Mark 6

Jesus teaching in synagogue in Nazareth verse 1- 3

And HE went out from thence – and came into HIS own country

and HIS disciples followed HIM

And when the Sabbath day was come

HE began to teach in the synagogue

and many hearing HIM were astonished

saying

From whence hath this man these things?

and what wisdom is this which is given unto HIM

that even such mighty works are

wrought by HIS hands?

Is not this the carpenter – the son of Mary

the brother of James – Joses – Juda – Simon?

and are not HIS sisters here with us?

AND they were offended at HIM

Jesus limited in Nazareth because of unbelief verse 4- 6

BUT Jesus said unto them – A prophet is not without honor

BUT in his own country – and among his own kin

and in his own house

AND HE could there do no mighty work

save that HE laid HIS hands upon a few sick folk

and healed them

AND HE marveled because of their unbelief

AND HE went round about the villages – teaching

Jesus sends disciples two by two verse 7- 9

And HE called unto HIM the twelve

and began to send them forth by two and two

and gave them power over unclean spirits

and commanded them that they should take nothing

for their journey save a staff only

no script – no bread

no money in their purse

BUT be shod with sandals – and not put on two coats

Jesus gives instructions to disciples verse 10- 11

HE said to them

In what place soever ye enter into an house

there abide till ye depart from that place

AND whosoever shall not receive you

nor hear you – when ye depart thence

shake off the dust under your feet

for a testimony against them

Verily I say unto you

It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah

in the day of judgment

than for that city

Disciples on the road verse 12- 13

And they went out – and preached that men should REPENT

and they cast out many devils

and anointed with oil many that were sick

and healed them

Rumors regarding identity of Jesus verse 14- 15

And king Herod heard of HIM (for HIS name was spread abroad)

and he said

That John the Baptist was risen from the dead

and therefore mighty works

do show forth themselves in him

Others said

That it is Elijah

AND others said

That it is a prophet – or as one of the prophets

Herod thought Jesus was John the Baptist verse 16

BUT when Herod heard thereof he said

It is John – whom I beheaded

he is risen from the dead

John arrested for confrontation verse 17- 20

FOR Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John

and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake

his brother Philip’s wife

for he had married her

FOR John had said unto Herod

It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife

THEREFORE Herodias had a quarrel against him

and would have killed him

but she could not

FOR Herod feared John

knowing that he was a just man and an holy

and observed him

AND when he heard him – he did many things

and heard him gladly

Herodias’ daughter dances for Herod verse 21- 23

AND when a convenient day was come

that Herod on his birthday

made a supper to his lords

high captains

chief estates of Galilee

AND when the daughter of the said Herodias came in

and danced

and pleased Herod and them that sat with him

the king said unto the damsel

Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt

and I will give it thee

AND he sware unto her

Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me

I will give it thee – unto half my kingdom

Daughter asks for head of John verse 24- 29

AND she went forth and said unto her mother

What shall I ask?

AND she said

The head of John the Baptist

AND she came in straightway with haste unto the king

and asked – saying

I will that thou give me by and by in a charger

the head of John the Baptist

AND the king was exceeding sorry

YET for his oath’s sake

and for their sakes which sat with him

he would not reject her

AND immediately the king sent an executioner

and commanded his head to be brought

and he went and beheaded him in the prison

and brought his head in a charger

and gave it to the damsel

and the damsel gave it to her mother

AND when his disciples heard of it

they came and took up his corpse

and laid it in a tomb

Jesus wants disciples to rest verse 30- 31

And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus

and told HIM all things

both what they had done

and what they had taught

And HE said to them

Come you yourselves apart into a desert place

and rest a while

FOR there were many coming and going

and they had no leisure so much as to eat

Crowd meets Jesus and HIS disciples verse 32- 34

And they departed into a desert place by ship privately

AND the people saw them departing

and many knew HIM

and ran afoot thither out of all cities

and outwent them

and came together to HIM

AND Jesus – when HE came out – saw much people

and was moved with compassion toward them

BECAUSE they were as sheep not having a shepherd

and HE began to TEACH them many things

Jesus feeds five thousand verse 35- 44

AND when the day was now far spent

HIS disciples came unto HIM

and said

This is a desert place

and now the time is far passed

Send them away – that they may go

into the country round about

and into the villages

and buy themselves bread

FOR they have nothing to eat

HE answered and said unto them

Give ye them to eat

And they said

Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread

and give them to eat?

