[:en]SCRIPTURE: MARK 6
Bible Verses:
“ Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” (Mark 6:4)
“But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6:27)
“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.” (Mark 6:31)
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Mark 6:50)
A PROPHET WITHOUT HONOR (vs. 1-6)
Jesus taught and preached in the synagogue and did many miraculous things. But the people in His hometown knew him as a “carpenter”, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon and not as the Son of God. They were amazed at His wisdom and work but their unbelief made Jesus said: “Only in his hometown among his relative and in his own house is a prophet without honor” (v. 4)
JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE (vs. 7-13)
Jesus sent out the 12, two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. He gave instructions not to acquire new things or bring things they did not need. He encouraged them to live by faith.
JOHN THE BAPTIST BEHEADED (vs. 14-29)
Herodias was the wife of Herod Philip, who was the brother of Herod Antipas. Because John the Baptist rebuked Herod Antipas for marrying Herodias, he was being imprisoned.
During a banquet of Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced and pleased Herod and his dinner guests. So Herod promised her with an oath to give her whatever she asked. She went out to ask her mother and her mother wanted the head of John the Baptist. So John was beheaded and presented to the girl on the platter. His disciples took his body and laid it in a tomb.
JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND (vs. 30-44)
After an intensive time of ministry, Jesus told his disciples to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest. Jesus tried to withdraw from the crowd but the people followed him. When it was late in the day, the disciples wanted to send the people away but Jesus had compassion on them and said to his disciples. “You give them something to eat” (v. 37). The disciples solution was “Go and buy (v. 37), but Jesus solution was “Go and see” (v. 38). They found 5 loaves and 2 fish. Jesus took it, gave thanks, broke it and gave to the disciples to distribute among the people. All were satisfied with remaining 12 basketful of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of men who had eaten was 5,000.
JESUS WALK ON THE WATER (vs. 45-56)
Jesus sent his disciples off on a boat while he went to the mountain to pray. While the boat was on the middle of the lake, the wind were against them. They saw Jesus walking and thought that it was a ghost. But Jesus spoke to them saying “Take courage, It is I. Don’t be afraid” (v. 50). Then he climbed into the boat with them and the wind died down. When they landed at Gennesaret, the people recognized Jesus and brought the sick and afflicted to him.
LESSONS:
- The wisdom and works of Jesus amazed the people of His hometown. But due to unbelief, they did not honor Him. We should learn to honor God’s servant in our hometown.
- Jesus encourages us to live by faith when doing God’s ministry.
- It is important to take care of yourself so that you can be strong enough to minister to the needs of the people.
- The feeding of 5000 teaches us to start with what we have and let Jesus do the multiplication. He is our master who can solve our problems and meet our needs.
- Jesus walk on the water to bring peace and assurance to his disciples. Whatever our situation is, remember what Jesus said: “Take courage! It is I, Don’t be afraid” (v. 50)
- People grasp every opportunity to bring the sick and afflicted to him. Let us grasp every opportunity to draw closer to Him.
[:]