True Spirituality

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” He said, “and try to understand. It is not what goes into your body that defiles (pollutes) you; you are defiled (polluted, unholy) by what comes from your heart.” Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and His disciples asked Him what He meant by the parable He had just used. “Don’t you understand either?” He asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile (pollute) you? Food does not go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, He declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.) And then He added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles (pollutes) you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander (insult), pride, and foolishness. All these vile (evil) things come from within; they are what defile (pollute) you.” Mark 7:14-23 (NLT)

Throughout Mark’s Gospel, Mark emphasized Jesus’ active public ministry. However in Mark 7:1-8:26, Mark records some of Jesus’ most important teachings and His ministry amongst the Gentiles (non-Jews).

First, Mark 7:1-23 records Jesus’ teaching on inner purity (see also Matthew 15:1-20). Mark 7 begins with Jesus’ confrontation with religious leaders. During Jesus’ public ministry, many religious leaders from Jerusalem investigated and tested Him to authenticate His ministry (Mark 7:1; see also Matthew 15:1). These religious leaders included Pharisees, scribes and other experts of the Law. These leaders have been Jesus’ principal enemies from the beginning phase of His public ministry (e.g., see Mark 2:6-7, 16; Mark 3:6, 22).

During Jesus’ investigation, the religious leaders noted that Jesus’ disciples failed to obey the many Jewish religious rituals before eating (Mark 7:2; see also Matthew 15:2). For the Jews, especially the Pharisees, did eat until they had sprinkled their arms to the elbows, as required by their ancient traditions (Mark 7:3; see also Matthew 15:2; Luke 11:38; John 2:6). These ritual washings had nothing to do with personal hygiene or cleanliness, nor were these rituals commanded in the Law of Moses. These traditional cleansing rituals were a part of the many traditions that the scribes and Pharisees had given to the people to add to their burdens (Matthew 23:4; see also Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 11:46). Jesus had previously violated many of the religious leaders’ Sabbath traditions and regulations (e.g. see Mark 2:23-3:5).

These Jewish rituals did not come from the Law of Moses but from many ancient rules and rituals created by men, also called “traditions of the elders” (Mark 7:3, 5, 8; see also Matthew 15:2; Galatians 1:14; Colossians 2:8). These man-made rituals and traditions were also called “the fence of the Law.” After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish rabbis began to make meticulous rules and regulations governing the daily life of the people. These traditions were interpretations and applications of the Law of Moses, handed down from generation to generation. The Pharisees and teachers of the law considered these traditions equally important as the Mosaic Law. These traditions of the elders were not the Law, but their intentions were to protect the Law of Moses. These traditions were originally the “oral law” that (according to Jewish rabbis) Moses gave to the elders, and these passed down to the nation. This oral law was finally written down and became the Mishnah. Sadly, these traditions became more important and more authoritative than the original Law of Moses. Even worse, many of these traditions had become empty rituals that resulted in pride and religious isolation. These traditions focused on outwardly holiness but ignored the important inwardly holiness – mercy, justice, faithfulness, humility, and the love of God (Mark 7:4; see also Deuteronomy 6:5; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 23:23, 25; Luke 11:39-42).

So the religious leaders asked Jesus, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders?” (Mark 7:5, NKJV). Jesus replied, “You bunch of hypocrites (pretenders)! Isaiah the prophet described you very well when he said, ‘These people speak very beautifully about the Lord but they have no love for Him at all. Their worship is a farce (nothing), for they claim that God commands the people to obey their petty rules’” (Mark 7:6-7, TLB, quoting Isaiah 29:13; see also Matthew 15:7-9). Remarkably, the religious leaders were disobeying the living Word of God and substituting God’s Law for their man-made traditions (Mark 7:8; see also Hebrews 4:12). In other words, the religious leaders were rejecting and breaking the spirit of God’s Law for the sake of practicing their traditions (Mark 7:9; see also Matthew 15:3; Luke 21:33; Colossians 2:20-22).

Jesus gave the religious leaders an illustration of their disobedience to God’s specific Law with their practice of “Corban” (Mark 7:10-13; see also Matthew 15:4-7). Moses gave the people this Law from God: “Honor your father and mother and . . . Anyone who speaks against his father or mother must die” (Mark 7:10, TLB; quoting Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; see also Ephesians 6:1-2). The man-made traditions not from God’s written Word said, “it is perfectly all right for a man to disregard his needy parents, telling them, ‘Sorry, I cannot help you! For I have given to God what I could have given to you’” (Mark 7:11, TLB). Instead of using their wealth to support their needy parents, these irresponsible religious people would dedicate that wealth to God. The Hebrew word Corban means “a gift.” If a Jew wanted to escape some financial responsibilities, he would declare his goods or wealthy to be “Corban — a gift to God.” Thus, these people would no longer use that particular wealth for their needy parents (Mark 7:12; see also Matthew 15:5-6). These people continued to get the benefit of that wealth, even though that gift technically belonged to God. This meant a Jew was free from other obligations, such as caring for their parents. But in so doing, these Jews were losing the power of God’s living Word by were ignoring God's clear commandment to honor their families (Mark 7:12; see also Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; 1 Timothy 5:8) and to care for those in need (Leviticus 25:35-43). Jesus scolded the religious leaders for keeping their religious rituals and traditions in order to look holy but inside they were filled with greed and selfishness (Matthew 23:25; see also Mark 7:4; Luke 11:39). Jesus said “Corban” was just one example of many other man-made traditions that specifically contradicted and violated God’s living and powerful Word (Mark 7:13; see also Matthew 5:18; Luke 21:33; Hebrews 4:12).

Then Jesus called to the crowds and said, “Listen to what I say and try to understand: You are not made unholy by eating non-kosher food! It is what you say and think that makes you unclean.” Then the disciples came and told Him, “You offended the Pharisees by that remark.” Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by My Father shall be rooted up, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and both will fall into a ditch.” Then Peter asked Jesus to explain what He meant when He said that people are not defiled by non-kosher food. “Don’t you understand?” Jesus asked him. “Don’t you see that anything you eat passes through the digestive tract and out again? But evil words come from an evil heart and defile (pollute) the man who says them. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication (sexual immorality), theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile (pollute); but there is no spiritual defilement from eating without first going through the ritual of ceremonial hand washing!” Matthew 15:10-20 (TLB)

Then, Jesus called to the crowds to come together and taught the people with a parable (Mark 7:14). Jesus said, “Your souls are not harmed by what you eat, but by what you think and say!” (Mark 7:15, TLB). Sin is a matter of the heart where motivation and attitudes are formed. Evil actions are rooted in an evil heart. Afterwards, Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowds, and His disciples asked Him what He meant by the parable He had just made (Mark 7:17; see also Matthew 15:15). Jesus explained to His disciples that what we eat will not harm and defile our souls (Mark 7:18). Jesus declared boldly to the crowds that sin comes from the heart (Matthew 15:18). According to Jesus, food does not come in contact with our hearts, but only passes through our digestive system (Mark 7:19; see also Matthew 15:17). With this statement, Jesus showed that every kind of food is kosher (purified or clean) and declared null and void the entire Levitical system of “clean and unclean” (Mark 7:19; see also Acts 10:15; 1 Timothy 4:3-6).