HE said unto them

How many loaves have ye? GO and SEE

AND when they knew – they say

Five – and two fishes

AND HE commanded them to make all sit down by companies

upon the green grass

and they sat down in ranks

by hundreds – by fifties

AND when HE had taken the five loaves and the two fishes

HE looked up to heaven – and blessed – and brake the loaves

and gave them to HIS disciples to set before them

and the two fishes divided HE among them all

and they did all eat – and were filled

and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments

and of the fishes

AND they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men

Jesus prays in solitude verse 45- 46

And straightway HE constrained HIS disciples to get into the ship

and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida

while HE sent away the people

And when HE had sent them away

HE departed into a mountain to PRAY

Jesus walks on water at 3 A.M. verse 47- 48

And when even was come – the ship was in the midst of the sea

and HE alone on the land

And HE saw them toiling in rowing

for the wind was contrary unto them

AND about the fourth watch of the night

HE comes unto them

WALKING upon the sea

and would have passed by them

Disciple’s reaction to Jesus walking on water verse 49- 52

BUT when they saw HIM WALKING upon the sea

they supposed it had been a spirit

and cried out

FOR they all saw HIM

and were troubled

AND immediately HE talked with them

and said unto them

Be of good cheer

It is I

Be not afraid

AND HE went up unto them into the ship

and the wind ceased

and they were sore amazed

in themselves beyond measure

and wondered

FOR they considered not the miracle of the loaves

FOR their heart was HARDENED

Jesus in land of Genesaret verse 53- 56

And when they had passed over

they came into the land of Gennesaret

and drew to the shore

AND when they were come out of the ship

straightway they knew HIM

AND ran through that whole region round about

AND began to carry about in beds those that were sick

where they heard HE was

AND whithersoever HE entered into villages – cities – country

they laid the sick in the streets

AND besought HIM that they might touch if it were

BUT the border of HIS garment

AND as many as touched HIM

were made whole

COMMENTARY:

DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers

: 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joss, and of Judah, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at HIM. 4624 “offended” [skandalozo] means cause to sin, to be or become filled with disgust or revulsion for someone, cease believing, fall into sin, take offence, to give up his faith, or to cause to stumble.)

DEVOTION: People tend to judge us by our history. People tend to judge us by the way we dress. People tend to judge us by our family. People tend to judge us by our education. To be honest some people look at you and make a judgment that will never change no matter what happens the rest of the time they know you. It is hard to imagine that even the Son of God was judged the same way.

HE entered into the temple to teach and they could only say that HE was a carpenter. HE had no formal education that they knew about. HE was just someone in town that made things out of wood.

They were offended that that a carpenter would think that HE could teach them something. They were too educated to listen to HIM. They were of a higher social status then HIM. HE was a blue collar worker and they were white collar.

This is true today. Many times people listen to someone in a suit better than they listen to someone in blue jeans. If someone has a doctorate they need to be listened to closer than someone who just has a high school education. Our society is like the one that Jesus grew up in.

The truth is that the LORD can use the simple to confound the wise. HE can use those whose hearts are right with HIM much better than HE can use those who think they don’t need HIM.

CHALLENGE: Don’t let people put you down because you are a follower of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will give you just the right words to say when they need to be said as you depend on HIM.

DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers

: 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. (2296 “marveled” [thaumazo] means to wonder, wonder at, or to be had in admiration.

DEVOTION: Jesus returned to Nazareth. On the Sabbath day HE entered the Synagogue to teach. When HE taught the people were astonished. They didn’t understand how HE could teach so well not going to study under the scholars of the day. They didn’t understand how HE could perform miracles. They were confused. They knew HE grew up in the carpenter shop with Joseph and HIS family. They knew the other children of Mary and Joseph. They were offended that HE taught them. They were in shock. They were angry.

The LORD had returned to the city where he grew up to perform miracles. The people just looked at him and wondered where he was coming from. He was one who grew up and had his mother and brothers and sisters right there in their city. They had watched HIM for thirty years. Who did he think he was? The reaction that Jesus had to their unbelief was wonder.

They couldn’t understand what was doing on, so they rejected HIM. Because of their rejection, HE didn’t do HIS wonderful works in their city. HE only laid hands a few sick people and healed them.

HE moved on to other places and it is thought that HE never returned to Nazareth again. HE shook the dust off HIS feet when HE left that city.

HE didn’t seem to understand how people could refuse to let him work in their midst. HE told the disciples that they were to go out two by two and witness in different locations. IF the people in one location refused to hear them, they were to wipe the dust off their feet as a sign that that city was going to have a greater judgment than Sodom and Gomorrah. Nazareth seemed to fall in that category.

The disciples latter in the chapter were said to have hard hearts. They had seen all his miracles. They had seen the feeding of the five thousand and still didn’t understand who he was. Even the disciples had things to learn about belief. The LORD continued to teach them new things and they were willing to learn.

We can see the LORD working in our lives and still be hard hearted in our relationship to him. We can sometimes even seem to not believe HE can possibly change our circumstances. We could be accused of unbelief at times in our churches and in our personal lives.

