Gospel of Mark continued

 1. 12 . . . The number twelve is considered to be the number of government rule...Even we use 12 people on a jury for decision-making, and have 12 months in our calendar. In the Bible, twelve appears in 12 children of Jacob, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of the Lamb, 12 gates of the holy city (Rev 21:12), 12 foundations to the holy city, 12 thrones (Mt 19:28), In pairs because there is great strength spiritually, agreement Matt. 18:19; encouragement in the face of trials, greater power to stand against the enemy and temptation, etc.

 2.Jesus gave them the power from the Holy Spirit He had. Acts 1:8 

3. To preach repentance (v12), to cast out demons, to heal the sick (v13). 

4.No, because in Luke 10:1-24, Jesus gives similar power to 70 of His disciples and they have similar instructions and results. This kind of impartation of power was also done by Moses in Numbers 11:16-29. Power was imparted to believers, not just apostles, through the Holy Spirit's anointing. (See the anointing of 120 Acts 1:14-15, 2:1-4 ,Stephen, not an apostle Acts 6:8) 

5. This was to be a journey of faith for them. Jesus wanted them to see that God would supply every need they had. He wanted to teach them they could rely on the Lord to take care of them. Also Matt. 10:10 states "the workman is worthy of his hire." The apostles were going to do a work in the town or village that would be much more valuable than what the village could give them. 

6. A rod or stout stick used for walking, as a weapon, protection against snakes, etc, guiding Psalm 23:4, Ex 12:11, Gen 32:10, a symbol of authority, Isa 14:5. Carved with symbols, it also could act as a record of events in a person's life and as an identification. Gen 38:25

 7. To aid them on their journey. The Word of God could be considered our staff, because it is a record of man's spiritual history, and the Word acts as a help on our walk and a protection from sin's attack.

 8. By reputation. 9. Healing of any and all in the home who needed it Luke 10:9. 

LESSON 79 - Mark 6:11 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 Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 

It is a very serious thing to dishonor the messengers of God and to refuse the message of God. It will bring harsh judgment upon those who reject God, for that is really what they are doing. "It shall be more tolerable..." 

Just recently, I again heard someone say, "All sin is the same." This is not true. Some sins are worse than others and this passage in Mark 6 supports that. Even our laws give different punishments for different crimes, showing that some sins are worse than others. 

There are other scriptures that also support this. James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (KJV says "greater condemnation") Matt 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Matt 11:22 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. Isa 40:2 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins. John 19:11 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. Ex 32:30 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. 31And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 

 LESSON 80 - Mark 6:14-29 

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 shew forth themselves in him. 15Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. 16But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. 17For 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. 18For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. 19Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: 20For 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. 21And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; 22And 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. 23And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 24And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25And 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. 26And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. 27And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. 29And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. 

There are several "Herods" in the New Testament. 

First there was Herod the great, son of Antipater. At 25, he was made governor of Galilee and king of Judea. He was ruling when Jesus was born and when the wisemen came to inquire where the King of the Jews was. To escape Herod's attempt to kill the Christ Child, Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Matt 2:1-19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.

 Herod the great's son, Herod Antipas, took the throne after his father's death and reigned. This is the Herod spoken of in Mark 6:14, who killed John the Baptist. 

Later, there was Herod Agrippa (Acts 12), who was grandson of Herod the great and nephew of Herod Antipas, and then he was followed by his son, Herod Agrippa II, mentioned in Acts 25:13,26:32. Herod Antipas had heard of the fame and miracles of Jesus, perhaps from the conversation and questions of his servants. Matt 14:2 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Herod desired to see Jesus. Luke 9:9, 23:8-9 Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; 8And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. 9And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him. Herod met Him at Jesus' trial several years perhaps after John the Baptist's death: Lk 23:8-9 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 

Strange that though Herod desired to see Jesus do a miracle, he never made an attempt to follow through. By the grace of God, Light came to the palace several times, to his father, Herod the great, when Jesus was born, to the son Herod Antipas, when John the Baptist talked with him and again to him when Jesus was arrested. Yet Herod Antipas did not seek answers. He didn't want to know the truth. A few simple questions would have given the information as to Who Jesus really was, but Herod didn't seek the truth. He chose to reject the light and remain in spiritual darkness.

