Sermon Audio

This Sunday, we’ll explore what “success” means for a disciple of Jesus in Mark 6:14-29. Last week, we saw Jesus send out the disciples to preach repentance, relying only on God to meet their needs. Jesus also instructed them on how to face rejection. The Twelve return victoriously in verse 30, celebrating their accomplishments. Yet, between their mission and return, Mark sandwiches the sobering account of John the Baptist’s execution—a powerful reminder that faithfulness, not earthly victories, is the true measure of success. Chronologically, John the Baptist had already been executed by the time Jesus sent out the Twelve. Mark could have included John’s execution in chapter 1 when he told us John was arrested. However, Mark places the account here as a flashback to explain why Herod initially believed Jesus was John raised from the dead. John the Baptist’s faithful testimony had a profound impact on Herod, despite the imprisonment and execution that followed. As the Twelve return with stories of their success, Mark reminds us that a “successful” disciple is one who is faithful regardless of the earthly trials in which they find themselves. John’s witness, even his death, was used mightily by God. On Sunday, we will read v. 14-30 as it is written, but to unpack the significance and flow of Mark’s intent, I will examine the flashback to John’s execution (v. 17-29) first, and then show the effect this event had on Herod (v. 14-16). I would strongly encourage you to read Mark 6:14-30 several times to become familiar with the text before we come together to worship through its exposition.

I. Faithful Disciples Will Face Opposition (v. 17-20)

II. Faithful Discipleship May Cost Everything (v. 21-29)

III. Faithful Disciples Are ALWAYS Used By God (v. 14-16)

This Sunday, we will continue our study of Mark’s gospel, specifically Mark 6:7-13. After Jesus’ rejection in His hometown of Nazareth, He calls the twelve and sends them out on a training mission. Despite their earlier doubts and fears shown in Mark—such as accusing Jesus of not caring during the storm on the Sea of Galilee—Jesus equips them with His authority to cast out demons, instructs them to rely on God’s provision by taking minimal supplies, and charges them to proclaim repentance and the coming of God’s kingdom. Jesus sent out the twelve, not because they were ready, but because they weren’t. The mission itself would serve as their training ground to grow as disciples while making disciples. As we hear Jesus’ instructions for their mission, we also hear Jesus’ instructions for ours. The same authority, charge, and commission are given to the whole body so that we might make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded. 

I. Commissioned With Christ’s Authority (v. 7)

II. Charged To Depend On Christ’s Provision (v. 8-10)

III. Called To Testify To Christ’s Kingdom (v. 11-13)

I know you’re all used to Jason’s weekly emails. This week, however, is Senior/Youth Sunday, and Jason has graciously given me the opportunity to preach, so you’re stuck with me. I’m excited that the students will be leading us in worship this Sunday, and we will be recognizing the 2025 high school graduates during the second service. I will be continuing Jason’s series in the book of Mark, chapter 6:1-6. As we’ve seen in Jesus’ ministry, He has healed many sick people, calmed the wind and seas, and even raised the dead. You would think that after all these miraculous wonders, everyone would recognize who Jesus is and respond appropriately. However, in Mark 6:1-6, this isn’t the case. In this section of Mark, the text shifts to show Jesus’ own amazement at the unbelief of His hometown. This made me ask the question, “How do you respond to Jesus?” Do you respond with mere amazement at His words and deeds? Do you respond by being offended at His claims or commands? Ultimately, do you respond in faith or unbelief? I’m excited to dive deeper into this text and these questions. By God’s grace, may He show us proper response to who He is and eliminate the unbelief in every area in our lives.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record this event, intertwining a woman’s healing with the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. These two individuals could not be more different. Jairus is a respected synagogue leader, and the unnamed woman is an outcast, suffering for twelve years. Yet, both approach Jesus in desperate need. Jairus pleads for his dying daughter, while the woman, impoverished, suffering, and ceremonially unclean, seeks healing by touching Jesus’ garment. While Jesus accompanies Jairus to heal his daughter’s sickness, the procession is interrupted by this woman who touches Jesus. Because of this delay, Jairus’ daughter dies. But as Jesus brings this woman forward, calls her "daughter," (the only place in the gospels where Jesus calls someone daughter) and says, "Your faith has healed you," Jairus is given a picture of what is required of him. When news of his daughter’s death comes, Jesus tells Jairus, "Do not fear, only believe." Jesus calls Jairus to trust in Him despite what the news-bearers have said, despite the mocking laughter the mourners spew, and despite what his own heart tells him about the finality of death. Just as the woman stepped forward and fell at Jesus’ feat (even with her fear and the risks involved), Jairus is called to put aside his fear and step forward with Jesus, believing He is Lord over even death itself. The four miracles in this section reveal Jesus as God incarnate, with power over creation (the storm), spirits (the legion), disease (the woman), and death (Jairus’ daughter). They point to the inbreaking of God’s kingdom, offering a glimpse of a future where sin, sickness, and death are no more. But, whether a ruler of a synagogue or a poor hopeless outcast, all humanity must enter this kingdom by faith.

I. The Desperate Father’s Plea (v. 21-24a)

II. The Hopeless Woman’s Faith (v. 24b-34)

III. The Call To Faith (v. 35-40)

IV. The Lord Over Death (v. 41-43)

Mark 5:1-20 is the second of four miracles that display Jesus’ power as God in flesh. At the end of chapter 4, Jesus calmed a storm by rebuking it. Creation bowed to its master as the wind and waves obeyed. The creator is sovereign over His creation. Mark 5:1-20 shows us that Jesus also holds power over the spiritual realm, the armies of Satan, and the kingdom of darkness. When Jesus arrives at the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee, a man enslaved by unclean spirits meets Him. Mark provides significant detail regarding this man’s hopeless and tormented condition (v. 1-5). As the narrative progresses, we learn that a legion of unclean spirits inhabits him. But even thousands of demons cannot withstand His authority. Jesus triumphs over the host of enemy powers with the same authority and word that stilled the storm. Jesus has come to set the captive free. This man’s circumstances are extreme, but they are not the only picture of someone enslaved to Satan’s kingdom. Without Christ, all of Adam’s descendants are held under Satan’s power (1 John 5:19; Eph. 2:1-2; Col. 1:13-14). If Jesus can conquer the army garrisoned within this man, He can free any captive and save any soul enslaved by sin. There are several twists in this narrative involving suicidal pigs and a howling graveyard dweller, but as we have seen before, Jesus is the "Son of the Most High God" (Mark 5:7) and possesses the power to bring the kingdom of God into the darkness. Mark ends this passage by displaying how the townspeople and the recently delivered man respond to Jesus. One is commissioned, while the others beg Jesus to leave.

I. The Plight Of The Enemy’s Slave (v. 1-5)

II. The Power Of The Sovereign Son (v. 6-13)

III. The Responses To This Lord & King (v. 14-20)

In Christ, 

Jason Velotta

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