“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. . . . For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Matthew 12:33-37 (NLT)

Jesus goes on to say, “It is the thought-life that pollutes” (Mark 7:20, TLB). Jesus declared we are not made unholy by eating non-kosher food! Instead, Jesus explained that our evil thoughts and actions that come from the heart make one unclean and unholy before God (Matthew 15:18; see also Matthew 12:33-37). The word “heart” in the Holy Scriptures refers to our mental and moral center, not the organ that pumps blood through our veins. The Holy Scriptures reminds us to “guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course (issues) of your life” (Proverbs 4:23; see also Luke 6:45). From within and out of our human hearts, come evil thoughts of lust, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, envy (evil eye), slander (abusive language and evil speaking), pride, and all other foolishness (Mark 7:21-22; see also Romans 1:28-32). All these evil things come from within our hearts and makes one unholy and unfit before God (Mark 7:23). If we store up goods things in our hearts, our words and actions will be good. “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34; see also Mark 7:21).

Jesus: "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the Law — justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." Matthew 23:23 (NLT)

During Jesus’ public ministry and even today, many people do many religious works, such as rituals and regulations, to try to please God. However, the Holy Scriptures has explained clearly what God desires. God has always wanted our wholehearted love, faithfulness, and obedience towards Him (Deuteronomy 6:4-6; see also Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). In other words, God wants our total devotion to Him from our hearts and not our lip service (Matthew 6:33). In addition, God wants our unfailing love, mercy, truth, kindness, compassion, patience, forgiveness and faithfulness towards others (Luke 10:25-37; see also Leviticus 19:18; Micah 6:6-8; John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:19-21). These good fruit (works) reflect God’s very character and nature (Exodus 34:6-7; see also Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:12-15). God is more concerned about hearts (Matthew 15:16-20). God sees our hearts – the way we are deep down (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Matthew 21:27; 1 Corinthians 13:12).

Love – love for God and love for others – is the essences of God’s entire Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:34-40; see also Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:25-37; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; Romans 12:9-21; James 2:1-4, 14-17; 1 John 2:7-11; 1 John 4:721-11; see also Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-6). Starting with the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 – 7:29), Jesus taught that true worship and holiness is not outward religious ritual, rules, and regulations but inward love for God and love for others as the Old Testament prophets previously stated (e.g., see 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 1:10-20; Isaiah 66:3; Jeremiah 4:4; Jeremiah 6:20; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Jeremiah 22:3, 16; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21; Micah 6:6-8).

The Holy Scriptures have always demanded our genuine and wholehearted love, alliance, and devotion to God along with justice, mercy, and compassion towards others (e.g. see Matthew 22:34-40). In every period of history, true holiness has always been a matter of the heart with a right relationship with God by faith and loving-kindness towards others (e.g. see Leviticus 26:3; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Deuteronomy 30:6, 20; Psalm 51:6, 10, 16-17). Truth, justice, mercy, kindness and faith not legalism forms the center of true spirituality (Micah 6:6-8; also Luke 11:42; Luke 18:9-14; James 1:26-27). God desires our genuine wholehearted love and devotion to Him and not just religious rituals to appear holy.

Jesus further explained to avoid evil and wicked actions, we must allow God’s Holy Spirit to penetrate our hearts with His truth – God’s Word (John 14:17; John 15:26; John 16:13). Through our faith in Jesus as God’s Son, God the Father and Jesus send the Holy Spirit to empower and strengthen believers to be good and obey God from within the heart (see John 14 – 16). The people of God are to be loving and merciful in all of their relationships to others. In this way, others will recognize the people of God (see e.g. John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:17-18).

If you claim to be religious but do not control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:26-27 (NLT)

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible, 1988).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Jesus Calms Our Storms

⁴⁵ Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that His disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while He sent the people home. ⁴⁶ After telling everyone goodbye, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. Mark 6:45-46 (NLT)

After Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 5,000 men plus women and children (Matthew 14:21), Jesus dismissed the crowd. Then, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into the boat (Mark 6:45; see also Matthew 14:22). John’s Gospel indicated that the crowds were ready to take Jesus by force and make Him King after the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes (John 6:14-15). However, Jesus was already King but His Kingdom was not of this world (e.g., see Matthew 27:11, 37; John 18:33, 36-37; Revelation 19:16). Therefore, Jesus compelled His disciples get into a boat as He dismissed the crowd (Mark 6:45; see also Matthew 14:22).

Then, Jesus went up into the hills alone to pray (Mark 6:46; see also Matthew 14:23; John 6:16-17). Jesus always made room in His busy schedule to be alone with God the Father in prayer and fellowship (e.g., see Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Mark 14:32-36; Luke 11:1). The New Testament reveals Jesus in continual fellowship with God the Father in prayer (e.g., see Luke 9:28-29; Luke 22:32; Luke 23:34, 46). Jesus prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21), before He chose the Twelve (Luke 6:12), when the crowds increased (Luke 5:16), before He asked the Twelve for their confession of faith (Luke 9:18), at His Transfiguration (Luke 9:29) and in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:41). If Jesus depended on prayer during His public ministry on earth (Hebrews 5:7), then we too must continually stay in prayer with God the Father (see Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

⁴⁷ Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He (Jesus) saw that they (His disciples) were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw Him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking He was a ghost. ⁵⁰ They were all terrified when they saw Him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Do not be afraid,” He said. “Take courage! I am here!” Mark 6:47-50 (NLT)

During the night, Jesus’ disciples were in their boat out in the middle of the lake when a storm suddenly arose (John 6:18). Jesus saw that His disciples were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the strong winds and waves (Mark 6:47-48; see also Matthew 14:24; John 6:18). Then, Jesus walked on the water to come save His struggling disciples (Mark 6:48; see also Matthew 14:25; John 6:19). Jesus’ walking on the water was a special display of Jesus’ majestic power, divine nature and transcendence as God Incarnate (see Job 9:8; Psalm 89:9; Isaiah 51:10, 15; Jeremiah 31:35; John 1:1-5, 15). When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water beside them they screamed in terror, thinking He was a ghost (Mark 6:49-50; see also Matthew 14:26; John 6:19). Then, Jesus calmed His frightened disciples and said, “Do not be afraid . . . . Take courage. I AM here!” (Matthew 14:27; see also Mark 6:50; John 6:20). “I AM here” was intended by Jesus to reveal His divine disclosure as God Incarnate (Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10, 13; see also Matthew 1:21, 23; John 1:1-5, 14; Colossians 1:15, 19; Hebrews 1:1-3).