 Our choices are very important and could make all the difference in our future, as his choices shaped his future. Herod respected John the Baptist (v 20) and had conversations with him, even though he had had John arrested. Herod's unlawful wife, Herodias, hated John for his opposition of her marriage to Herod and wanted to get rid of him. So she devised a plan to get Herod to kill John, as stated in Mark 6:21-28. Herod made an unwise and careless statement in v 22, but the problem came when he swore (gave his word in front of witnesses) that the girl could have anything she wanted, which led to John's murder. Herod didn't want to lose face in front of all his high officials and military leaders, so he had John killed. John the Baptist's disciples claimed his body and gave it burial. (v 29) They honored the man he was and the life he lived. 

That's what a funeral should be: a celebration of the life of the departed person. When you come to your time to depart this earth, what will your friends and family say about how you lived your life? Will you have left a testimony of light or darkness, of following Satan or following the Lord? It's all about choices. 

LESSON 81 MARK 6:30-34

30And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31And 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. 32And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 33And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. 34And 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.

Verse 30 picks up the story, beginning at verse 7 and ending at v13, about Jesus sending the 12 apostles out into the villages and towns to cast out demons, heal, preach the Word of God, etc. The apostles returned and gave Jesus a report of what had happened, what they had done and what they had taught. Notice the two aspects of their ministry, the Word and their works. Their works confirmed the power of the Word they preached. This happened over and over. 

Luke 10:17-21 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. . . v21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. Mk 16:20 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.

Come apart or fall apart: 31And he said unto them, Come yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: 

Notice Jesus had his followers leave the crowds. He knew they needed rest. We all need some quiet time, just us and the Lord, after an extended time of ministering to people. Sometimes we think we must go on and on without regard for health, but the Lord does not teach that. Here, He addresses the need to care for the physical body and for the emotions.

Principle: Your body is the Lord's and, therefore, it should be taken care of properly.

Verse 33: Notice the response of the people who followed Jesus. Some knew Him, knew His habits, knew His favorite places, so they followed Him. In fact, some guessed where He was going and ran to the place, outdistancing the others who were also following. 

John 6:2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. This group wanted to be near Him because of what He could do. Verse 34: Jesus began to teach them more about the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:11) In Matt 14:14, it also says He healed their sick. Here again is an example that miracles and the Word go together.

"Sheep without a shepherd" No sheep should be without a shepherd. Sheep will go astray and get in danger without leadership. In the same way, believers need a shepherd, a pastor, to protect them from the enemy and to keep them going in the right direction. If you don't have a church home, begin to ask the Lord to lead you to the one He wants you to attend and serve Him in.

LESSON 82 Mark 6:35-38

35And 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: 36Send 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. 37He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat.

Here is a situation where the disciples suggested that Jesus stop teaching. (Lk 9:11-12 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: (They followed Him, because of the great miracles He did. Jn 6:2) and he received them, and spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. (This showed Jesus' compassion for the people.) 12And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.)

The disciples wanted Him to instruct the crowd of thousands (some estimates place the crowd numbers at 10,000 including women and children) to get some food from the closest villages. They had compassion on the people. 

However, Jesus basically said there was no need for the people to leave, that the disciples could provide food for them. (Mt 14:16) "You give them food." The disciples had learned compassion, now they needed to learn a lesson of faith.

"You give them to eat." Jesus was commanding the disciples to provide the food. His order included the power to accomplish it. The Word of God always contains the power that, when mixed with faith, can accomplish whatever the Word has said. Jesus was saying that the disciples had the authority to ask for a miracle from the heavenly Father for the people. Their next step was to mix that authority with faith. Faith was a seed in them, but it needed to grow.

Matt 17:18-20 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

 Lk 17:5-6 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6And the Lord said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Jesus said even a tiny bit of faith is a powerful force when based on the Word of God. Jesus wanted the disciples to start using their faith in a new way. Until this time, they had done certain kinds of miracles, casting out demons, healing the sick, etc. Jesus wanted that faith to transfer to a creative miracle, where there is no seed or starter, but is generated from faith alone, in accordance with the authority He had given them.

The disciples' responses: And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? If the accounts of this conversation in the other gospels (Mt 14:13-21,Lk 9:10- 17, Jn 6:5-13) are compared very carefully, we find that, when Jesus saw the multitude, He first asked Philip, "From where shall we buy bread that these may eat?" 5When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

This was an opportunity for Philip to say, "We can ask God to do a miracle," but he didn't. He failed to let his faith rise up and speak. If he had remembered the manna and quail from God provided to the children of Israel in their need (Exodus 16:4,12 13), or if he had remembered when Elijah was fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:1- 6), Philip could have prayed for God to do a similar thing for him, but he didn't. 