Do we truly trust HIM to do great things in our lives? Can HE still do the impossible? Can HE feed, clothe and provide for our needs? Are we depending on ourselves or HIM? Is HE wondering in heaven now at our present state? Do we have a testimony of how the LORD has been working in our lives?

CHALLENGE: IF the LORD is working in your life, please share a testimony. Send it to me and I will share it with others. People need to hear how the LORD is working in our present age.

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: 12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. (3340 “repent” [metanoeo] means have a change of heart, to reconsider, turn from one’s sins, change one’s ways, or to think differently.)

DEVOTION: The disciples had been with Jesus for a short time now. They had listened to HIS preaching and teaching. They had observed HIS healing of those who were sick. They had observed how HE dealt with those who didn’t want to listen to HIM message.

Now HE was sending them out on their first outreach of the community. HE gave them special instructions. HE gave them the message they were to preach. HE gave them the power to work miracles. They were going to be able to cast out fallen angels who possessed people. They were going to be able to anoint people who were sick with oil. James said that this is the way the LORD worked when he wrote his letter to the church.

Jesus sent an instructor to every believer to help them do the things that HE did. We are to realize the power we have through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are to be reaching our community with the message of the LORD. We are to show them the power of the gospel through our ability to deal with whatever comes our way in the strength and power of the LORD.

CHALLENGE: We truly have the power through Christ who gives us strength!!! He gave it to the disciples and HE gives it to us. Do you believe it???

DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers

: 31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. (2119 “leisure” [eukaireo] means spend time, have convenient time, to give one’s time to a thing, to have opportunity, to have time, or have a good time.

DEVOTION: We have many good instructors in the Word of God teaching us that we have to have a time of separation to be alone with the LORD. We tend to keep ourselves too busy with life.

The disciples had be extra busy serving the LORD and HE invited them to go into a solitary place to get away from it all. On this occasion it didn’t work for them as once they got out of the boat there was a great crowd waiting for them.

Jesus taught them and fed them and then sent them away. Before HE sent the crowd away HE sent the disciples away on the boat for the other side of the lake.

After HE sent the crowd away HE went up into the mountain to pray. HE knew where HIS energy came from. HE wanted to communicate with HIS Father concerning what was going to happen next.

When HE was done praying, which was about three in the morning, HE walked on the water to get to the other side. HE was seen of the disciples who thought HE was a ghost and they were afraid. HE doesn’t want any of HIS disciples to be afraid.

We need to take time to be alone with the LORD often. We sometimes need to go to a cabin or a motel and have a time of prayer and fasting to ask the LORD what HE wants us to do next for HIM.

Very few pastors take this time to be alone with the LORD. Very few pastors take a sabbatical from their ministries to recharge their batteries because many church members don’t see the need for it. The problem is if the pastor is weak the congregation will be weak.

Jesus knew the disciples needed time away from ministry. We should realize it too. We should neither rust out for the LORD, nor burn out for the LORD. There is a balance that the LORD wants us to find in our life. Help your spiritual leader to find this balance.

CHALLENGE: Make sure your spiritual leader faces the fact that he needs a time to spend time alone with the LORD. Give him that time!

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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:

BODY

Chastity (Purity in living)

Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)

Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)

Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)

Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)

Jesus wants disciple to go off alone verse 31

Jesus went into mountain alone to pray verse 46

SOUL

Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)

Frugality (wise use of resources)

Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)

Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)

Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)

SPIRIT

Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)

Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)

Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)

Jesus blessed the bread and fish verse 41

Jesus goes into the mountain alone to pray verse 46

Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)

Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)

Sabbath verse 2

Synagogue verse 2

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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:

Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)

Elijah verse 15

God the Father (First person of the Godhead)

God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)

Teach in synagogue verse 2

Wisdom verse 2

Mighty works verse 2

Carpenter verse 3

son of Mary verse 3

Brother of James, Hoses, Judah, Simon verse 3

Sisters verse 3

Jesus verse 4, 30, 34

Prophet verse 4

HE states a prophet is not without honor

but in his own country and

among his own kin, and in his

own house verse 5

Healed verse 5, 56

Teaching in villages verse 6

Called the twelve disciples verse 7

sent them out two by two

gave them power over unclean spirits

Took disciples to a desert place for them

to rest verse 31

Moved with compassion verse 34

Teaching in a desert place verse 34

Feeding of five thousand men verse 35- 44

five loaves and two fishes

Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed

food

All eat and were filled

Collected twelve basket full of fragments

and of the fishes

Blessed food verse 41

Prayed on mountain side verse 46

Walked on water verse 48- 51

Disciples afraid

Jesus said “Be of good cheer; it is I,

be not afraid

Miracle of calming sea verse 51

God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)

Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)

Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)

Unclean spirits verse 7

Devils verse 13

Spirit verse 49

Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)

Sodom verse 11

Gomorrha verse 11

King Herod verse 14, 16, 17

beheaded John the Baptist

laid hold of John and bound him

in prison

Herodias: brother Philip’s wife verse 17- 29

Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)

Offended at Jesus verse 3

Unbelief verse 6

Nor hear disciples verse 11

Disciples troubled verse 50

Hard heart verse 52

Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)

Teaching verse 2, 6, 30, 34

Offend verse 3

Preach verse 12

Repent verse 12

Anoint with oil the sick verse 13

Just verse 20

Holy verse 20

Apostles verse 30

Good works verse 30

Rest verse 31

Compassion verse 34

Blessed verse 41

Pray verse 46

Good cheer verse 50

Not afraid verse 50

Israel (Old Testament people of God)

People astonished at Jesus teaching

in Synagogue verse 2

People in Synagogue offended at Jesus teaching verse 3

John the Baptist verse 14, 16- 29

Said it was not lawful for Herod to

marry Herodias

Herodias’ daughter asked for his head

Disciples buried him

Elijah verse 15

Prophets verse 15

John’s disciples verse 29

Bethsaida verse 45

Land of Gennesaret verse 53 – 56

carried those that were sick to Jesus

laid the sick in the streets

sick healed

Church (New Testament people of God)

Disciples verse 1, 35, 41, 45

Twelve verse 7

Disciples sent two by two verse 7

Disciples given power over unclean spirits verse 7, 13

Disciples were to take nothing for their journey

save a staff only, no scrip, no bread,

no money in their purse

Disciples were to shake off the dust of feet

if people would not listen to message verse 11

Disciples preaching repentance verse 12

Disciples cast out devils (demons) verse 13

and anointed with oil that were sick

Thought that John the Baptist was risen from

the dead verse 14

Apostles verse 30

People looked like sheep without shepherd verse 34

Disciples got into ship verse 45

Disciples amazed and wondered verse 51

Disciples hearts were hardened verse 52

Last Things (Future Events)

Day of Judgment verse 11

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QUOTES regarding passage

49–50 To try to rationalize this incident by suggesting that what the disciples really saw was Jesus wading through the shallows at the edge of the shore is ridiculous. Although they did not recognize him at first—they thought they had seen some sort of water spirit (v. 49)—Jesus calmed their fears with words of assurance: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (v. 50). It has sometimes been suggested that the statement “It is I” points to Mark’s understanding this incident as a theophany (cf. the “I am who I am” of Exod 3:14). It is, however, simplest and best to regard the expression as a way by which Jesus was identifying himself (“It is I—Jesus”). (Wessel, W. W. (1984). Mark. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Vol. 8, p. 676). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)

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(6:49) They supposed it had been a spirit. The word for “spirit” here is not pneuma (πνευμα), referring to a disembodied individual who had died, but phantasma (φαντασμα) “an apparition, a specter.” The word was associated with magic and charms, thus with the system of Satan. When Luke (24:37) reports the fact of our Lord’s post-resurrection appearance to the disciples, he uses the word pneuma (πνευμα), for there they thought they had seen some person come back from the dead. But to have somebody walk on the sea, that would be magic to them.

Cried out. The verb is anakrazō (ἀνακραζω) “to raise a cry from the depth of the throat, to cry out.” It was a shriek of terror, a scream.

Translation. But having seen Him walking directly upon the sea, they supposed that it was an apparition. And they screamed.

(6:50) They all saw Him and were afraid. The words “were afraid” are tarassō (ταρασσω) “to agitate, trouble, to cause one inward commotion.”

He talked with them. Matthew and John use the simple dative, “talked to them.” Mark’s expression, “with them,” is more familiar, and describes our Lord’s words as more friendly and encouraging.

Be of good cheer. It is I. Be not afraid. “Be of good cheer” is from tharseō (θαρσεω) which also means “to be of good courage.” That is exactly what the terror-stricken disciples needed. “It is I.” The pronoun is used here for emphasis. Literally, “It is I and nobody else.” “Be not afraid.” The present imperative is used, forbidding the continuance of an action already going on. It is “Stop being afraid.” They were afraid.

Translation. For they all saw Him, and were agitated. But He immediately spoke with them; and He says to them, Be of good courage. It is I. Stop being afraid. (Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Mk 6:48–50). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.)

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6:49–50a. The disciples cried out (cf. 1:23) with terror at Jesus’ appearance on the water. They thought He was a ghost (phantasma, a water phantom). Mark explained that they responded this way because they all saw Him (not a hallucination by a few) and were terrified.