¹ Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. . . . ⁴ For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. ⁵ And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:1, 4-5 (NLT)

Interestingly in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus started to walk past His disciples (Mark 6:48). Some commentaries argue Jesus wanted to let His disciples fend for themselves for them to recognize and deal with their deep needs (Mark 6:48). Other commentaries argue this scene also recalls God's self-revelation to Moses at Exodus 33:17–34:8 and the prophet Elijah at 1 Kings 19:11-13. Regardless of which view you accept, the disciples should have realized that Jesus would always help them when they were in trouble (see Matthew 28:20; John 14:26). Though the disciples had lost sight of Jesus, Jesus had not lost sight of them. Jesus’ love and concern for God’s people overcame their lack of faith during their struggles (Psalm 23:1, 4). Jesus is truly our Lord, Savior, Healer, Provider, and Protector (John 16:33; see also Hebrews 4:14-16).

²⁸ Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water.” ²⁹ “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt Me?” ³² When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. ³³ Then the disciples worshiped Him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Matthew 14:28-33 (NLT)

In Matthew’s Gospel, the Gospel writer reveals Peter calling to Jesus saying, “Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water” (Matthew 14:28, NLT). Jesus told Peter to “come” (Matthew 14:29). So, Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:29). However, when Peter looked around at the high waves, he became afraid and terrified and began to sink (Matthew 14:30). Peter was the only disciple in the boat to experience a rather unusual demonstration of God's power. However, Peter started to sink when took his eyes off Jesus in faith and focused on the high waves and storm. Doubt made Peter fail! Fear and faith cannot live in the same heart, for fear always blinds the eyes to the presence of Jesus. We must keep our eyes on Jesus! Faith is a mindset that expects God to act. When we set our expectation on Jesus, we can overcome our fears (see Hebrews 12:2)! “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12). In spite of terrifying circumstances, if we trust our lives to Jesus for His safekeeping, Jesus will give us peace in any storm.

Then, Peter cried out to Jesus, “Save me, Lord!” (Matthew 14:30). Jesus immediately reached out His hand and rescued Peter (Matthew 14:31). Jesus said “You have so little faith . . . . Why did you doubt Me?” (Matthew 14:31; see also James 1:5-8). Then, Jesus climbed into the boat with His disciples and the storming winds immediately stopped (Mark 6:51; see also Matthew 14:32; John 6:21). Jesus’ disciples were completely amazed (Mark 6:51; see also Mark 1:22). When Jesus calmed the first storm (Matthew 8:23-27), the disciples said, “Who is this Man? . . . Even the winds and waves obey Him!” (Matthew 8:27, NLT). But now, the disciples worshiped Jesus and declared, “You really are the Son of God!” (Matthew 14:33, NLT). This miracle revealed Jesus’ divine nature and authority over the natural world.

⁵³ After they (Jesus and His disciples) had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore ⁵⁴ and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, ⁵⁵ and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard He was. ⁵⁶ Wherever He went — in villages, cities, or the countryside — they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged Him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of His robe (garment), and all who touched Him were healed. Mark 6:53-56 (NLT)

When Jesus and His disciples crossed to the other side of the lake, they landed at Gennesaret (Mark 6:53; see also Matthew 14:34). When the people recognized Jesus, news about Him rapidly spread amongst the people (Mark 6:54; see also Matthew 14:35). Then, the people began bring Jesus their sick and lame for healing (Mark 6:55; see also Matthew 14:35). Wherever Jesus went — in villages and cities, and out on the farms — people placed their sick and lame in front of Him and begged Jesus to let them at least touch the hem of His garment (Mark 6:56; see also Matthew 14:36). Everyone who touched Jesus was made well and healed (Mark 6:56; see also Matthew 14:36; Mark 2:3-4; Mark 5:28). As our Healer – physically and spiritually, Jesus continues to heal and help everyone who places their hope and faith in Him.

¹ God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. ² So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. ³ Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge. . . . ¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” ¹¹ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalms 46:1-3, 10-11 (NLT)

References

Faithlife Study Bible ((Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2012).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Cabel, Ted. The Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary (Victor Books, 1989).

Jesus Provides!

⁴¹ Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, He kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. ⁴² They all ate as much as they wanted ⁴³ and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. ⁴⁴ A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves! Mark 6:41-44 (NLT)

The miraculous feeding of five thousand men along with women and children with five loaves and two fish is the only miracle (except Jesus’ miraculous resurrection) repeated in all four Gospels (see Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15). The feeding was definitely a miracle (John 6:14). This miraculous feeding also gives some of the best insights into Jesus’ character and identity as God Incarnate (in human flesh) and Savior (Matthew 1:21, 23; John 1:1-5, 14 see also Colossians 1:15, 19). With this miracle, Jesus reveals His compassion, patience, goodness, grace, and mercy (Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:34; see also Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:36; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 20:34; Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13).

Jesus:  ¹⁰ “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. ¹¹ I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep. . . . ¹⁴ I am the Good Shepherd; I know My own sheep, and they know Me, ¹⁵ just as My Father knows Me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice My life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11, 14-15 (NLT)

The miraculous feeding begins after Jesus and His disciples had returned from their evangelistic mission of preaching, teaching, and healing tour as they proclaimed the Kingdom of God (Matthew 10:9-15; Mark 6:8-13, 30; Luke 9:1-6, 10). Jesus and His disciples were very tired and weary, and they desperately needed rest (Mark 6:30-31). Jesus took His disciples to a secluded place so that they might rest after their labors (Mark 6:32; Luke 9:10). However, the crowds saw Jesus and His disciples and ran to them (Matthew 14:13-14; Mark 6:33; Luke 9:11). Huge crowds kept following Jesus wherever He went because they saw His miraculous signs as He healed the sick (John 6:2). In spite of His tiredness and weariness, Jesus welcomed the people. Jesus showed the crowd compassion and tender care instead of showing impatience at the interruption of His quiet time (Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:34; Luke 9:11). Jesus taught the people about the Kingdom of God (God's righteous rule in human hearts) and healed those who needed healing (Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:34; Luke 9:11). To Jesus, the crowds were as sheep without a Good Shepherd (Mark 6:34; see also Psalm 23:1; Ezekiel 34:4-5, 11-16; Isaiah 40:11; John 10:10-11, 14-15). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who provides all our needs so that we lack nothing!