When we need a miracle or an answer, we first need to build our faith by remembering what wonderful things God has done in the past. " He changes not." He does wonderful things today as well.

Philip should have realized that Jesus was already in agreement for a miracle by what He had said. Philip resorted to giving an account of their lack. 

Principle: Never focus on your lack. Focus on what God has said in reference to your situation and what He has done in the past to provide for you and others.

Philip said we don't have enough money. What he should have said is "I don't have enough faith." He basically said, "I can't." Philip was a practical-minded person. He still thought in the natural, not the spiritual. He didn't recognize this as an opportunity to excel in faith (remember the disciples had asked for their faith to be increased and here was an opportunity to see that request answered). It was their chance to do a creative miracle, providing food for this hungry crowd. 

Philip didn't see God bigger than his problem. He was staring at the impossible, not believing in the God Who does things that are impossible in anyone else's eyes. I am convinced that if Philip had held up an empty basket and asked God to fill it with food till all the people were fed, God would have done it.

LESSON 83 Mark 6:38

Having given the disciples a chance to step up to a higher level of faith in doing a creative miracle, to which they did not respond properly, Jesus followed with giving them an opportunity to do a miracle of multiplication, in which they would have something physical, a "seed", to start with. 16But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; Jesus repeats His command, "give you them to eat."

The disciples still don't understand what He's telling them, so Jesus sends them to survey the crowd. Mk6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have you? Go and see. The disciples canvassed the thousands in the crowd to see if anyone had bread.

Andrew came back with some news, but no faith. Jn 6:8-9 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto Him, 9There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

 Andrew could have said, "Let me ask God to use these loaves and fishes to make an abundance of food to feed this hungry crowd." But he didn't, although he knew the Old Testament story about manna from heaven. Another lost opportunity!

If Andrew had remembered God's miracle provision for the widow of Zarepath (1 Kings 17:8-16) through Elijah and for a widow of a prophet through Elisha (2 Kings 4:1-7), he might have had enough faith (Rom 10:17 "...faith comes by hearing , and hearing by the Word of God.") to call for this miracle, but he didn't.

Both of these Old Testament accounts started with a little and God multiplied it. The disciples knew the principle of "seed faith," but they didn't apply it to their own situation. Finally, seeing that none of His disciples had faith to believe for even a miracle of multiplication (remember these were the same men who had just gotten back from a trip of preaching the Word, casting out demons, and healing the sick!), Jesus Himself did the miracle that they could have done, had the disciples focused their faith on the God of miracles and not doubted.

They knew God provided for His children. The scriptures taught that. Ps 23:1-2 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack). 2He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Ps 103:1-5 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; 

They had read and heard of the miracles God had done for the children of Israel in the wilderness. Ps 105:40-41 40The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. Ps 78:24-25 He had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, 24And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. 25Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them food to the full. 

Why then didn't the disciples believe that they in their need could ask for a miracle of creation from God? Why don't we? We have the same Word and the same Lord as they did. Don't put your eyes on your problem or need, but put them on the God Who is all powerful and Who can do the impossible. Believe!

LESSON 84 Mark 6:39-45

39And he(Jesus) commanded them to make al l sit down by companies upon the green grass. 40And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. 41And 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. 42And they did all eat, and were filled. 43And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. Matt 14:21 21And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. 45And 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.

Let's look at the lad who gave his loaves and fishes to the Lord to use. The boy had more than anyone else in the crowd, yet he only had enough for himself. He might have thought if he gave all that he had to the Lord, he would have nothing left. Yet he gave all that was his to the Lord--and his little became a lot and blessed him and many thousands of others.

What is your "bread and fishes" that, if you give it to the Lord, He will make something out of it that will bless many people? I knew an older lady who lived in a nursing home after she had had a stroke. She couldn't speak or move very well, but she could smile. She let that smile be her ministry to all those she encountered. She would sit in her wheelchair at the lobby entrance to the facility and smile and nod to everyone who entered.

At her memorial service, many people commented on how her smile had brightened their day and how they were changed for the better for having known someone like her. She gave what she had--a smile--to the Lord and He blessed people by it.

If you consecrate what you have to the Lord, then He can multiply your "loaves and fishes " to bless you and help others.

