Expanding Ministry - Mark Chapter 6

Day 7 – Chapter 6

Promise: Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. -Psalm 62:6-7

This chapter of Mark opens with the general subheading of ‘Prophet without honor’. How do you define honor? How important is honor to you and your culture?

Read Chapter 6.

In verses 2 and 3, we have a glimpse of what people thought of Jesus before his ministry began. What do these verses tell you of the life he led as a young man?

What does Jesus mean when he says ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town’?

In verses 6b – 13, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples with authority over impure spirits. What was the use of each item named in their packing instructions and why was it included or excluded?

The disciples time in ministry and their return are recounted in verse 12-13 and 30-32. What does Jesus invite the disciples to do following the time of ministering? Why is this important?

What was Herod’s response to being called out about his sin by John the Baptist? Why might King Herod have been distressed when asked for John the Baptist’s head on a platter?

Mark 6 describes the feeding of the 5,000. In verse 31, Jesus asks the disciples to feed the people. How does Jesus enable the disciples to do as he asked?

The disciples faced difficulty in following Jesus’ instructions in verse 45. Describe the disciple’s situation when he come to their aid. Why might Jesus have waited so long to aid them?

Application: How do Jesus’s instructions to the disciples after their time ministering also instruct us? How well do you follow these instructions?