³⁵ Late in the afternoon Jesus’ disciples came to Him and said, “This is a remote place, and it is already getting late. ³⁶ Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” ³⁷ But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We would have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!” ³⁸ “How much bread do you have?” Jesus asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” Mark 6:35-38 (NLT)

After Jesus’ preaching and healing, Jesus’ disciples came to Him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place” (Luke 9:12, NLT). However, Jesus said to His disciples, “You feed them” (Matthew 14:16; Mark 6:37; Luke 9:13). Jesus was not the kind of person who could teach the Word and then say to hungry and needy people, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed” (James 2:16, NIV). Essentially, Jesus put the needs of others ahead of His own needs by caring for the people physically and spiritually. Then, the disciples told Jesus, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish” (Matthew 14:17; Mark 6:38; Luke 9:13). Andrew had found the boy with five loaves and two fishes (John 6:8-9). In John’s Gospel, Jesus turned to Philip and asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” (John 6:5, NLT). Jesus was testing Philip for He already knew what He was going to provide (John 6:6).

⁴¹ Jesus took the five loaves and two fish and, looking up to heaven, He thanked God for the food. He divided the bread and gave it to His followers (disciples) for them to give to the people. Then He divided the two fish among them all. Mark 6:41 (NCV)

Next, Jesus instructed the hungry crowd to sit. Then, Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up towards heaven, and thanked God for the food (Matthew 14:19; Mark 41; Luke 9:16). Blessing the food with thanksgiving was characteristic of Jesus (John 6:11, 23) and Jesus often looked up to heaven when He prayed (e.g. see also John 11:41-42; John 17:1). Note the prayer of thanksgiving to God occurred before the miracle. Jesus knew that the true and living God (His Father) is the Source of our daily bread (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3; see also Exodus 16:4) as well as all good and needful gifts (Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13; James 1:17-18). After giving thanks to God for the five loaves and two fishes, Jesus broke the loaves into pieces and He kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people (Matthew 14:19; Mark 6:41; Luke 9:16). The people numbered 5,000 men addition to women and children (Matthew 14:21; see also John 6:10). All the people ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers (Matthew 14:20; Mark 6:42; Luke 9:17; John 6:12-13). These pieces were carefully collected so that nothing was wasted (Mark 6:43; John 6:12).

⁵ Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” ⁶ That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.” Hebrews 13:5-6 (TLB)

In a situation that looked impossible with human resources, Jesus revealed that nothing is possible when we look to God first with faith and thanksgiving for our help and our needs (Matthew 14:19; see also Matthew 6:33). Nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37) and everything is possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23; Mark 10:27). This miraculous feeding reveal we must never allow our lack of resources blind us to seeing God’s miraculous power of providing all our needs (see 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:20-21; Hebrews 13:5-6). We must do what you can with our time, talent and resources but we must always look to God with thanksgiving first for our help!  The miracle of multiplication is always in God’s hands! Instead of complaining about what we do not have, we must seek God first in prayer and thanksgiving for what we do have, and God will make our time, talent and treasure go farther. If we do all we can, God will step in and do the rest. Nothing is impossible for our all-powerful God! God can do the impossible. Faith in God is the key to miracles!

³⁵ Jesus replied, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. ³⁶ But you have not believed in Me even though you have seen Me. ³⁷ However, those the Father has given Me will come to Me, and I will never reject them. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent Me, not to do My own will. ³⁹ And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given Me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. 40 For it is My Father’s will that all who see His Son and believe in Him should have eternal life. . . ⁴⁷ I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. ⁴⁸ Yes, I am the Bread of Life . . . ⁵¹ I am the Living Bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever . . .” John 6:35-40, 47-48, 51 (NLT)

Also, this miraculous feeding revealed Jesus’ tender care and compassion for those who are spiritually and physically in need (Mark 6:30-34; see also Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:22; Matthew 20:34; Mark 8:2). Jesus cares about the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who faithfully trust and obey God (Hebrews 7:25). He does not ignore needs as Jesus is concerned with every aspect of our lives — the physical as well as the spiritual (see 1 Peter 5:7). Even more, Jesus calls His church as His shepherds to similar compassion for the needy – body, soul, and spirit. The hungry and needy do not need our pity; they need our compassion and our commitment to act to meet their needs. A needy world continues to wait the church to show unselfish compassion and faith to meet their needs. Jesus still says to His church: “You feed them” (Matthew 14:16; Mark 6:37; Luke 9:13; see also John 21:15–17). A hungry and desperate world is still feeding on empty substitutes while the church deprives them of the Bread of Life – Jesus! Jesus is the true living Bread of Life from heaven that satisfies all our physical and spiritual needs (John 6:33-40, 47-48, 51; see also Isaiah 55:1-7). Too often, we think that money is the real answer to our needs but the real answer is faith in God found in His Son, Jesus! Through faith in God found in His Son – Jesus, God, sends the Holy Spirit to help God’s people (John 14:16-17, 26). Whenever there is a need, give all that you have to Jesus and let Jesus do the rest. Jesus is a caring and loving King, who abundantly provides for God’s people.

The miraculous multiplication of food is reminiscent of the miracle of God supplying manna for Israel in the wilderness (see Exodus 16), and especially of Elisha multiplying food (2 Kings 4:42–44). Interestingly, the miraculous feeding is repeated at Matthew 15:32-39 and Mark 8:1-10 with similar details. The difference between the stories of the 5,000 is that the feeding of the 5,000 occurs with the Jews while the feeding of the 4,000 occurs in Gentile territory. These miracles give another vivid expression of the compassion and the miraculous power of Jesus. Most importantly, the miraculous feeding provides a foretaste of the Messianic feast of the banquet at the end of the age (see Matthew 8:11–12). The Messianic Kingdom with Jesus as King will be a place of lavish food because the earth will be blessed with fertility, and there will be limitless food and wine and a symbol of unbridled joy. These miracles were not just responding to people that were hurry and destitute but a foretaste of the Messianic Kingdom to come.

