MARK 6
JESUS FEEDS FIVE THOUSAND + WALKS ON WATER
After Jesus teaches at the synagogue in Nazareth, some are astonished with His great wisdom, but others are offended. Instead of being honored, Jesus is rejected in his hometown. Because of their unbelief, Jesus does not perform miraculous works in Nazareth, other than healing a few sick people.
Jesus chooses twelve apostles, men who are His disciples and devout followers. These men are given authority by Jesus to call for repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick. Jesus wants the disciples to rely on God for provision during their travels, instructing them to stay with those who receive and welcome them. If they are turned away, they are instructed to shake off the dust and continue their mission.
Herodias, the wife of King Herod, wants John the Baptist killed. Herodias was previously married to Herod’s half-brother, and John the Baptist called Herod’s marriage to Herodias unlawful. During Herod’s birthday celebration, Herod promises Herodias’s daughter that he will provide her with anything she asks. Influenced by her mother Herodias, she asks for John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Keeping his promise, Herod beheads John the Baptist and his head is given to Herodias’s daughter. The disciples buried John’s body and tell Jesus the tragic news.
When Jesus hears of John’s death, He withdraws on a boat with the disciples. Jesus is seen on the boat and great crowds of people follow Him to the shore. Jesus has compassion on the people, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd. Later that evening, the disciples ask Jesus to send away the crowds, instructing them to find something to eat. Instead of dismissing the people, Jesus miraculously feeds them. Using only five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus blesses the food, creating an abundant amount and feeding over five thousand! Not only was there enough food to feed everyone, there were twelve baskets leftover, to sustain the disciples on their journey.
After feeding the many, Jesus sends His disciples into their boat to continue with their travels. Instead of joining them on the boat, Jesus spends some time alone in prayer. Having authority over creation, He walks upon the water, making His way towards the disciples. When they see Him, they are afraid, thinking He is a ghost. Jesus speaks to them, telling them not to be afraid. Although they had just witnessed Him perform a miracle with the bread, their hearts had not recognized the fullness of the power of Jesus, and they are alarmed.
When they cross the sea and arrived at Gennesaret, Jesus is recognized by many and He heals all who are sick. Similar to the hemorrhaging woman in Mark 5, the people of Gennesaret believe that a simple touch of the fringe of Jesus’ garment is enough to make them well.