6:50b–52. Immediately (euthys; cf. 1:10) Jesus calmed their fears and spoke words of reassurance. Take courage! (tharseite) Don’t be afraid (lit., “stop fearing”) are familiar Old Testament words to people in distress (cf. the LXX of Isa. 41:10, 13–14; 43:1; 44:2). The first command occurs seven times in the New Testament, always on the lips of Jesus except for Mark 10:49 (cf. Matt. 9:2, 22; 14:27; Mark 6:50; John 16:33; Acts 23:11). The words It is I (lit., “I am,” egō eimi) may simply convey self-identification (“It is I, Jesus”), but they are probably intended here to echo the Old Testament formula of God’s self-revelation: “I am who I am” (cf. Ex. 3:14; Isa. 41:4; 43:10; 51:12; 52:6).

When Jesus joined the disciples in the boat … the wind died down (ekopasen, “stopped, rested”; cf. Mark 4:39), an additional demonstration of His mastery over nature (cf. 4:35–41).

The disciples were completely amazed (existanto, lit., “out of their minds”; cf. 2:12; 5:42) among themselves at this revelation of Jesus’ presence and power. Mark alone explained (gar, for) they had not caught on to the meaning of the loaves miracle (cf. 6:35–44) as a pointer to His true identity. So they did not recognize Him when He walked on the water; they were spiritually imperceptive (cf. 3:5). (Grassmick, J. D. (1985). Mark. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 131–132). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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The stilling of the storm (vv. 45–56). A number of miracles were involved in this event: Jesus walking on the water, Peter walking on the water (Mark did not record this; see Matt. 14:28–32), Jesus stilling the storm, and the boat arriving on shore the instant Jesus entered it (John 6:21). It was certainly a “night of wonders” for the Twelve!

Why did Jesus compel His disciples to leave? Because the crowd was getting restless, and there was danger they might start a popular uprising to make Jesus King (John 6:14–15). The Twelve were not ready to face this kind of test, because their ideas of the kingdom were still too national and political.

There was a second reason: He wanted to teach them a lesson on faith that would help prepare them for the work that lay ahead of them after He was gone. The disciples had just completed a very successful mission, healing the sick and preaching the Gospel. They had shared in the miraculous feeding of 5,000 people. They were on a “spiritual high” and this in itself was dangerous. It is good to be on the mountaintop if you don’t get careless and step off a cliff.

Spiritual blessings must be balanced with burdens and battles; otherwise, we may become pampered children instead of mature sons and daughters. On a previous occasion, Jesus had led His disciples into a storm following an exciting day of teaching (Mark 4:35–41). Now, after a time of miraculous ministry, He again led them into a storm. In the Book of Acts, it is interesting to note that the “storm” of official persecution began after the disciples had won 5,000 people to Christ (Acts 4:1–4). Perhaps while they were in confinement, the Apostles recalled the storm that followed the feeding of the 5,000, and they must have encouraged themselves with the assurance that Jesus would come to them and see them through.

Each new experience of testing demands of us more faith and courage. In that first storm experience, the disciples had Jesus in the boat with them; but this time, He was on the mountain praying for them. He was teaching them to live by faith. (For that matter, even when He was in the ship with them, they were still afraid!) The scene illustrates the situation of God’s people today: We are in the midst of this stormy world, toiling and seemingly ready to sink, but He is in glory interceding for us. When the hour seems the darkest, He will come to us—and we will reach shore!

The waves that frightened the disciples (including the fishermen in the group) were only stairsteps to bring the Lord Jesus to them. He waited until their situation was so desperate that they could do nothing to help themselves. But why did He act as though He would pass them by? Because He wanted them to recognize Him, trust Him, and invite Him into the ship. They did not recognize Him, but instead screamed with fear because they thought He was a ghost!

Jesus reassured them with His word: “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50, nasb). At this point, Peter asked Jesus to let him walk on the water; but Mark omits this detail. Tradition says that Mark wrote as Peter’s spokesman, so perhaps Peter was reticent to include this experience lest it give people the wrong impression. It is easy to criticize Peter for sinking—but have you ever gotten out of the boat yourself?

The disciples had failed their test because they lacked spiritual insight and receptive hearts. The miracle of the loaves and fishes had made no lasting impression on them. After all, if Jesus could multiply food and feed thousands of people, then surely He could protect them in the storm. Even a disciple of Jesus Christ can develop a hard heart if he fails to respond to the spiritual lessons that must be learned in the course of life and ministry.

As you review these two miracles, you see that Jesus Christ brings provision and protection. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want … I will fear no evil” (Ps. 23:1, 4). If we trust Him, we will always have sufficiency and security, no matter what the situation might be. The important thing is that we trust Him.