¹⁹ My God will use His wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. ²⁰ Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen. Philippians 4:19-20 (NCV)

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible, 1988).

Faithlife Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2012).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament. Due West Campus: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary (Victor Books, 1989).

Is Jesus A Prophet?

¹⁴ King Herod heard about Jesus, because He was now well known. Some people said, “He (Jesus) is John the Baptist, who has risen from the dead. That is why He can work these miracles.” ¹⁵ Others said, “He is Elijah.” Other people said, “Jesus is a prophet, like the prophets who lived long ago.” Mark 6:14-15 (NCV)

King Herod, along with many others of the first century, wondered about Jesus’ true identity. Even today, many people cannot accept and believe Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God (Mark 1:1; John 3:16; John 20:31). During His public ministry on earth, Jesus performed many miraculous acts of compassion (e.g., Matthew 9:35-36; Matthew 14:14; Luke 7:21-23), taught and preached with authority and power (e.g., Mark 1:21-23; Mark 6:2), and expelled all kinds of demonic attacks (e.g., Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Despite Jesus’ great miracles and extraordinary powers, very few people accepted Jesus as Messiah and the Son of God (see Matthew 16:16; Luke 6:17-19). The Hebrew word “Messiah,” the equivalent of the Greek “Christ,” means “Anointed One.” In the first century, the crowds Jesus attracted wavered between enthusiastic support and outright rejection of Him. Even today, many people are still trying to find alternate explanations for Jesus’ power and authority. People will call Jesus a great prophet, a radical political leader, a teacher, a good man or a self-deceived troublemaker. However, none of these explanations can account for Jesus’ miracles, powers or, especially, His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. In the end, all people of every nation will come to know the truth: Jesus is the true Christ (Messiah) and Son of the living God (Mark 1:1; see also Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; Mark 15:39; Luke 1:35; Luke 9:20; John 1:34, 49; Philippians 2:5-11).

⁷ When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about everything Jesus was doing, he was puzzled. Some were saying that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. ⁸ Others thought Jesus was Elijah or one of the other prophets risen from the dead. ⁹ “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “so who is this Man about whom I hear such stories?” And he kept trying to see Him (Jesus). Luke 9:7-9 (NLT)

During Jesus’ public ministry in the first century, His reputation traveled far and wide, even to the King Herod’s palace (Matthew 14:1-2; Mark 6:14-16; Luke 9:7-9). King Herod was confused and puzzled by the life and ministry of Jesus and wanted to meet Him (Luke 9:7; see also see Luke 23:8). At first, King Herod identified Jesus as John the Baptist, who had risen from the dead (Matthew 14:1-2). Sadly, King Herod had John the Baptist beheaded while in prison (see Matthew 14:1–12; Mark 6:16-29; Luke 9:9). Herod feared John’s resurrection due to the guilt he would felt for killing a righteous and holy man of God (Mark 6:20).

King Herod refers to Herod Antipas (Luke 9:7). Herod Antipas was born 20 B.C., and he was the second son of Herod the Great, who ordered the killing of the babies in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1, 16; Luke 1:5). Officially, Antipas was not a king, but this title for him was popularly used. Antipas’ official title was “tetrarch.” He was a tetrarch — one of four rulers over the four districts of Palestine. Herod Antipas ruled the tetrarchy of Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39 (Luke 9:7). The Gospel writers identified Herod as “king.” Herod Antipas heard Jesus’ case before His crucifixion (Luke 23:6-12).

¹¹ The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:11

Many people in first century Palestine believed that Jesus was the Great Prophet predicted by the Old Testament (e.g., see Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 21:11, 46; Mark 6:14-15; Luke 7:16, 39; Luke 24:19; John 4:19; John 7:40; John 9:17 ). The Old Testament had predicted that a Prophet would come like Moses (see Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Deuteronomy 34:10-12; see also John 1:21, 25, 45; John 6:14). Until the arrival of Jesus, no one was superior to Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6; see also Hebrews 1:1-2). Moses was the first major prophet, and he wrote the first five books of the Bible – the Pentateuch. Through the prophet Moses, God spoke His Holy Words and miraculously provided for the people’s needs in the desert. The Jews had long-awaited for a Great Prophet to come that would do more than Moses (John 6:14). Jesus is the fulfillment of the Jew’s expectations of a prophet like Moses (see Acts 3:22-26).

¹³ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴ “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” ¹⁵ Then He asked them, “But who do you say I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah (Christ), the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16 (NLT)

As a Prophet, Jesus revealed God to the people, spoke God’s true Word, encouraged holy living, and met the people’s needs (John 1:1-5, 14; John 14:9; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1:1-2). After Jesus miraculously multiplied the loaves and fishes, the people exclaimed, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” (John 6:14; see also John 7:40). Moreover, when Jesus raised the widow’s son, the people cried out, “A mighty Prophet has risen among us” (Luke 7:16). The disciples on the Emmaus Road identified Jesus as “a Prophet who did powerful miracles, and He was a mighty teacher” (Luke 24:19). After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Apostle Peter identified Jesus not only as the Messiah and the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16), but also the Prophet predicted by Moses (see Acts 3:22-26). Moreover, Stephen unequivocally identified Jesus as the fulfillment of the Great Prophet predicted by the prophet Moses at Deuteronomy 18:15 and Deuteronomy 34:10, 12. Jesus’s revelation as a Prophet confirms that His message comes from God, and His words are the authentic Word of God, which must be heard and obeyed. Thus, Jesus is indeed the Son of God, the Messiah and the Prophet of God!

⁵ “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. 6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. . . .” Malachi 4:5-6 (NLT)

Other people familiar with the Old Testament also thought Jesus was the prophet Elijah (Mark 6:14-15; see also Malachi 4:5-6). The prophet Elijah was the great prophet who did not die but was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:1-11; see also 1 Kings 17 and 18). As a result, many Jews believed that the prophet Elijah would return sometime prior to the Messiah’s coming (see Malachi 4:5–6; Mark 15:35–36). Elijah’s name means “the Lord is my God” and he preached the importance of people turning to the true and living God (see 1 Kings 18:21, 36-39). Nevertheless, the prophet Elijah did make an appearance at Jesus’ Transfiguration along with the prophet Moses (see Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36). Still others believed that Jesus was a teaching prophet in the tradition of Moses, Isaiah, or Jeremiah (see also Matthew 16:14; Luke 9:8). Jesus preached God’s word and performed miracles like those of the great Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Luke 7:16; Luke 24:19; John 6:14). Most important like the Old Testament prophets and John the Baptist, Jesus also preached the necessity of repentance (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:4, 15; Luke 3:3; Luke 13:3; Luke 24:47see also e.g., Hosea 3:4-5; Joel 2:12-17; Amos 5:4-6, 14-15). Repentances mean wholeheartedly turning our hearts and minds away from sins and genuinely seeking God.

