Ministry Lessons (Mark 6:1-56)

(This is supplement 5 to the #mkbiblechat study taking place every Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, 6:30 Pacific USA. Pastor Mike is teaching the Gospel of Mark on Twitter. Click here for class schedule and links to the notes. Click here to follow Pastor Mike on Twitter.)

MINISTRY AT HOME

"'Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?'" (Mark 6:2b)

Without question Jesus is the Professor here (capital "P") and everyone else is the students. (Mark 6:1-6) He is working incredible wonders. "But He can't be the Messiah. You see, we knew Him when he was growin up." People who know the "real you" will be the hardest to reach.

MINISTRY OF THE TWELVE

Jesus instructs the Twelve on how to approach this particular outreach. (Mark 6:8-11) He gives them power, specific details on what to bring, what to do, how to respond to particular circumstances, etc. How often have I (you) "figured out" the outreach approach and then asked God to bless it?

It is important to evaluate ministry after the fact. (Mark 6:30) Praise reports are a part of it. Asking questions (like: How can we do better next time?) are, too. It's also important to take time to rest/re-energize. (Mark 6:31-32) Ministers can tend to burn the candle on both ends?!

JOHN'S LAST DAYS OF MINISTRY

Some people develop grudges against the minister in their lives (like Herodias). (Mark 6:19) "How dare a preacher say that!" (Mark 6:17-18) They would have the "voice of God" silenced (like Herodias) and will do it. (Mark 6:24-28)

The awakening and pointing out of sin in our lives needs to be welcomed with open arms, longed for, sought out.

FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND

This is the climax miracle found in all four Gospels. (Mark 6:33-44; Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:1-14) The feeding of the four thousand in comparison is found in only two. (Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9)

Jesus declares, "You give them something to eat!" to the disciples. (Mark 6:35-37) The church is called to meet physical needs, too, along with spiritual (Not the State!)

Alfred Edersheim: "The only reason which can be assigned for the miracle of [Jesus'] feeding the five thousand was that of all His working: Man's need, and, in view of it, the stirring Pity and Power that were in [Christ.]"

Jesus asks, "How many loaves do you have? Go look!" (Mark 6:38) They find a lad's lunch ~ five loaves and two fish. (John 6:9) How do they find it in such a large crowd? I think the young boy finds them. He's a very important boy whose mother used to pack extra in his school lunch box because he always liked to share with the needy kids at school? :)

The significance of the 12 baskets left over? (Mark 6:43) One for each disciple!

HARASSED AT SEA

Is this the same instance as when Peter walks on water with Christ? It is! (Matthew 14:28-31) Peter's "walk" is not recorded in Mark (nor in John, the other parallel account). Why? My answer: Because Peter's a different man as he's dictating this Gospel to Mark. He won't use it to bring attention to himself?

This is a story about a ministry let down. "Harassed at rowing." (Mark 6:48) A time of harassment often follows after ministry success (and before ministry success, too, for that matter!). Feeding of the five thousand, then harassed at sea. Preachers are notorious for not letting on that they have let downs.

HEALINGS AT GENNESARET

The land of Gennesaret was on the west shore of the Lake of Galilee. (Mark 6:53) Sometimes the Lake of Galilee was called the Lake of Gennesaret. (Luke 5:1)

Jesus' physical healings (Mark 6:56) are representative of what He can do spiritually. (See Healing of the Paralytic in Mark 2:9-11.) Jesus still heals both body and soul.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. King Herod's wife, Herodias, holds a grudge against John the Baptist (Mark 6:19) because he keeps telling her husband he is sinning by being married to her. (Mark 6:18) Describe what it means to hold a grudge. Have you ever known anyone who held one?

2. Have you ever been ill received by a family member, relative, friend or someone else because of your faith ~ because they knew the "real you"? (Mark 6:1-4)

3. Jesus feeds the five thousand in Mark 6:33-44. (It may have been upwards of 15,000 counting women and children.) Read the passage and come up with what you see as one of the main truths.

4. It takes some people longer to learn their lessons. (Mark 6:52) Why do you think that is? Do you learn quickly?