Scripture reading – Mark 6
The term “Synoptic Gospels” has become familiar as we continue our study of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). You will notice in our Scripture reading a parallel of events with our prior study of Matthew 13. For instance, we have seen Jesus rejected by the people of Nazareth, His hometown (Matthew 13:53-54). The same occasion and rejection were recorded in Mark 6:1-6.
Matthew and Mark observed the tragic result of Christ’s visit to Nazareth. Though His neighbors were astonished at His teaching and had heard of the “mighty works…wrought by His hands,” they nevertheless rejected Him (Mark 6:2). They knew Him as “the carpenter, the son of Mary,” and knew His brothers and sisters (Mark 6:2-3). Tragically, because the people of Nazareth did not believe, Jesus “could there do no mighty work” (Mark 6:5).
(Notice also that Mark 6:3 debunks the perpetual virginity of Mary, the false doctrine espoused by the Roman Catholic Church. Mary was the virgin mother of Jesus (He being of the seed of the Holy Ghost, Luke 1:34-35); however, she and Joseph were blessed with sons and daughters after our Lord’s birth, Mark 6:3).
A second example of a parallel event discovered in today’s Scripture reading is when Jesus sent out the Twelve as apostles (Mark 6:7-12; Luke 9:1-5; Matthew 10:1-14). A third parallel event recorded in the Synoptics was Herod’s beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-20; Matthew 14:1-12).
The news of the Baptist’s fate and the disciples’ return with news of their ministries to the cities and villages of Galilee gave impetus for Jesus to seek a quieter place in the desert (Mark 6:30-32). So, “they departed into a desert place by ship privately” (Mark 6:32). Yet, the people followed them along the seashore until they reached where He and the disciples anchored (Mark 6:33-34; Luke 9:10-11; Matthew 14:13-14).
Hardheaded, Hardhearted Disciples (Mark 6:35-52; Luke 9:12-17)
Two events found in today’s study have captured the imaginations of children for two millennia: “The Feeding of the 5,000” (Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17; Matthew 14:15-21) and Jesus “Walking on the Water” and saving the lives of His disciples who were caught in a great storm (Mark 6:45-52; the same event was recorded in Matthew 14:22-33).
I invite you to ponder the miracle of “The Feeding of the 5,000” (with only two fish and five loaves) and then consider why Jesus sent His disciples into a great storm afterward where they feared for their lives.
I believe it was because He knew their hearts and that His disciples “considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened” (Mark 6:52). They were spiritually blind. They had missed the significance of feeding the 5,000, though that miracle demonstrated Jesus’ power and authority over nature. Only when they saw Jesus walking on the troubled waters of the Sea of Galilee did they worship Him and confess, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).
Closing thoughts –
Perhaps you are in a storm of doubt, disappointment, sickness, or sorrow. Are trials overwhelming you? As the storm worked God’s purpose in the disciples’ lives, so too did the words of the Savior when He spoke: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid” and the “wind ceased” (Mark 6:50).
Lesson – The extremity of your need is the window of opportunity to look to the LORD, hear His words, “Be not afraid,” and find comfort and strength in His assurances. Remember, “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him” (Psalm 18:30).
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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