³⁰ The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His Name. John 20:30-31 (NLT)

The early Jewish church following Jesus’ compassionate life, sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection did not hesitate to call Jesus the Messiah and the one true Son of God (e.g., see Acts 8:37; Acts 9:20; Romans 1:4; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 4:14). Even after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the faithful followers of Jesus continued to proclaim to the world that Jesus is Messiah and the one true and unique “Son of God” (e.g., see Acts 9:20-22; Romans 1:3-4; Colossians 1:15-20; Colossians 2:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 5:5). Prior to Jesus’ birth, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that her Son would be “great and will be called the Son of the Most High. . . . the Baby to be born will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:32, 35, NLT). Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection confirmed Him as the Son of God and the true Messiah sent from God the Father (Mark 1:1, 11; Mark 14:61-62; Mark 15:39; Luke 24:45-47). After seeing Jesus, John the Baptist – the prophet God sent to prepare the way for His Son – testified to his disciples “this is the Son of God” (John 1:34, NIV). Jesus’ disciples and faithful followers that witnessed the historical Jesus declared: “Truly, You are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33; see also Matthew 16:16; John 1:14, 18, 34, 49; John 11:27). The Apostle Paul’s first sermon after meeting the resurrected Jesus on the Damascus Road openly acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God (see Acts 9:20). Jesus’ announcement as God's divine Son is the foundation for all we read about Jesus in the New Testament. One day, Jesus will return and reign on as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16).

¹⁶ “For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son (Jesus), so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17 (NLT)

References

Believer’s Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995).

Faithlife Study Bible ((Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2012).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary (Victor Books, 1989).

Spreading the Gospel

⁷ And He (Jesus) called His Twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil (unclean, impure) spirits. ⁸ He told them to take nothing for their journey, except a walking stick — no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. ⁹ He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes. ¹⁰ “Wherever you go,” He said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. ¹¹ But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” ¹² So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. ¹³ And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil. Mark 6:7-13 (NLT)

After leaving His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus once again went from village to village teaching the people about God (Mark 6:6; see also Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:14, 38-39; Luke 13:22). In this new preaching tour, Jesus begins to shift responsibility to His disciples (faithfully followers or believers). Jesus had no intention of being a solo artist in God the Father’s work. Rather from the outset of His public ministry, Jesus called a select group of faithful disciples as His representatives to continue His ministry (see Mark 1:16-20; Mark 3:13-19; Mark 4:10-12).

Jesus called His Twelve disciples together and commissioned (sent) them out on a mission two by two (in pairs) (Mark 6:7; see also Luke 10:1). The practice of sending out disciples two by two was recommended in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 19:15; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) and continued by the early church (e.g., see Acts 13:2; Acts 15:27, 39-40; Acts 17:14; Acts 19:22). “Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs (twosomes) because pairs are always easier and safer for servants to travel and work together.

This mission marked the beginning of the disciples’ “solo” mission in Jesus’ Name and a new phase in Jesus’ ministry. The Twelve had been ordained by Jesus some months before (see also Mark 3:14-15; Luke 6:13-16) and had been traveling with Jesus as His helpers. Now, Jesus was going to send the Twelve out in pairs (Mark 6:7) to have their ministry and to put into practice what they had learned. Essentially, the disciples’ mission was a continuation of Jesus’ ministry (mission) of healing, preaching, teaching, and casting out demons (e.g., see Matthew 4:17, 23-25; Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:32-34; Mark 3:10-12; Mark 5:8; Luke 4:40-41, 43; see also Matthew 10:7-8; Mark 6:12-13; Luke 9:6). Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God and His disciples (faithful followers) were to continue the same good and compassionate ministry of Jesus after He returned to God the Father (see Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:8).

In the disciples’ first assignment, Jesus gave His disciples power and authority to cast out demons – evil, unclean and impure spirits (Mark 6:7). The Gospels of Matthew and Luke also state that Jesus gave the Twelve power and authority not only to cast out evil (unclean and impure) spirits but also authority and power to heal every kind of disease and illness (Matthew 10:1, 8; Luke 9:1-2). The power and authority over evil spirits and disease clearly signaled the in-breaking of God’s Kingdom on earth. Also, the disciples’ ability to heal every kind of disease and illness and cast out demons were special signs, wonders, and miracles that authenticated their ministry (see also Mark 16:20; Romans 15:18-19; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:1-4). Nonetheless, miracles alone are not proof that a person is truly sent of God, for Satan can empower his false and dishonest ministers to do these amazing signs, wonders, and miracles (e.g., see Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).

But the most important mission Jesus gave His disciples was that of preaching or proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God (Mark 6:12; Luke 9:6). The Kingdom of God means God’s rule and reign. The disciples preached the Good News of God’s Kingdom, called on sinners to repent of their sins and turn to God, and healed many who were sick (see Mark 6:12-13; Luke 9:6). The Kingdom of God and repentance was also Jesus’ main point of teaching (e.g., see Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:4, 14-15; Luke 9:11). In His first public sermon, Jesus proclaimed, “The time promised by God has come at last . . . .  The Kingdom of God is near (arrived)! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). Jesus’ teaching and preaching focused on the Kingdom of God, the need for repentance, and belief (trust) in the Gospel of God (Mark 1:14-15). With the arrival of Jesus, the Kingdom of God had come (Mark 1:15). The only response to the arrival of God’s Kingdom was to repent and trust (believe) in the glorious Good News (Gospel) of the Kingdom of God. Like the Old Testament prophets and John the Baptist, God’s unique Son Jesus also preached the necessity of repentance (Matthew 3:2, 8, 11; Matthew 4:17; see also e.g., Hosea 3:4-5; Joel 2:12-17; Amos 5:4-6, 14-15). Repentance mean wholeheartedly turning our hearts and minds away from sins and genuinely seeking God. Now, the Kingdom of God and repentance would be preached by Jesus’ disciples. Turning from sin and exchanging confidence in human systems of rules to trust and dependence on God is the entrance requirement into God's Kingdom. We must turn from our sin to salvation!

