Persevering Through Trials
Mark 6

Our perception of Jesus’ ministry is often surreal – like scenes from a stained-glass window. The reality is more down-to-earth. Rejection and danger surrounded Him, but did not curtail His work. Mark 6 contains six vignets from Jesus’ ministry. Together, they can help us trust in Him, even when trials come.

Lessons from Mark so far…
Chapter 1: Jesus is the prophesied Messiah-King!
Chapter 2: Jesus heals both physical and spiritual sickness.
Chapter 3: The growth of Jesus’ kingdom cannot be stopped!
Chapter 4: As Jesus’ kingdom grows, storms will come.
Chapter 5: Jesus has power over demons, sickness, and death.

Mark 6: Persevering Through Trials
• Rejection in His homsetown (1-6)

• Sending out His disciples (7-13)

• John the Baptist beheaded (14-29)

• Jesus feeds the multitude (30-44)

• Jesus walks on water (45-52)

• Jesus heals the masses (53-56)


Jesus’ Example For Those Who Face Persecution 
 
 “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.”
Jesus, walking on the Sea of Galilee; Mark 6:50

For Further Study

1. Let’s take a few minutes with each of the six ‘scenes’ recorded in Mark 6, beginning with Jesus’ rejection in His hometown (1-6). What is the result of their unbelief? While Jesus’ power is unlimited, how can our lack of faith limit its affect in our lives?

2. What are some reasons why Jesus sent out the disciples (7-13)? Why did He want them to go two by two, and to take no extra supplies? As they preached the gospel of the kingdom (that the Messiah was here!) and called on people to repent, what did it mean to “shake off the dust” from places where people rejected their message?

3. Mark recounts the beheading of John in detail (14-29). Imagine a highly respected and followed Christian leader being put to death in this way today. Actually, this kind of thing happens every day in countries around the world. Go online to Voice of the Martyrs website (www.persecution.com), read or watch the accounts of some who are suffering, and pray for them.

4. The story of the feeding of the multitude (30-44) illustrates that even when Jesus wanted to be alone, crowds found Him! How does He respond to them (34)? Jesus said “You feed them” to the disciples (37), what was He trying to teach them about who He was, and what He could do (see v52 as well)?

5. The episode of walking on the water and calming the winds at sea (45-52) further highlights Jesus’ power. What part of this story does Mark omit (see Matt 14:28-31)? Once again, Jesus is seeking to teach His disciples a practical lessons which they will need to apply in future ministry. What are they?

6. The final scene recorded in Mark 6 illustrates Jesus’ awesome power, and the immense impact He had wherever He went, to anyone who reached out to Him. How is this a metaphor for our lives? If we reach out to Him, what can He do for us? 

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