The Bible account mentions that twelve baskets of fragments were gathered up after the crowd had eaten all they wanted and were filled, but does not tell who got them. At first, because there were twelve, I thought that the apostles got one each. But that doesn't follow the Lord's teaching of sowing and reaping. The one who sows the seed gets the harvest. (Read the account of Peter loaning his boat to Jesus and what Jesus gave him in return. Luke 5:1-11) 

So I think that the twelve baskets of food went to the lad as his reward for giving all that he had to the Master. 2Cor 9:6-7 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

You may think that this kind of miracle can't happen today. My brother knows a pastor who was working in a soup kitchen serving the homeless and needy. Not having enough, they put what soup they had in a big pot and prayed that God would multiply it. They served hundreds of people that day. As the pot emptied, they put more water in it. They continued to do that until all were fed. The soup tasted as good and thick at the last, as it did at the first. Everyone was served all they wanted. God multiplied their soup.

In a town in Indonesia, a gospel team went to preach at a small village. As was the custom, the team stayed with a local pastor. The pastor's wife was embarrassed, because she hadn't enough to serve a meal to so many. She knew she had only four tapioca roots.

One of the team went to the pastor's wife and said the Lord had told him she had four tapioca roots in her cupboard. She was to make a loaf of bread. "That will be sufficient for all." She thought if the Lord told him about the roots, she'd better obey the Lord and make bread. 

She also had only enough tea and sugar to make two or three cups, not enough to serve the twenty that were there.

She made the loaf of bread and the tea. The Lord told her to break the loaf into pieces and serve it with the tea. Every time she broke the loaf in half, the half in her right hand became a whole loaf. Then she broke that loaf. The left half was served, the right half became another whole loaf. As she saw what was happening, she began to cry and praise the Lord, while she continued to break the bread. The tea pitcher never ran out of tea. God supplied their needs and there was some left over to bless the pastor's household.

Back to the passage in Mark 6, notice Jesus brought order to the crowd. (James 3:16 implies that confusion is a characteristic of the devil's work, so be careful to be orderly in your work. If you're unsure as what to do next, stop and ask the Lord for direction.) The men sat down in groups. Of course, the women and children would do likewise. The order insured that everyone got served and enabled a quick count of how many were fed. Next, Jesus took the "seed" of the five loaves and two fish that He had and "looked up to heaven." Whatever you have to work with, even if only a little bit, it is enough and God can multiply it, if you will look up to heaven in faith, ask and believe that God will help you.

Why would God encourage us to ask, if He weren't willing to do what was best for us? Hebrews 4:16 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Matthew 7:7 7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. 9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

 In John 11:41-42 (at the raising of Lazarus), " Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. "

Jesus blessed the five loaves and two fish. He gave thanks for the provisions. John 6:11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down . . .

Jesus didn't overlook any opportunity to thank His Father for His goodness. Having a thankful heart is very important. Ps 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

LESSON 85 Mark 6:45-46

45And 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. 46And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. 

If we read John's account of the time immediately after the feeding of the 5000 men, we see the reason for Jesus sending the crowd away. John 6:12-15 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. 15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. 

Jesus knew that this was not the time for Him to become a ruling king. This was a similar temptation as the devil presented to Him in the wilderness. (Mk 1:12-13, Matt 4:8-9) Jesus turned it down then, and He turns it down at this time. 

He knows He will reign on earth one day, but He allows His Father to direct the timing of it. He does not sin by rushing ahead of His Father's will. Jesus trusts His Father's wisdom and planning. 

Having sent His disciples by boat to Bethsaida, Jesus sends the crowd away and then goes up a mountain to pray for a while. Jesus knew the need to refresh Himself in His Father's presence. Have you learned that principle? Whenever we are tired, we need to spend some time in the presence of the Lord to get refreshed. Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 

There is also a refreshing in the Word of God. Isaiah 28:9-13 9Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: ...This is the rest wherewith you may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing:... 

Some people are refreshing by their loving conduct toward others. 2Cor 7:13 13Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

 When you need refreshing, pray and spend time with the Lord, and be in the Word. Seek to be refreshing to others by what you do and say. Let Jesus live through you. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

LESSON 86 MARK 6:47-53

Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. 48Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. 49And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 50for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." 51Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. 52For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. 53When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. 

In giving these questions from time to time, I am trying to help you to study and learn to observe the details of God's Word.