Mark closed this section on a positive note as he described the people who brought their sick for Jesus to heal. These people had faith and their faith was rewarded. This scene is in contrast to that in Nazareth where very few were healed because the people lacked faith. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 132–133). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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walking on the water. Here is another miracle showing Jesus’ control over creation. Hurtado (1989:103) notes this as the second sea miracle in Mark (4:35–41; cf. Job 9:8; Ps 77:19, which speak of God possessing such power). Jesus was crossing the lake more easily on foot than the men were by using the oars. (Turner, D., & Bock, D. L. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (p. 455). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.)

Once again Jesus showed his power over creation and astounded the disciples who were still trying to grasp Jesus’ identity. Jesus’ walk on the water startled them and caught them unprepared, as it would most anyone. The disciples thought he was an apparition or spirit (phantasma [5326, 5753]). In Jewish thought, such a being might be perceived as a demon, often associated with the sea and chaos (Hurtado 1989:106). Even more mysterious, the text says that Jesus’ initial intent was simply to walk past the boat over to the other side. Only the disciples’ reaction stopped him. Some scholars understand Jesus’ wanting to pass them by as being like God’s “passing by” Moses (Exod 33:17–34:8; Marcus 2000:426). This idea of divine revelation can be affirmed by Jesus’ statement in 6:50—egō eimi (see note). Jesus responded to the disciples’ cry and revealed himself to them. He had placed himself in a position to encourage them if they sought his aid and could understand his power. Two Old Testament figures, Moses and Elijah, are associated with miraculous events concerning water (Exod 14:21–22; 2 Kgs 2:8). However, both of these were partings of the water; Jesus’ act was without precedent. (Turner, D., & Bock, D. L. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (pp. 455–456). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.)

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Ver. 49. But when they saw him walking on the sea, &c.] See the note on Matt. 14:26. they supposed it had been a spirit; a phantom, a spectre, an apparition, a nocturnal demon: and cried out; as men affrighted at the sight, and fearing they should be hurt by it, or that it portended some evil to them; see the note, as before.

Ver. 50. For they all saw him, and were troubled, &c.] Had it been only seen by one, it might have been thought a fancy, and the effect of mere imagination; but as every one saw it, it was out of all doubt that so it was, and which gave them the greater concern: and immediately he talked with them; as soon as they saw him, that very moment, as the Syriac renders it; that so by hearing his voice their fears might be allayed: and saith unto them, be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid; see the note on Matt. 14:27. (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 428). London: Mathews and Leigh.)

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FROM MY READING:

And there you have it — anyone who has ever believed that homosexuality is morally problematic in any way must now offer public repentance and evidence of having “evolved” on the question. This is the language that President Obama used of his own “evolving” position on same-sex marriage. This is what is now openly demanded of Christians today. If you want to avoid being thrown off the program, you had better learn to evolve fast, and repent in public.

This is precisely what biblical Christians cannot do. While seeking to be gentle in spirit and ruthlessly Gospel-centered in speaking of any sin, we cannot cease to speak of sin as sin. To do so is not only to deny the authority of Scripture, not only to reject the moral consensus of the saints, but it undermines the Gospel itself. The Gospel makes no sense, and is robbed of its saving power, if sin is denied as sin. …. (Albert Mohler.com)

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Senior Pastor

__________ Bible Church is seeking an enthusiastic cultivating Pastor to be our spiritual leader and to grow our congregation. Our Church is committed to leading people to a fuller, deeper relationship with God. We are small in numbers with limited resources and realize the need to grow. _________ Bible Church is a small country church with a big heart. We are a nondenominational, Bible Believing, Bible Teaching church nestled between _______,and ______. We seek to honor and glorify God in everything that we do. God’s Holy Word – The Bible serves as the standard for our beliefs. The Church is debt free and we own our own building. We maintain a diverse missions program, Sunday school and reach the local community through various outreach ministries.

Our Church is praying for a spiritual shepherd with a heart for people and ministry. He must be of godly character, called of God to be a Pastor and exhibiting the biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9. The Pastor will oversee the Church and lead by example. He is to be a man strong in prayer and faith as he continuously pursues God’s wisdom and direction in all areas of ministry and service. We desire a young at heart, energetic man who is capable of reaching out to the young and older alike. He should be able to lead and disciple others toward salvation and spiritual growth. He

will be a servant leader and preach the Word of God with passion and confidence. He will have well-developed skills in the areas of administration, leadership, communication and organization. Duties include:

· Preaching the Word of God;

· Teaching an adult Bible study;

· Counseling and general pastoral care as needed.

This is a part-time position with the opportunity for increased compensation/benefits as the local Church grows.

After reflecting on our job advertisement and considering it in prayer, if you feel God leading you to apply, please submit your cover letter, resume and Philosophy of Ministry Statement to THIS WEBSITE. This church is located in Western New York.