God’s Kingdom is the Good News (Gospel)! It was good news to the Jews because they had been awaiting the promised Messiah ever since the Babylonian captivity. Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah (Christ), and He embodied the Kingdom of God. Moreover, the Kingdom of God was good news for Gentiles (non-Jews) also because God’s Kingdom means forgiveness of their sins and eternal life in Jesus (John 3:16; John 10:10). God’s Kingdom is here and now because the Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of every believer of Jesus (Luke 17:20-21). The Kingdom of God is also in the future because God’s Kingdom will finally be completed at Jesus’ Second Coming in His glory. At Jesus’ Second Coming, God’s Kingdom will be finalized. Then evil will be destroyed, and all people will live in peace with one another.

Jesus sent the Twelve with instructions to take nothing with them except their walking sticks — no food, no knapsack (beggar’s bag or traveler’s bag), no money, not even an extra pair of shoes or a change of clothes (Mark 6:8-9; see also Matthew 10:9-10; Luke 9:3-5). Jesus wanted His disciples to be adequately supplied, but not to the point of ceasing to live by faith. Essentially, Jesus’ commands made His disciples totally dependent on God to open up homes for their hospitality. Jesus forced His disciples to rely and trust God's power and not their provision. The disciples were to trust in God’s care and goodness and the hospitality of others rather than in their own resources (Matthew 10:10; see also Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8). Even more, the disciples were not to beg for either food or money. Instead, Jesus equipped His disciples for the journey and provided all their funds and necessities during their mission trip. Jesus promised to be with His disciples (see also Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; John 14:26; Acts 18:10). Ironically, the four items required of the Twelve – staff, belt, sandals, and one tunic – are in fact identical to the belongings that God instructed the Israelites to take on their flight from Egypt (see Exodus 12:11). The Twelve disciples and the ancient Israelites were to be wholly DEPENDENT UPON GOD (see Matthew 6:25-34).

Then, Jesus instructed the Twelve to “stay at one home in each village — do not shift around from house to house while you are there” (Mark 6:10, The Living Bible). Also, Jesus told His disciples “whenever a village will not accept you or listen to you, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave; it is a sign that you have abandoned it to its fate” (Mark 6:11, The Living Bible). Thus, Jesus’ disciples ministered from place to place as they encountered both hospitality and hostility, both friends and enemies. Jesus cautioned His disciples to stay at one house in each community and not to “pick and choose.” After all, Jesus’ disciples were there to be profitable servants living with contentment, not pampered guests during their journey (Mark 6:10; see also Matthew 10:11-15; Luke 9:3-4). Jesus’ disciples willingly obeyed Jesus. Jesus made it clear that the listeners were responsible for what they did with the Gospel (Good News) (Mark 6:11). If a house or a village did not receive them, Jesus’ disciples had His permission to declare God's judgment on those people. Jesus’ disciples were not to blame if the message was rejected, as long as they had faithfully and obediently presented the Gospel message.

The Twelve casted out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil (Mark 6:13). Casting out demons and healing the sick were similar works of Jesus’ ministry that now Jesus’ disciples were continuing (Mark 1:34). Olive oil was sometimes used medicinally, and in the Old Testament it was often associated with divine commissioning. Thus, olive oil was a useful symbol in prayer for healing (James 5:14-16).

³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus and told Him about all the things they had done and taught. ³¹ Crowds of people were coming and going so that Jesus and His followers did not even have time to eat. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves, and we will go to a lonely place to get some rest.” Mark 6:30-31 (NCV)

After Jesus’ apostles had returned from their preaching and healing mission trip, they told Jesus about all they had done and taught (Mark 6:30). The disciples obeyed Jesus’ calling, and He blessed their ministry as He had promised. The Gospel of Mark uses the word “apostles” at Mark 6:30-31 and also at Mark 3:14. Apostle means “one sent” as a messenger, authorized agent, or missionary. Jesus’ Twelve disciples officially became known as apostle after His death, resurrection, and ascension (Acts 1:25-26; Ephesians 2:20). Jesus instructed the apostles to go off by themselves to a quiet place and rest awhile (Mark 6:31). Jesus said this because so many people were coming and going that Jesus and His apostles did not even have time to eat (Mark 6:31). The apostles’ mission of preaching and healing had been demanding, and they all needed time alone for physical and spiritual renewal and rest.

¹⁸ He (Jesus) told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this — that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Matthew 28:18-20 (TLB)

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible, 1988).

King James Version Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988).

KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament. Due West Campus: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary (Victor Books, 1989).

Faith In Jesus!

¹ Jesus left that part of the country and returned with His disciples to Nazareth, His hometown. ² The next Sabbath He began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. They asked, “Where did He get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” ³ Then they scoffed, “He is just a carpenter, the Son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And His sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him. ⁴ Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” ⁵ And because of their unbelief, He could not do any mighty miracles among them except to place His hands on a few sick people and heal them. ⁶ And He was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. Mark 6:1-6 (NLT)

Mark 6 begins a shift in Jesus’ public ministry. Here begins Jesus’ final extended ministry. Beginning at Mark 6:1 through Mark 9:50, Jesus and His followers will minister in a wide area well north of Jerusalem.

To begin this new section, Jesus and His disciples (followers) return to Jesus’ hometown, the city of Nazareth (Mark 6:1; see also Matthew 13:54; Luke 4:16). Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He was brought up in Nazareth located in Galilee (see Matthew 2:23; Matthew 21:11; Matthew 26:71; Mark 1:9; Luke 1:26; Luke 2:39, 51; Luke 4:16-24; John 1:45-46). The city of Nazareth was a small and insignificant village in lower Galilee. Amazingly, Nazareth is so common and ordinary that Nazareth is never mentioned in the Jewish rabbinic literature of the Mishnah and the Talmud. Even Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, does not mention Nazareth. Nazareth was a rather obscure town, nowhere mentioned in the Old Testament. The only fame of Nazareth was Jesus the Messiah (Christ)!

