What stuck out to me in this chapter is the contrast in how Jesus was received by two groups of people, those from his own country and those from away. Verses 1-3, "Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, 'Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?' So they were offended at Him." Those who knew Him from His homeland, were astonished at His teaching, but not in a good way. They do not trust that He is God, and can't receive Him that way. Verse 4-6, "But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.' Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching."
Now when Jesus and His disciples crossed over by boat to Gennesaret, He got the opposite response. Verses 54-56, "And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well." Many miracles were performed here and many wanted to receive the miraculous works of God. First of all, they recognized Him immediately and responded immediately. They begged Him for the smallest touch, just the hem of His garment, because they knew His power was that strong. These people did not care about His background or lack of formal theological training, like those in His own country. They witnessed His words and works and knew it was only by the power of God, and the rest didn't have to make sense.
We are certainly living in an information age and it's fairly easy to find answers to most questions. As people gain more knowledge it seems harder for them to receive the truth of God. We must come to Him with childlike faith, which becomes an obstacle for many. If you want to continue fulfilling the desires of your flesh, you can always find an online source that will tell you what you want to hear and make you comfortable in your sin. Some things just can't be Googled, they must be spiritually discerned. Romans 1:20-25, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."
What is your response when presented with the truth? Do you try to explain it away like Jesus' countrymen did, in order to continue down your path; or do you receive it in faith no matter how much it blows up your current way of thinking and doing things? If you want to see the miraculous, your heart needs to be in a place to receive it.
Mark 6:7, 11, 22-23, 26, 34, 41, 50, 56
ReplyDelete"And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. Jesus gave his disciples power to do miracles in His name. He chose these 12 to go out and preach the word to different regions. He also went on to say "And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” we aren't supposed to be offended that people don't like us or what we have to say. Many people hate the truth and don't want to hear it. It us our job to preach the word and speak the truth no matter what. If people get offended, so be it. We have to shake it off and keep speaking the truth.
Jesus wasn't accepted in His own country. People questioned Him because he was Mary and Joseph's son. They couldn't believe that He was from God. Mark 6:4-"But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Later you see that when He goes to another country, they were greatly amazed and brought the sick to Him. They recognized Him and had faith that if they just touched His garment they would be healed. We should long for that much faith. Their faith was exceedingly great.
It then goes in to talk about John the Baptist's beheading. "And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her." The king feared killing John because he knew God has His hand on Him, but Herod's brother-in-laws wife was mad that John said that it wasn't lawful for them to be together. She then plotted for a chance to have Him killed. When he swore to give anything to her daughter, they asked for John the Baptist's head. Herod actually feared that Jesus was John the baptist who rose from the dead, but he was the savior of the world, not John the baptist.
"And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all." Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the 5 thousand. His disciples at first were doubtful, but obeyed. Jesus provided for these 5 thousand people, and will also provide for us even when it might look impossible.
Mark 6:45-52 Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. And when He had sent them away. He departed to the mountain to pray. Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the seam they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubles. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, 'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.' They He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
ReplyDeleteAfter serving thousands of people in the day. Already exhausted by their travels Jesus sent the disciples into a boat and told them to cross the sea, while He sent the multitude away. Jesus found His resting place on top of a mountain to pray to the Father. We all need time to renew ourselves spiritually. When we are in ministry it gets tiring and it is so easy to follow the flesh. It is so important to remain spiritually feed ourselves in order to be able to serve others a Christ would. By being in the Word and praying we are allowing God the authority and control of our hearts. He teaches us the truth of His Word in order for us to minister to others. It is draining to be in ministry but so rewarding. Even though at times we may never see the fruit of our labor. God knows the outcome. We are just called to plant the seed and let the Lord do the rest.
Our lives as Christians at times is not easy. The Bible never said that it would be. Jesus Christ didn't come to bring peace but a sword. God's Word divides. We are called to live obediently to it. Here we read that the disciples were obedient to the Lord. They got into the boat and set off for the other side, not knowing that the wind would pick up. Jesus ordered them to go across the sea against the wind, against the storm. He put them in this position of toil and strain, and they were already weary and tired. Did Jesus do this to be mean to them? No absolutely not!!! God allows our faith to be tested. He wants us to know where we are in Him. What we need to work on and what He is still pruning from our lives. The testing and trials of this life are not what define us but how we overcome them. Who or what are we looking to for strength to get through it and if we are allowing Jesus control and are we willing to let Him into the situation. Are we trusting Him to get us safely over to the other side? Are we allowing Jesus into the boat? Being tired and weary is no excuse when we have the Word in front of us. We have the tools to help us overcome. We just have to choose to except the good along with the bad. Choose Christ and not the flesh. Put into practice the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.