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How strange it seems at first to read that “He could do no mighty work there,” and that because of their unbelief. There is a sense in which man’s lack of faith shackles divine omnipotence. God has chosen to do for those who believe what, in the very nature of things. He cannot do consistently for those who spurn His Word. The people of Nazareth shut the door of blessing in their own faces by refusing to trust the carpenter as the Anointed of Jehovah. (June 28, The Continual Burnt Offering, H.A. Ironside)

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The RADICAL PURSUIT of REST by John Koessler

We can aspire to anything but we cannot do just anything. We do not all have the same abilities. Even among those of us who have ability, we do not all have the same opportunity or calling. God plays a role. He has “arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (I Cor. 12: 18). This seems to be as true of external circumstances as it is of our abilities. (p. 84)

Ambition likes to keep company with pride and envy. …. Pride has a particular affinity with envy. Pride is happiest when it provokes envy in others. Envy is pride’s cry of affront when it feels that it has been bested. (p. 86)

Envy is explicitly linked with “selfish ambition” in James 3:14. This form of ambition is a collective sin as much as it is a sin of the individual. It speaks of an ambition born of rivalry. On an individual level sinful ambition is self-seeking, attempting to get the advantage over others. Within the community it expresses itself in factions or partisanship. Across different communities it is the spirit that is driven to increase market share at the expense of others. (p. 87)

Skye Jethani observes that the cultural shift from manufacturing goods to manufacturing brands has transformed North American Christianity form a faith of substance to a faith of style and perception. “Two generations ago when denominational loyalty was high, a church was chosen primarily based on the doctrinal beliefs it espoused,” Jethani explains. Today, the music style used in worship is the issue of paramount importance when choosing a church.”

This blending of spiritual narcissism with religious capitalism also affects the way churches view their mission and their members. Mission is confused with marketing. Souls turn into prospects. Members are treated like distributors whose job is to promote the corporate brand through multilevel marketing. But the brand is not the gospel. The brand is the church itself and often the pastor. (p.89)

On the surface it might appear that this is exactly what the church should do. After all, aren’t we trying to make the world aware of its need for Jesus Christ? But the trouble with the Jesus brand is that the gospel is fundamentally incompatible with the marketplace culture. The basic rule of the marketplace is that the customer is king. The message of the gospel is antithetical to such thinking because the rule of the gospel is that Christ is king. Jesus Christ did not come merely to improve our lives but to take possession of them. He has no product to peddle and will not place himself on the market. (p. 90)

The church that places itself on the market is a prostitute. (p 91)

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Old Testament WORDS for Today by Warren W. Wiersbe

It’s possible for churches and individual Christians today to duplicate the mistakes the people of Judah made. We can close our eyes to our condition, listen to false counsel, and invite the discipline of the Lord. (p. 138)

In the Hebrew text of Jeremiah, the word translated return is used over one hundred times – ten times in chapter 3 alone. People who backslide don’t’ suddenly fall into traps; they turn their backs on the Lord and gradually move away from his will and his fellowship. (p. 138-9)

The Great Physician is always available. His diagnosis is always correct, his treatments always work – and he makes house calls. And by the way, he has already paid the bill. (p. 139)

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Galatians 5

As Christians walk by the Spirit, they will manifest His characteristics.
INSIGHT

As Paul teaches in Romans 7, a civil war rages within every child of God. The opposing forces are the power of the flesh and the power of the Spirit. Paul refers to these as the “outer man” and the “inner man.” What is at stake is the control of the child of God. As we yield ourselves to the control of the Spirit, then love, joy, peace, patience, etc., begin to take root and bear fruit in our lives. As we yield ourselves to the control of our unrighteous promptings, then anger, jealousy, impurity, etc., begin to take root and bear fruit in our lives. We must yield our “members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Romans 6:13) and begin to taste of the fruit of God. (Quiet Walk)

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Churches whose doors are closed to evangelists are barricading themselves not against men but against God and His blessing. (p. 50)

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Evangelism is the task of every believer. However justified lay institutes of evangelism may be, however appropriate studies of effective evangelistic techniques, they must never become a stop-gap that dilutes the evangelistic zeal of ordinary Christians by suggesting that they have been inadequately equipped by the Holy Spirit for an empowered witness to Jesus Christ. (p.51) (Evangelicals At The Brink of Crisis by Carl F. H. Henry)

