Mark Chapter 6: Jesus’ Ministry Expands Amid Rejection

Mark chapter 6 portrays the expansion of Jesus’ ministry through miracles, the commissioning of the Twelve, and the foreshadowing of His suffering, while also highlighting rejection by His own people and the cost of following Him. The chapter contrasts faith with unbelief, revealing Jesus’ divine authority and the challenges of discipleship. Using the English Standard Version (ESV) for references, this exposition includes cross-references to other Scriptures to illuminate the chapter’s theological significance.

1. Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6)

Jesus returns to Nazareth, teaching in the synagogue. The people, astonished, say, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?” (Mark 6:2). Yet, they take offense, knowing Him as “the carpenter, the son of Mary” (Mark 6:3), unable to reconcile His divine authority with His familiar background (cf. Matthew 13:54–57). Jesus responds, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household” (Mark 6:4; cf. John 4:44). Their unbelief limits His miracles, though He heals a few (Mark 6:5–6). This rejection foreshadows broader opposition (cf. Luke 4:28–30), highlighting the cost of familiarity with Jesus.

2. The Mission of the Twelve (Mark 6:7–13)

Jesus sends out the Twelve “two by two”, giving them “authority over unclean spirits” (Mark 6:7). He instructs them to travel lightly, relying on God’s provision: “Take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money” (Mark 6:8–9; cf. Luke 9:3). They are to stay in welcoming homes but shake dust off their feet as a testimony against unreceptive towns (Mark 6:10–11; cf. Acts 13:51). The disciples preach repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick (Mark 6:12–13), extending Jesus’ ministry and fulfilling the call to proclaim God’s kingdom (cf. Matthew 10:7–8). This mission prefigures the church’s apostolic task (cf. Acts 1:8).

3. The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14–29)

Reports of Jesus’ ministry reach Herod Antipas, who believes Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead (Mark 6:14–16; cf. Luke 9:7–9). A flashback recounts John’s execution: Herod, respecting John as “a righteous and holy man” (Mark 6:20), is manipulated by Herodias, his unlawful wife, who resents John’s condemnation of their marriage (Mark 6:19; cf. Leviticus 18:16). At Herod’s birthday feast, Herodias’ daughter dances, pleasing Herod, who rashly vows to give her anything. Prompted by her mother, she requests “the head of John the Baptist” (Mark 6:24–25). Herod, reluctantly, orders John’s beheading (Mark 6:27–28). This foreshadows Jesus’ suffering, as the forerunner’s fate parallels the Messiah’s (cf. Matthew 17:12). John’s disciples bury him, modeling faithfulness (Mark 6:29).

4. The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30–44)

The apostles return, reporting their mission. Jesus, seeking rest, invites them to a desolate place, but a crowd follows (Mark 6:30–32). Moved with compassion, Jesus teaches them, as “they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34; cf. Numbers 27:17; Ezekiel 34:5). As evening falls, the disciples urge sending the crowd away, but Jesus says, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37). With five loaves and two fish, Jesus blesses, breaks, and distributes the food, feeding five thousand men with twelve baskets of leftovers (Mark 6:41–44; cf. John 6:9–13). This miracle recalls Elisha’s feeding (2 Kings 4:42–44) and prefigures the Lord’s Supper (cf. Mark 14:22), revealing Jesus as the provider and true Shepherd (cf. Psalm 23:1).

5. Jesus Walks on Water (Mark 6:45–52)

Jesus sends the disciples across the Sea of Galilee and dismisses the crowd, then prays alone (Mark 6:45–46; cf. John 6:15–17). At night, the disciples struggle against a storm. Jesus walks on the water, intending to pass by, revealing His divine nature (Mark 6:48; cf. Job 9:8; Psalm 77:19). The disciples, terrified, think He is a ghost, but Jesus says, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50). He calms the storm, but “they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened” (Mark 6:51–52; cf. Matthew 14:33). Their failure to grasp His identity echoes Israel’s hardness (cf. Isaiah 6:10).

6. Healing in Gennesaret (Mark 6:53–56)

Landing at Gennesaret, Jesus is recognized, and people bring the sick to Him. “Wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment” (Mark 6:56). Many are healed, fulfilling Messianic prophecies (cf. Isaiah 35:5–6; Malachi 4:2). The faith of those touching His garment contrasts with Nazareth’s unbelief (cf. Mark 5:28–34).

Theological Themes and Application

Mark 6 reveals Jesus as the divine Shepherd and Messiah, whose power to feed, heal, and command nature demonstrates His authority. Yet, rejection in Nazareth and the disciples’ hardness highlight human unbelief. John’s death foreshadows Jesus’ sacrifice, while the Twelve’s mission underscores the call to proclaim the kingdom. Cross-references to Psalms, Isaiah, and other Scriptures anchor these events in God’s redemptive plan, urging believers to trust Jesus’ provision, embrace the cost of discipleship, and share the gospel with faith, despite opposition or misunderstanding.