Bible Commentaries

Chapter 6

1. The Servant rejected in Nazareth. (Mark 6:1-6. Matthew 13:54-58; Luke 4:16-30)

2. The Servant sends forth the Twelve. (Mark 6:7-13. Matthew 10:5-15; Luke 9:1-6)

3. King Herod troubled. (Mark 6:14-16. Matthew 14:1-2; Luke 9:7-9)

4. The Martyrdom of John. (Mark 6:17-29. Matthew 14:3-12)

5. The Servant’s withdrawal for Rest. (Mark 6:30-31. Luke 9:10-11)

6. The feeding of the Five Thousand. (Mark 6:32-44. Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:1-13)

7. The Servant alone and His Return walking on the waters. (Mark 6:45-52. Matthew 14:22-32; John 6:15-21)

8. New Manifestations of His love and Power. (Mark 6:53-56. Matthew 14:34-36.)

1. The Servant rejected at Nazareth., Mark 6:1-6

Once more we find Him in Nazareth. The first thing is teaching, and though they were astonished at His wisdom and power, they did not own Him as the Lord, but called Him the Carpenter and were offended in Him. Such is the heart of man. Unbelief tied His hands, yet in Love He healed a few and marvelled because of their unbelief. But did He abandon them? Oh! the infinite patience and seeking Grace of this perfect Servant! “He went round about the villages teaching,” if perchance faith might yet respond to His willingness and power to heal.

2. The Servant sends forth the Twelve., Mark 6:7-13

Now He sends His Apostles forth and endows them with power. They are to depend in their ministry upon Himself. Thus they were to be His followers for He was ever dependent on God. Blessed principles are here which still hold good, though the sending forth had a special meaning for Israel (see Matthew 10:5-15).

3. King Herod troubled., Mark 6:14-16

It is the story of a troubled conscience and fear produces the thought that it is John the Baptist risen from the dead.

4. The Martyrdom of John., Mark 6:17-29

The faithful herald of the Servant suffered martyrdom. In the whole sickening scene of lust and bloodshed the prince of this world, the god of this age is manifested in this awful rule and power. It is a picture of the present age in opposition to God. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life hold sway. And this evil age is not gradually improved and getting better, It is not abandoning its lusts and pride, its hatred of God and His Christ. As long as Satan is the ruler the age must be evil. In such a scene the Holy One came to minister and to give His life.

5. The Servant’s withdrawal for Rest., Mark 6:30-31

We have noticed different withdrawals of the Lord. He withdrew for prayer and to the sea and now when the Apostles gathered unto Him, the One to whom the fellow servants must ever gather, to give a report of what they had done and taught, He withdrew with them into a desert place. The Lord does not say anything about their success (Mark 6:13). There was danger of the self-exaltation of the messengers. The silence of the Lord puts a check upon it. It was His own power, which in goodness and mercy had done all this. Instead we hear Him say, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest awhile.” This again is found nowhere but in Mark. How needful for all servants it is to heed this loving word. How easily in constant service a servant can be lifted up and attribute something to himself. True service only is possible by being occupied with the Lord. And therefore we must ever learn to seek the presence of God. He remembered the need of His messengers and the time of rest with Him gave them new strength.

6. The Feeding of the Five Thousand., Mark 6:32-44

Here we have the compassion of the Servant in remembering the physical need of the people. But before He supplied that need, “He began to teach them many things.” The Word stands always first. He came to serve. The giving of the Word followed by the works of goodness and power is the order maintained in His service. Note the contrast between Him and the request of the disciples. How untiring, loving, gracious He was in all His service for man. May we learn of Him. A comparison of the account of this miracle in the four Gospels will teach us many lessons. He feeds the poor with bread (Psalms 132:15) as the true Shepherd of His people. He is the miraculous giver, but He uses His disciples in dispensing His blessing. His power for the good of others is at the believer’s disposal. And the little put into His hands was not only sufficient for all but more was left over than they had given to Him. And still He delights to take the little things and manifest through them His power, if we but trust Him.

7. The Servant alone and His Return walking on the Waters., Mark 6:45-52

All is full of blessed meaning. He is once more alone in the mountain to pray. His disciples are alone on the stormy sea. He is absent now and has sent the people ( Israel ) away. He is in the presence of God as our intercessor. The stormy sea with the contrary wind is a type of this present age. Trouble and perplexity is the lot of His disciples during His absence. About the fourth watch of the night He came unto them walking upon the sea. Mark does not mention Peter going forth to meet Him. They see Him coming, but do not recognize Him, believing Him a spirit. His loving voice soon assures them, “Be of good cheer; it is I, be not afraid.” Thus He will return across the stormy sea to meet and deliver His own. Blessed are we if we ever behold Him as the mighty One, who is above all circumstances and if we hear His words of comfort. How He cares for us. And when He comes the wind will cease.

8. New Manifestations of His Love and Power., Mark 6:53-56

What a scene of toil! What ministry in doing good! Dispensationally it stands for the blessed time, yet in store for this world, when He comes again. Then He who was the Son of Man in humiliation will, as Son of man, with power and glory, be known to all. Then the earth will be blessed as Gennesaret was.