many furlongs, as He must have, upon the water, in a stormy, blustering night, to get to it.
He was there alone . . . in the mountain, where He continued the greatest part of the night, until the fourth watch (Mat.12:25). According to the Jews, there are four watches in the night, and four watches in the day. The first watch began at six o'clock in the evening, and lasted till nine; the second began at nine, and ended at twelve, which was midnight; the third began at twelve, and closed at three; the fourth began at three, and ended at six in the morning. It was within this period, probably at the beginning of it, after three o'clock in the morning, that Christ came to His apostles, when they had been almost all the night at sea, tossed about with the waves, and in great danger.
Mark 6:48 And 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. (KJV)
And he saw them toiling in rowing . . . He saw them either with His bodily eyes from the mountain where He was; or He perceived in His Spirit. He knew, because of His omniscience as God, what distress His apostles were in; being tossed about with the waves of the sea, laboring with all their might against the wind. http://www.godcannotlie.org/is_jesus_god.htm
For the wind was contrary unto them . . . it blew full in their face, hard against them; so that it was with great difficulty, that they got any movement forward.
And about the fourth watch of the night . . . or about three o'clock in the morning. It is very likely, they had been nine hours at sea, and had just gotten but 25 or 30 furlongs from shore.
He cometh unto them walking upon the sea . . . because of their distress, Christ came down from the mountain to the sea side; and then, by His marvelous power as the Almighty God, He walked on the waves of the sea, He walked on the surface of the waters, just as if it was dry land.
And would have passed by them . . . that is, He made as though He would (Lk.24:28). This is one of Mark's striking touches by which he adds vibrancy to the description. It pictures Jesus as walking in a direction which would have missed the vessel . . . a circumstance which made His appearance all the more mysterious to the apostles.
Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: (KJV)
But when they saw him walking on the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit . . . a ghost, a threat, an apparition, a nocturnal demon.
And cried out . . . as men terrified at the sight, and fearing they would be hurt by it, or that it signified some evil to them. (Mat.14:26). They were in utmost alarm, in the greatest danger, and in desperate need of help. The fear of spirits comes from demon’s superiority to men in power and strength; from the hostility there is between men and evil spirits; and from a general idea of their doing hurt and mischief . . . so, demons are called by the Jews, "hurtful" or "hurting".
Mark 6:50 For 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. (KJV)
For they all saw him, and were troubled . . . had He only been seen by just one of them, it might have been thought a vision, and the effect of mere imagination; BUT since they all saw this exhibition, there was no doubt that it was so, and which gave them all the greater anxiety.
And immediately he talked with them . . . as soon as they saw Him, at "that very moment", that by hearing His voice their fears might be calmed.
And saith unto them, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid . . . take comfort, do not be afraid. It is I. You have nothing to fear from the storm. I will deliver you; for it is I, your Master, Saviour, and Redeemer. It is I Who is able to save you, and I have come for that reason. He made Himself known to them, and then instead of dreading Him as a Judge, their fears disappear, their faith increases, and they are ready to do anything He would order them to do. Christ Jesus can at times, be very near to His people, and they just do not know Him; just as the Lord was in the place where Jacob was, and he knew it not (Gen.28:16); and as Christ was standing by Mary Magdalene at the sepulcher, and she thought that He was the gardener (Jn.20:14-15). WHY? Does this happen? It is from a lack of knowledge of Christ in His Person, offices and grace, that people have wrong or distant thoughts of Him, that they are filled with dread and fears. Unbelievers who have no interest in Him whatsoever, say that He might be a Saviour, but not to them. They think that their sins are so many and so great, that He would never be willing to receive such vile sinners as they are. They are WRONG!!! I feel as the apostle Paul did. 1 Tim. 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (KJV) . . . The blessed Lord Jesus saved the apostle Paul and He saved me . . . so He can certainly save you! He can be YOUR Saviour this day! Christ makes Himself known unto ALL people. He is a very able and very willing Saviour, and the Saviour and Redeemer of ALL mankind. They can be like Peter in the next verse, who was willing to come to Christ on the water, when he knew Who Jesus was, if Jesus would just bid him come. (Mat.14:27).
Mark 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. (KJV)
And he went up unto them in the ship . . . this is after Peter had asked that he might be bid to come to Him upon the water, and having gotten permission, made a stab at it, but the wind being boisterous, and he beginning to sink, cried out for help. When Christ Jesus stretched out His Hand, and saved him from drowning, then he, together with Peter, went up into the ship to the rest of the apostles. See Matthew 14:28-32 for this. We are not told why Mark omitted this. John mentions the storm but does not say Peter walked on water (Mat.14:29). Luke does not even mention this storm. Study all the accounts of the Gospel writers for the best results.
And the wind ceased . . . from blowing; it stopped at once, as soon as Christ entered the ship.
And they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered . . . at Him, they were astonished, when they found out it was Christ, and not a spirit. They were more amazed at His walking on the sea; and they marveled still more abundantly, when they saw that the wind stop when He came into the ship. Psalm 93:3-4 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. 4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. (KJV) . . . Amen!
God is mightier: (Ps.29:10; 65:7; 66:5-6; 89:9; 93:3-4; 107:25-29; 114:3-5; Pro.8:29; Job 38:8-11; Nah.1:4; Jer.5:22; Mat.8:24-27; 14:32; Mk.4:37-39,41).