When the Sabbath (Saturday) had come, Jesus began teaching in the synagogue, the heart of the Jewish community (Mark 6:2; see also Matthew 13:54; Luke 4:16). Many people heard Jesus’ teaching and were amazed, saying, “Where did this Man get these teachings? What is this wisdom that has been given to Him? And where did He get the power to do miracles?” (Mark 6:2, NCV). The people were amazed and astonished at Jesus’ anointed teaching, wisdom (insight), and miracles (see also Mark 1:21-28; Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 13:54; Luke 4:18-19, 22). The people of Nazareth had previously heard all Jesus’ miracles and wisdom (John 1:19-4:42). Nevertheless, the people became upset and began to mock and reject Him (Mark 6:3). Jesus’ hometown people of Nazareth knew Him as just a carpenter (Mark 6:3; see also Matthew 13:55). After all, Jesus had been their neighbor for nearly thirty years, they had seen Jesus at work in the carpenter’s shop, and He appeared to be just another Nazarene. The people of Nazareth saw no reason to trust Jesus as their Messiah! The rejection and misunderstanding of Jesus are most evident at Mark 6:3. The people said, “He is just the carpenter, the Son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And His sisters are here with us” (Mark 6:3, NCV). The failure to mention Joseph probably indicates that he had already died. Also, the story mentions Jesus’ four half-brothers and His half-sister. The four half-brothers and two or more half-sisters were children of Joseph and Mary born after Jesus (see Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:7).

The Gospel of John states that “not even His brothers believed in Him” (John 7:5). Also, Jesus’ family resented Jesus and thought that He had lost His mind (Mark 3:21). However, the good news is that Jesus’ half-brothers eventually were born again and accepted Jesus. Jesus’ brothers were in the upper room in Jerusalem following Jesus’ ascension (return to heaven) (Acts 1:12-14). At some point, James became the lead elder in the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 15:13; Acts 21:17-18; Galatians 1:19). Eventually, James wrote the New Testament book of James and Judas, Jesus’ other half-brother, wrote the New Testament book of Jude (Mark 6:3; see also Matthew 13:55).

Like His earthly father Joseph before Him, Jesus worked as a carpenter (Mark 6:3). Possibly Jesus continued to practice His trade while traveling about teaching and healing others. Jesus certainly derived no income from His ministry. Only officials of the temple and religious courts drew salaries. The rest of the religious teachers and leaders were either independently wealthy or supported themselves through a trade or profession.

The people of Nazareth became deeply offended at Jesus (Mark 6:3). They refused to believe He was the long-awaited Christ (Messiah) and Son of the living God (Mark 1:1; see also Matthew 13:57; Matthew 16:16). One translation states that “they took offense at Him” (Mark 6:3, NIV). The word for “offense” comes from the Greek word “skandalon,” meaning a “stumbling block.” The people of Nazareth saw only a carpenter, only a Son of Mary and only another one of the village children that returned for a visit (Mark 6:3). However, Jesus' teaching and miracles clearly marked Him as different from all other people of the world. Jesus was God in flesh (see e.g., Matthew 1:21, 23; John 1:1-5, 14, 18; Romans 9:5; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15, 19; Colossians 2:9-10; Hebrews 1:3-4). Despite the unbelief Nazareth, the Holy Scriptures declare that Jesus of Nazareth is God's Son, and the Messiah sent to fulfill His promises (Mark 8:29). Jesus was certainly a “stone of stumbling” to Nazareth and many others because of their unbelief in Him (see also Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:8).

Jesus’ rejection by His hometown was His second rejection at Nazareth, the first one occurring at the beginning of His Galilean ministry (Luke 4:16-30). In Luke 4’s parallel version, the hometown people of Nazareth wanted to throw Jesus down the hill and kill Him (Luke 4:28-30). When Jesus claimed to be the long-awaited Messiah and the One the prophet Isaiah prophesied would come, those who were listening became intensely angry and literally attempted to take Jesus’ life by throwing Him over a cliff on the outskirts of Nazareth (see Luke 4:16-30).

Moreover, first-century society was very segregated, and one’s place in that society was largely established at birth. Jesus was described as a carpenter in these verses (Mark 6:3; see also Matthew 13:55). The people of Nazareth resented Jesus and were offended that He had gotten out of His place (Mark 6:3). Also at this point in Jesus’ public ministry, Jesus was a controversial itinerant (traveling) Preacher that surrounded Himself with “low lives” – fishermen, tax collectors, and women. Jesus said to the people, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family” (Matthew 13:57, NLT). Jesus said that a prophet (in other words, a worker for God) is never honored in his hometown (Mark 6:4; Luke 4:24; John 4:44). Unable to explain Jesus, the people who knew Jesus best rejected Him.

Sadly in His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus was not able to work any miracles, except to lay His hands on a few sick people and healed them (Mark 6:5; see also Matthew 13:58). Jesus’ familiarity and commonness caused the people of Nazareth to miss the Kingdom of God. Jesus was teaching effectively and wisely, but His hometown rejected His authority because they only saw Jesus as a carpenter. Thus, this small town of Nazareth missed the greatest day of their lives! Nazareth’s lack of faith in Jesus, not Jesus’ lack of supernatural power, kept Jesus from doing many miracles and gracious acts in Nazareth (Mark 6:5-6; see also Matthew 13:58). The point is not that Jesus was suddenly lacking in ability to do miracles — He does perform a few. Rather Jesus finds contempt and hardness of heart which hinders God’s supernatural power (Hebrews 3:12-14). Jesus was amazed or marveled at how many people had no faith in Him and refused to believe in Him (Mark 6:6). Only here does Mark speak of Jesus as having marveled (Mark 6:6). Instead of remaining at Nazareth, Jesus left the city of Nazareth and went to other villages in that area teaching (Mark 6:6).

¹⁴ For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Hebrews 3:14 (NLT)

The Holy Scriptures are clear that Jesus responds to our faith in God and faith in Him (e.g. see Mark 9:23; Luke 7:9; John 6:29; John 14:1). Where there is no faith, Jesus performed few miracles (Mark 6:5). Jesus performed His miracles most often in the presence of and in response to faith in Him (e.g., see Mark 5:34, 36). Lack of faith blinds people to the truth and robs them of hope. God's supernatural power is unlimited, but the true and living God has chosen to work through people of faith. God cannot work where there is no faith (Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6; see also James 1:6). That does not mean that God’s omnipotence is limited, but that God has chosen to act only in response to our faith (trust or confidence) in Him (Matthew 7:7-11; Mark 11:22-25). Even more, our faith in Jesus lets God work through us (e.g. see Matthew 8:10, 13; Matthew 9:2, 22, 28-29). The failure of God to act come from our unwillingness and hardness of heart to accept the God who comes to us as a carpenter, the Son of Mary (see Matthew 1:21, 23; John 1:1-5, 14).

²¹ Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. ²² You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:21-22 (NLT)

References

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Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

Spirit Filled Life Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991).

Word in Life Study Bible (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament. Due West Campus: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015.

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