1. What time was it? 

2. Where was Jesus? What had He been doing, after the disciples left? Read Matthew 14:23 

3. What big event had happened previously? 

4. What were the conditions of the disciples boat ride? Why didn't the disciples rebuke the sea and wind as they had seen Jesus do in Mk 4:39? 

5. Why did Jesus walk on water? 

6. What was the disciples' response when they saw Jesus? What is your response when you see the Lord doing something different than you have seen before? God seems to like variety. He doesn't always do the same thing the same way as before. The Bible is full of examples of that. 

7.How did Jesus respond? 

8.When Jesus enters their boat, what happens? 

9. How did the disciples react? 

10. What does this sentence mean? 52For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. 

Possible Answers: 

1. evening, getting dark. 

2. On land----Praying on top of a mountain. 

3. Feeding of 5000 men and many more women and children 

4. Opposing wind, darkness falling b. So many times we forget to apply what we have been shown. The disciples must have thought only Jesus could do such powerful things. What He wanted them to realize was that anyone who walked in obedience to the Father and who trusted the Word of God and the Holy Spirit could do the same. That's why we can pray for tornadoes to disintegrate, or rain to come to our droughtstricken land, as Elijah did. James 5:16 states: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Do you see that it is the prayer of a righteous person that has power? Note that he prayed earnestly, he didn't give up. Read the account of Elijah's prayers in 1 Kings 17-18. In 1 Kings 18:42-45, you will find he prayed seven times for the rain to come, and he didn't give up till he got his answer. 

Prayer is powerful. 1 John 5:14-15 4And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. Psalm 84:11-12For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusts in thee.

John 14:11-14 12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 

5. How He was to get to the other side? He had told the disciples He would meet them on the other side. (Mt 14:22) So He had a need to get over the Sea of Galilee, but no boats were available. 

At some point, Jesus was told that He was to walk on the water to get to the other side. Was this the devil trying to kill Him as he had tried to do before? (Matt 4:5-6, Mk 4:37, Lk 4:28-30) Or was this the voice of the Holy Spirit of God directing Him to travel in a new and totally different way? 

I'm sure He tested the word that came to Him to make sure it was from God, as we are also supposed to do. First, Jesus may have tested His motivation. He had no reason to choose walking on water as a way to impress anyone, because all had been sent away. Anyway, His motivation was always to please His Father, not to impress people. John 8:28-29 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. Heb 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. Psalm 40:7-8 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God. 

No doubt, Jesus considered scripture, as to what it taught. From Exodus 14:21 and Joshua 3:23, Jesus knew God could part the waters of the Sea of Galilee for Him, so He could walk through it on dry land. God had done that for the children of Israel more than once (Red Sea and Jordan River). Maybe Psalm 77:19 came to mind. " Thy way is in the sea and Thy path is in the great waters..." Perhaps He recognized this as a prophecy of Himself to be fulfilled at this very time. Maybe He also remembered Isaiah 43:2,16 When thou pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee...15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. 16Thus saith the LORD, which makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; 

Once He was sure it was the Word of God to Him, it then became a test of Jesus' faith. Would He follow the Word of God, or would He doubt the instruction because it was different than what He had ever been told before? 

Jesus was full of faith and firm in it. He never let doubt enter into Him. He knew His Father's heart and character. He had no reason to doubt His Father's love in what He would tell Him to do. Jesus knew that, since this was the leading of the Holy Spirit, walking on the water across the Sea of Galilee was possible, even though, as far as we know, He had never walked on water before. The important point is that Jesus was sure the instruction was the Word of God and, therefore, brought with it the power to do it, so He trusted and obeyed...and without fear He walked on the water as if it were a highway. 

Jesus passed this test of His faith. Jesus had many tests of His faith over the three years of His public ministry. He passed them all. We can, too, if we are careful to test the word we receive to make sure it is from God, and is based on the principles of the scriptures. I heard a pastor give some instruction about how to test words to determine if they are from God. If you obey it, will it glorify God? Are you doing it to impress people or please God? Does it match up with the written Word of God or contradict it? Will it produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you? (Galatians 5:22-23) Will it bring you closer to God? 