God’s power over the sea: (Ex.14;21; 15:8,19. Josh.3:16; Neh.9:11; Job 9:8; 26:10; 38:8,11; Ps.33:7; 67:7; 74:13; 77:16; 78:13; 89:9; 93:4; 1-4:9; 106:9; 114:3; 136:13; Pro.30;4. Isa.44:27; 50:2; Jer.5:22; 31:35; Eze.31:35; Amos 9:6; Nah.1:4; Hab.3:8; Mk.4:41; Lk.8:24).
Cures in Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56)
(Mat.14:34-36)
Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. (KJV)
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves . . . they considered not the miracle of the loaves. They did not remember or call to mind the power which Jesus had shown in feeding the 5000 by a miracle, and that, having done that, He had power also to save them from the storm.
Their heart was hardened. Their mind was dull to perceive it. This does not mean that they were opposed to Jesus, or that they had what we call hardness of heart, but simply, that they were very slow to perceive His power; they did not quickly learn, as they should have done, and that He had all power, and could therefore really calm the storm. The word heart is frequently used in this sense. See: (Rom.1:21; 2:15; 2 Cor.4:6; Eph.1:18).
Which they had seen but the day before; they did not learn from it, as they might, the wonderful glory of Christ, and the greatness of His power; which was as much an act of omnipotence, as either His walking upon the water, or causing the wind to cease, or more so.
For their heart was hardened . . . or "blinded" . . . not by sin, or against Christ, but there was a much dulness and stupidity, and lack of attention in them. The glory of Christ, which He revealed, brought out in His miracles, was not clearly and fully discerned, attended to and acknowledged by them. It seems strange that they seeing these miracles daily, stood in desperate need of divine illuminations, to have the darkness of their minds removed, they might behold the glory of Christ, as the glory of the only begotten of the Father. What about us? Isn't there times that we too are blind to the blessings God gives us?
Mark makes no report of Simon Peter coming to Him walking on the water. Consider that Mark got his information about this from Simon Peter, and Peter just left out his part of the story. It is Matthew who gives us that detail.
In verse 48, it says, "And he saw them toiling in rowing." Those men that were in the boat that night were straining at the oars and they actually thought they were going down. But He saw them toiling and rowing. I love that! I don't know where you are today or what position you are in. You may be in a hard spot right now; you may be sitting alone in a corner of darkness. You may be facing temptations and problems that are just way too much for you to bear. You may find yourself out on a stormy sea and you feel as if your little boat is going down. I have some good news for you, Christian friend. Just as "He saw them toiling in rowing," He sees you. He knows your problems. You do not have to send up a flare or smoke signal to let Him know where you are, He already knows. He wants you to commit your way to Him. That is something that we all need to do in times of darkness . . . commit our way to Him. "He saw them toiling in rowing." Only Mark records that. Then Mark tells us that He came to them and He entered into the ship with them. And Mark says that they were "amazed in themselves beyond measure."
In concluding this chapter we find that He went over to the land of Gennesaret.
Sick In Land Of Gennesaret Healed (Mark 6:53-56)
Mark 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. (KJV)
And when they had passed over . . . the lake of Gennesaret, or sea of Galilee, they came into the land of Gennesaret . . . to Capernaum, as appears from (Jn.6:17,24). Capernaum was in the land of Gennesaret; to which Josephus says, that the land of Gennesaret was watered with a very excellent spring.
And drew to the shore . . . this is omitted in some versions: and another reads, "and they cast anchors".
Mark 6:54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, (KJV)
And when they were come out of the ship . . . Christ and His disciples, and went ashore,
Straightway they knew him . . . the men of that place, as in (Mat.14:35), the inhabitants of that country, knew Him, having seen and heard Him before.
Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. (KJV)
And ran through that whole region round about . . . the inhabitants where Christ landed, ran and sent messengers into all parts of it, on every side.
And began to carry about in beds those that were sick . . . sick or lame, or could not walk, these they brought to Him,
Where they heard he was . . . in whatever part of the country they could learn He was in; for He went about from place to place doing good.
Mark 6:56 And 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. (KJV)
And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country . . . small towns, large cities, or the country where there were houses scattered, here and there.
They laid the sick in the streets . . . or markets, or in any public places.
And besought him that they but might touch the border of his garment . . . all they wanted was to touch Him or His clothes that they might be healed.
And as many as touched him were made whole . . . of whatever sickness or disease, they were afflicted with (Mat.14:36).
A few explicit touches give Mark's account of this visit to the land of Gennesaret more action than Matthew's, but the matter of the two accounts is largely the same, while there are other comments made in Matthew.
There is NO way that we can imagine the number of sick people that the Lord Jesus healed. I heard that there is one denomination (?) that has offered $1000.00 to anyone who will come forward and show that he/she has been healed by a "faith healer." I also heard that the $1000.00 has never been taken. It is absolutely amazing, when you hear all this publicity today about these faith healers. In Jesus' day there were thousands of people that He had healed. My dear friend, Jesus was and IS genuine. His healings were REAL! NOT like these heretics today! That is why the enemy never denied that Jesus performed miracles.
Gospel of Mark
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