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CHILDREN OF GOD

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1 John 3:1
How have we become children of God? John answers in this way: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” This is a very interesting way of putting it. John does not merely say that God has shown His love to us, nor that He has revealed it or manifested it or indicated it. He does not merely say that God loves us, though He does love us and He has shown and displayed His love to us. “Yes,” says John, “but He has gone further—He has bestowed His love upon us.” Now that means there is a sense in which God has put His love into us, implanted Himself if you like, infused or injected His love within us, and we must emphasize that because what really matters is the word that, which should be translated “in order that.” “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, in order that we may become, be made, the children of God”; that is what John actually says.
In other words, what really makes us children of God is that God has put His own life into us. God’s nature is love, and He has put His nature into us so that we have the love of God. We cannot be children of God if we are not like God; the child is like the parent, the offspring proclaims the parentage, and God in that way makes us His children. He puts His own nature into us, and we become His children, and that nature that is in God is in us, and it is acting and manifesting and expressing itself. Paul says that “the love of God…is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost” (Romans 5:5).
A Thought to Ponder: What really makes us children of God is that God has put His own life into us. (From Children of God, pp. 16-17, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

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Out of the Ivory Palaces
“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” (Psalm 45:8)
Psalm 45 is one of the Messianic psalms, quoted as such in Hebrews 1:8-9. The section so quoted (vv. 6-7), which immediately precedes our text, begins with one Person of the Godhead addressing the Messiah also as “God,” whose throne is eternal. Then, He says, “Oh God, . . . thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” The “oil of gladness” was the holy oil used for the anointing of priests and kings and was compounded of a mixture of spices that included myrrh and cassia (Exodus 30:22-25). Since the Messiah had been anointed to be “above his fellows” (first as High Priest, then as King of kings), “all his garments” would bear the sweet aroma of the holy ointment.
At the birth of Christ, His garments were “swaddling clothes,” and the gifts of the eastern wise men included a supply of myrrh and frankincense (Luke 2:7; Matthew 2:11). At His death, they gave Him to drink “wine mingled with myrrh [and] . . . parted his garments” (Mark 15:23-24). Then once again His body was wrapped in linen clothes and anointed with myrrh and aloes (John 19:39-40) for His burial.
The psalmist sees Christ (i.e., “Messiah,” both Greek and Hebrew titles meaning “the Anointed One”) emerging triumphantly from the “ivory palaces.” These mansions with their ivory walls and pearly gates are of shimmering white beauty in the distant heavenly city that will someday descend to Earth (Revelation 21:2, 10-21).
The Lord descended once from these ivory palaces to take on human flesh in Mary’s womb, thence to a burial in Joseph’s tomb. But someday He will again come forth, anointed as eternal King, and then “shall the people praise thee for ever and ever” (Psalm 45:17). (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)

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There must be open recognition, however, that contemporary Christian dare not try to work and witness for God as if they still lived in “a pre-radio, pre-television, pre-electronic era. (p. 44)

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Dr. Billy Graham reports that proportionately more people will respond to the Gospel on television than to any other means of communication. (p. 44)

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On the basis of church statistics, say, William R. Bright, president of Campus Crusade for Christ, it takes six pastors and one thousand laymen in the United States to introduce one person to Jesus Christ in an entire year. (p. 49)

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Churches whose doors are closed to evangelists are barricading themselves not against men but against GOD and His blessing. (p 50)

(Evangelicals At the Brink of Crisis by Carl F. H. Henry)

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DAILY HOPE

Today’s Scripture

Exodus 28-29

“Clothes make the person”, is a cliché that is not always true anymore. I was speaking to an executive in a large business who stated that he would not hire a person who came to an interview with unpolished shoes. An associate Pastor once stated that he would check my suit pockets and tie before we went to the platform to ensure they looked appropriate. Everything speaks to an audience.

Exodus 28 instructs Moses specifically how the priest’s garments were to be fashioned for service. Gifted artisans, filled with the Spirit, were to make the articles for the priests to do their duties before the Lord. The expensive garments were intricately prepared so Aaron and his sons could fully represent the tribes of Israel.

Skilled mason workers carved the names of the tribes into two stones and placed one on each shoulder of the priest. This signified his responsibility of bringing the personal and national sins before the Lord. Precious stones engraved with the names of the tribes were to be sewn into the breastplate worn by the high priest over his heart as a memorial of the tribes. Each time Aaron entered the Holy place he carried the nation of Israel with him.

After all the garments were completed, Aaron and his sons were then brought before the Lord. Sacrifices of animals and cleansing by water was done for them so they could be set apart to minister in the tabernacle. They were sprinkled with blood from the sacrifices so they would be covered and have atonement in God’s presence. Each day the priest was to serve the Lord and to present offerings to Him on behalf of the people.

Today, believers are daily to be set apart to the Lord, not to offer sacrifices, but to give to Him our prayers and worship. Each day we are called to represent God to an unsaved world with our time, gifts, and talents.

Expectant Hope, Pastor Miller

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