Mark 6:45-56

By feeding the multitude in the wilderness, Jesus reveals His identity as Israel’s Shepherd and Provider

For the first time in Mark, we see strong resistance to and even rejection of Jesus. This is followed by the questionable idea (in earthly terms) of sending out disciples who have been C- students at best. And finally, Herod Antipas’ confusion of who Jesus actually is as well as his murdering of John the Baptist might make us question why Mark would include these stories at all. But, we need to remember that Jesus never fails. He accomplishes His will even in the midst of rejection, rejects, and renegade rulers. What’s more, as we look more closely at our passage, we see that Jesus is accomplishing far more than what first see and assures us that He will not fail us.

We see in the woman with the issue of blood that there is no upper limit to boldness when it comes to seeking out Christ.

Chapter four ends with the a question. As the disciples see the power of Christ over the forces of nature they declare, “Who then is this?” That question carries us into chapter 5 where the power of Jesus continues to be on display. This time the power of Christ is not seen in His calming the sea but rather in rebuking a legion of demons.

At the close of chapter one the fame of Jesus has spread to the point where He is forced to minster in desolate places that can accommodate the crowds that now gather around Him. In chapter two the fame of Jesus is juxtaposed against conflict with the religious leaders who challenge His authority. As we move into 2:13-3:6, Mark records 4 episodes that highlight the grace of God against the cold legalism of the Pharisees.

As we move into verses 14-45 Mark introduces us to the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. The authority of the Son of God becomes quickly apparent as He announces the coming of the Kingdom of God and commands all to repent and believe the Gospel. The preaching of Christ is validated by the miraculous signs that accompany His ministry

Mark 1:1-13

As we prepare to embark on our series through the Gospel of Mark, we will take a look at Mark as a whole, consider it alongside the other Gospels, and see its place in the Scriptures.

Hebrews 9:27-28

What is the connection between the appointed death and judgment of all mankind and the work of Jesus? In Hebrews 9:27-28 the author draws a comparison between what is appointed for all mankind and the death and second coming of Jesus. In understanding the comparison the author is making here we are brought to a place where we must ask ourselves, ‘Are we eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior?’