Jesus left there and went to his hometown. His disciples followed him.
The Sabbath came, and Jesus started teaching in the temple. Many people listened with amazement. “Where’d he get all this? And how did he get all this knowledge and the powers he is performing with his hands. Isn’t he the carpenter, son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters also here?” The people felt offended by him.
Jesus told them, “A prophet is not disrespected except in his hometown, around his family and in his house.”
He couldn’t do any miracles there except put his hands on several sick people to heal them. He was amazed at their lack of belief and taught through the villages.
Jesus then gathered the twelve disciples and started sending them in pairs, and he gave them power over demonic spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for the journey, no bread, bags or money but only a walking stick. He told them to tie on their sandals but not wear two shirts.
Jesus said to them, “When you go to a house, stay there until you leave the area. If a place doesn’t welcome or listen to you, shake the dust from your feet when you leave as a testimony against them.”
The disciples left and announced that people should reconsider their ways. They expelled many demons, blessed many sick people with olive oil and healed them.
King Herod heard about John the Baptist because his name had become famous. People said, “John the Baptist woke from the dead and because of this, powers are working in him.”
But others said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet like one of the prophets.”
Herod heard all this and said, “I beheaded John, and he has come back to life.”
Herod had ordered John’s arrest and tied him in prison because Herod married Herodias, his brother Phillip’s wife.
John had said to Herod, “You’re not allowed to have your brother’s wife.”
So Herodias disliked John and wanted him dead, but couldn’t do it because Herod was scared of John, knowing he was a good and holy man. Herod protected him and listened to him happily but with much confusion.
A well-timed day came when Herod gave a party on his birthday for his high-ranking officials, military leaders and important people of Galilee. Herodias’ daughter came and danced and delighted Herod and those with him. The king said to the young girl, “Ask me whatever you desire, and I’ll give it to you.” He promised her, “Anything you ask from me I’ll give you, up to half my kingdom.”
She left and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”
The girl quickly returned to the king and asked, “I want to be given the head of John the Baptist, on a plate, straight away.”
Herod was devastated. Because of his promise and those who were around him, the king did not want to decline her request. He immediately sent an officer with the order to bring John’s head. The officer went and beheaded John in the prison. He brought John’s head on a plate and gave it to the girl. The girl gave it to her mother. John’s disciples heard and came and took John’s corpse. They placed it in a tomb.
Meanwhile, the apostles returned to Jesus and told him what they had done and taught.
Jesus said to them, “Go to a place by yourselves and have a short rest.” There were many coming and going without even time to eat.
The disciples went in the boat to a place by themselves to be alone. Many people saw them leave and recognised them. They ran there from across the towns and arrived before they did. Jesus saw the large crowd and felt compassion for them because they were like sheep with no shepherd. He began teaching them a lot.
It was getting late. Jesus’ disciples approached him. “This place is empty, and it is late. Send the people away to the surrounding farms and villages to buy themselves something to eat.”
But Jesus replied, “You give them food.”
The disciples said, “Go and buy 200 coins worth of bread and give them the food?”
Jesus said, “How much bread do we have? Go and find out.”
After finding out, the disciples said, “Five loaves and two fish.”
Jesus ordered everyone to sit in groups on the green grass. The people sat in groups of hundreds and fifties. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish. He looked to the sky and prayed, then broke the bread and gave it to his disciples to serve it. Jesus then divided the two fish to everyone.
Everyone ate and was satisfied. They collected the leftovers and had twelve baskets full of bread and fish. There were five thousand men who had eaten the bread.
Jesus made his disciples get in the boat and travel to the other side of the lake, to Bethsaida, while he sent the crowds away. He said goodbye to the crowds, and went up the mountain to pray.
It became evening. The boat was in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on the land. He saw the disciples struggling with their rowing because the wind blew against them. In the early morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the lake. He wanted to pass them.
The disciples saw Jesus walking on the lake and thought it was a ghost. They yelled out because they all saw him and were scared.
Jesus immediately said to them, “Be confident. It’s me! Don’t be afraid.”
Jesus got into the boat with them, and the wind died down. The disciples were incredibly amazed because they still didn’t understand what the loaves had shown, so their hearts were hardened.
