In Mark 6:1–29, we are challenged to be faithful in the face of unbelief.

Scorned in the Synagogue (1–6)

Upon coming home to Nazareth, Jesus found the people of His hometown skeptical. They insulted him and wanted nothing to do with Him, and Jesus was amazed at their unbelief. We, too, will face the unbelief of our family and friends, and we must decide to be faithful despite it.

We also must evaluate whether we ourselves are too familiar with the Gospel. Often, when we read passages about amazing miracles, we have heard it so many times that we tune it out — we need to be amazed at what the Bible says! The Creator of the universe humbled Himself to come down to earth, experience rejection, and die for us. This is astounding, and yet we’re more interested in watching the next Instagram reel than in getting to know Him better! If we continue in this pattern, we will not be changed by the Gospel in the way that we should be.

Sent to Serve (7–13)

Jesus sent out His disciples even though He knew they would mess up. Jesus is just looking for willing vessels. You don’t need to have all the answers or a special degree. Be willing to be sent to serve others. When you’re able to do something amazing, don’t get prideful, and when you’re confronted with hostility, don’t let it bother you. They reject you because they reject Christ. Be faithful in the face of unbelief.

Slain for Speaking Truth (14–29)

John the Baptist was killed because he spoke out against Herod’s unlawful actions. He condemned Herod’s sinful behavior even though Herod was not a Jew or a Christian. In the same way, it is okay for us to speak out against things that are wrong in our secular society.

Herod’s heart was full of unbelief. He heard the Gospel gladly, and his conscience was pricked. He seemed close to the Kingdom, but he refused to accept the truth of the Gospel. He did not respond to the conviction in his conscience when he had the chance, causing it to become so calloused that his heart hardened. In Luke, we are told that Herod eventually met Jesus. But standing face to face with the Savior, he was lost for all eternity.

Application

• Have you counted the cost of discipleship? If you speak truth, you could lose your life.

• Are you too familiar with the Gospel? Be sensitive and respond when the Lord pricks your conscience.

• Will you be a Herod or a John? Herod wore rich robes, ate large meals, and lived in a palace. He had everything in this life, but nothing in the next. John wore strange clothes, ate grasshoppers, and was imprisoned. He had nothing in this life except for a clean conscience, but in the next, he had everything.

Let us be amazed by the Gospel, and may Jesus never be amazed at our unbelief!