The Gospel According to Mark: Jesus the Suffering Servantنموونە

Back in chapter 4, Jesus taught with simple images (seeds and light), then he performed a cosmic miracle (calmed a storm while at sea). Something like that happens in chapter 6, too, but this time with an added layer of awesomeness.

First, Jesus fed people with simple food (bread and fish), but the number of people he fed was outrageous: thousands.

Then Jesus performed a cosmic miracle (calmed a storm while at sea), but first he did something just as unbelievable: walked on water.

That’s a good picture of our relationship with Jesus. As we learn more about him, we’ll continue to see and be aware of more wonderful and amazing things. As we follow him more closely, he’ll do more amazing and wonderful things in our lives — mostly in how he transforms our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

The disciples were “totally amazed” by Jesus (6:51). But “their hearts were too hard” to see and understand who he was and what he was doing (6:52). We must be careful or we’ll be like the disciples — seemingly “all in” but actually wavering.

Focused Reflection

Mark 6:1-29

verses 30-44 (Jesus feeds thousands)

• Imagine being one of the people in the crowd. How would you have responded to what happened? Why?
• Imagine being one of the disciples. How would you have responded to Jesus’ words (verses 37-38), actions (verses 39-41a), and instructions (verse 41b)? Why?

Verses 45-52 (Jesus walks on water and calms a storm)

• Think of a circumstance in life where you especially need to hear Jesus say: “Don’t be afraid. Take courage! I am here!” Put your experiences, feelings, and Jesus’ response into a prayer. Write it in your journal. Pray regularly.

General Reflection

• What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?
• What do you learn about following Jesus from this passage?

Extra Info

• The imagery of God as a shepherd​ and people as sheep was well known in Jesus’ time. It goes all the way back to Genesis 48:15 when Jacob said that God had been his shepherd all his life. And Psalm 23 begins: “The LORD is my shepherd ... ”
• The Sea of Galilee​ — often just called “the lake” in the gospels — hasn’t changed much since Jesus’ time. It is 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, below sea level, and surrounded by hills. Fierce storms are common because of the geography.
• John the Baptist​ was Jesus’ cousin. Jesus probably wanted to be alone to pray (verse 46) after hearing about John’s death.