There are probably some other questions that should be asked as well, (Let me know if you have some) but these are a good place to start. In the account in Matt 14:28-29, Peter asked for a confirmation, and he received it. If we're not sure we heard correctly or are making a proper request, we can ask for a confirmation. (Read about Gideon's experiment with fleece, when he asked for a confirmation- - -Judges 6) 

6. They were troubled and scared and yelled. 

7. When you care about people, you don't want them to be scared. You would reassure them, as Jesus did. He immediately said, (in our vernacular), " It's Me. Don't be scared." He knew that seeing Him walking on the waves was a surprise and was startling to them. He didn't rebuke them. He reassured them. 

8.The wind ceased. When we ask Jesus into any situation we are in, the storm in us subsides, the contrary wind ceases. He brings peace to the troubled soul, because He's the Prince of peace. Sometimes the situation itself will change, sometimes it doesn't, but primarily we are the ones who change. When we surrender the problem to the Lord and let Him deal with it, peace comes-- because trust has been given. Phil 4:6-7, Isa 26:3, Rom 15:13 9. They were amazed beyond measure and they marvelled at what they had seen.

A similar account in Mt 14:33 says, when they (Jesus and Peter--see Mt 14:25-31) were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 

10. Their heart was hardened because they didn't learn the lesson that came with the feeding of the 5000. They missed what Jesus wanted them to understand. When we are given light, when we see God at work, we are to learn from that and seek understanding as to how it applies to us, how we can use it in our lives. Applying it, when the opportunity comes, gives us a chance to grow in faith and wisdom, which in turn, brings more light to us, and so it continues. 

The disciples didn't learn from the feeding of the 5000 that they could ask for miracles, too. So when another opportunity came to apply that truth in rebuking the wind and waves, their hearts were hardened, and they didn't respond to what the Holy Spirit was telling them. ,

Hardening always results when we don't respond to the Holy Spirit's instruction. Hebrews 3:7-8 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts... 

Jesus wanted the disciples to grow spiritually and to understand that their faith or lack thereof was what was limiting them. He wanted them to follow Him in every way, not just physically. He was seeking partners in the walk of faith, those who would believe, even for what looked impossible. He wanted to reproduce His kind in the earth, people of unswerving faith in the Word of God. Peter's walk on the water, albeit very short, was an example of that. (Mt 14:25-31). You and I are partners with the Lord Jesus in the walk of faith. May we be like Him, unswerving in our faith, as we follow Him. Have you ever walked on water? Have you ever followed the Lord in something that was totally new to you, and followed His instruction in faith, without doubting? To walk on water, you have to get out of the boat. 

 LESSON 87 Mark 6:53-56 

When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. 54And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. 56Wherever He entered into villages, cities, or in the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. 

The land of Gennesaret is on the northwest coast of the Sea of Galilee, south of Capernaum. When Jesus arrived there, people knew Who He was. The Healer had come! They hurried to gather all those who were sick to take them to Jesus. The people were eager to get His help for their loved ones. They had faith in Him to heal and their faith was rewarded. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Notice in Mark 6:56, Jesus didn't have to touch them, they touched His hem (Jewish scholars say it was the fringe of His prayer shawl) and were healed. Their faith in Him was what determined what they did. If they hadn't believed He was a Healer, they wouldn't have come. If they hadn't believed they, too, could receive healing, as others had, they wouldn't have come--but they had faith to believe that healing was available to them and that it would come to them through this Man called Jesus of Nazareth. Healing is available to us through this Man Jesus, too. Does He love us less than He did them? No. Is He less powerful now than He was then? No. Has God stopped healing people? No. This kind of gathering happened over and over, as the word spread that there was a great prophet and healer in Israel. Luke 4:40 (Capernaum) Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid h

I craft compelling copy that increases your brand awareness and drives conversions. Whether you need website copy, product descriptions, or ad copy, I'll help you connect with your audience and achieve your goals.

I create high-quality content that educates, informs, and entertains your audience. From blog posts and articles to social media content and email newsletters, I'll help you establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry.

As a skilled ghostwriter, I'll help you bring your book, ebook, or memoir to life. I'll capture your voice and tell your story in a way that engages readers and leaves a lasting impact.

I provide comprehensive editing and proofreading services to ensure your content is error-free, polished, and professional. Whether you need a quick proofread or a deep dive into your manuscript, I've got you covered.

I offer personalized consulting services to help you develop your writing skills, build your brand, and achieve your content marketing goals. From brainstorming sessions to strategy development, I'll be your partner every step of the way.

With over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor, I've helped businesses and individuals achieve their content marketing goals. I'm passionate about crafting compelling stories that connect with readers and drive results. Let's work together to bring your vision to life.