They crossed the lake and arrived at Gennesaret, where they anchored. As they left the boat, people immediately recognised Jesus. They ran through the whole area and carried the sick on stretchers wherever they learned Jesus was.
Wherever he went, into villages or farms, they put the sick in the markets and begged him to let them touch the edge of his cloak. Everyone who touched the cloak was healed.
Mark Chapter 6 Summary
Jesus visits His hometown but faces scepticism from locals who remember Him as a carpenter and are unaware of His power. They are amazed by His teachings, but their lack of faith limits the miracles He performs there. Jesus comments on the prophet’s lack of honour in his own hometown. Later, He empowers the twelve disciples, sending them in pairs with the power to cast out demons. They travel, preaching that people should repent from their sinful ways and healing the sick.
Meanwhile, King Herod hears about John the Baptist’s rising fame. Though Herod respects and protects John, he eventually orders his execution due to a promise made during a birthday celebration. John’s disciples mourn him and bury his body.
When the disciples’ return, Jesus and they retreat, looking to be alone. However, large crowds follow them. Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand people with just five loaves and two fish. That evening, Jesus amazingly walks on water, comforting His frightened disciples on a boat.
They reach Gennesaret, where Jesus continues His healing work. The people are desperate to be healed.
Mark Chapter 6 Bible Study Questions and Answers
- How does the reaction of people in Jesus’ hometown contrast with His teachings about faith?
Answer: The people in Jesus’ hometown, despite hearing His teachings and of His miracles, struggled to see past His humble beginnings. Their lack of faith contrasts with Jesus’ teachings about having faith as small as a mustard seed. - Why is the story of John the Baptist significant in the context of speaking the truth, regardless of the consequences?
Answer: John the Baptist bravely spoke the truth about Herod’s marriage, even if it cost him his life. His story is a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the importance of standing strong in the truth. - How does Jesus’ compassion for the crowds inform modern Christian living?
Answer: Jesus’ compassion towards the needy, treating them as ‘sheep without a shepherd’, encourages Christians today to approach others with care, to provide spiritual nourishment, and to care for their physical and emotional needs. - What can Christians learn from the miracle of feeding the five thousand?
Answer: The miracle shows the limitless nature of God’s provision and how a small offering, given in faith, can be multiplied to meet the needs of many. Christians are encouraged to trust that God provides all they need and share generously. - How does Jesus walking on water relate to facing fears in our lives?
Answer: The disciples were terrified seeing Jesus on water. His reassurance, “It’s me! Don’t be afraid,” shows the idea that even in the most unexpected or frightening situations, Christ is present and offers peace. Christians can take comfort in knowing they’re not alone in their struggles.
Mark Chapter 6 Explained
Mark Chapter 6 describes many events that highlight several truths. Starting with Jesus’ visit to Nazareth, His rejection by His own community offers an insight into human nature. Familiarity can cause disrespect, or at the very least, scepticism. The Nazarenes’ inability to see beyond Jesus’ familial identity shows the spiritual blindness many can suffer from, preventing them from recognising God.
The empowerment of the disciples serves two purposes. It’s not just about spreading the message of repentance but is a testament to the powers Jesus imparts to those He sends. Their success on this mission is in stark contrast to the tragic tale of John the Baptist. John’s death underscores the dangers of standing up against corrupt power. However, it also shows the nature of worldly power against eternal truth.
The feeding of the five thousand is an example of Jesus’ divine nature. It’s not just about the multiplication of food, but the nature of God’s generosity and care. The act goes beyond helping physical hunger, pointing to Jesus as the spiritual feed that humans need.
The episode of Jesus walking on water and calming His disciples reinforces His power over nature. It’s a powerful reminder that God is everywhere, especially during troubling times. It encourages believers to recognise and accept divine intervention, even when it defies logic or understanding.
Lastly, as Jesus heals in Gennesaret, His accessibility and care are shown. The belief that touching His cloak can heal shows the power of faith. In this chapter, Mark creates a vivid picture of a Saviour caring for both spiritual and physical needs, urging believers to approach life with faith, care, and having integrity.
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Continue exploring Mark 6
If you’d like to read Mark 6 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 6 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 6 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 6 in the Contemporary English Version.
If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
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For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version
If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
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Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)
Not My Life 