Mark 6:1-6 No Place Like Home May 25, 2025

Mark 6 Verses 1 to 6 No Place Like Home May 25, 2025 Lesson 8

The Remarkable Journey Continues Class Presentation Notes AAAAA

Background Scriptures:

· Isaiah 53:3 (NASB95)

               3 He was despised and forsaken of men,

A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;

And like one from whom men hide their face

He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

· James 2:26 (NASB95)

          26 For just as the body without thespirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

· Luke 7:1–10 (NASB95)

     1 When He had completed all His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum.

     2 And a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die.

     3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders asking Him to come and save the life of his slave.

     4 When they came to Jesus, they earnestly implored Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him;

     5 for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue.”

     6 Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof;

     7 for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but justsay the word, and my servant will be healed.

     8 “For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”

     9 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”

     10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

· Hebrews 11:6 (NASB95)

          6 And 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 seek Him.

Main Idea:

· We honor God with our faith and obedience.

Study Aim:

· To understand that faith is our greatest asset and unbelief is our greatest liability.

Create Interest:

· In the book of Exodus, we see the Israelites at the Red Sea, trapped between Pharaoh's army and the water. God commanded Moses to raise his staff. Imagine the faith required for Moses to act on such a command—standing before a massive, impassable sea. Yet his obedience to God's word led to miraculous deliverance. This incident teaches us that faith is not just belief in God's promises, but active obedience to His commands, even when circumstances seem impossible.

o How does the story of the Israelites at the Red Sea challenge you to respond to seemingly impossible situations in your own life?

· Consider the story of Noah, who spent years building an ark based on God's command, despite the ridicule of those around him. His faith drove him to obedience, and when the flood came, he, along with his family and the animals, were saved. This illustrates that our obedience to God is often tested by those who do not understand His ways. Yet, it is through steadfast faith and compliance with God's will that we find safety and salvation.

o In what areas of your life is God calling you to demonstrate faith through obedience, similar to Noah building the ark?

· The story of Daniel in Babylon epitomizes faith and obedience. Daniel refused to eat the king’s food, not out of defiance, but in obedience to God's dietary laws. Despite facing the threat of death for his stand, his commitment to God led to his eventual protection and promotion. Daniel’s life reflects how faith manifests in obedience, even when such obedience is challenging and comes with risk. Our faith should compel us to stand firm in our convictions.

o Reflecting on Daniel’s experience in Babylon, how can you stand firm in your convictions when your beliefs are challenged?

· Jesus demonstrated faith and obedience throughout His life, especially in the Garden of Gethsemane. Faced with the agony of the impending crucifixion, He prayed fervently and ultimately submitted to God’s will, saying, 'Not my will, but yours be done.' His flawless obedience was the foundation of our salvation. This example challenges us to reflect on our own lives: do we trust and obey God completely, even when His plans are painful or difficult to accept?

o What does Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane teach you about surrendering to God's will in difficult times?

§ Faith that saves has one distinguishing quality; saving faith is a faith that produces obedience, it is a faith that brings about a way of life.   

Billy Graham

Lesson in Historical Context:

· Jesus’ ministry expands to more people (3:7–8; 5:1, 20) and in greater miracles (5:1–13, 41), but the parable of the soils is still true: God’s kingdom advances by disseminating the message and allowing people to actualize their disposition. People’s sinful nature will cause them to reject the Messiah. This time, the rejection is especially grievous, for it comes from those who live in his hometown of Nazareth. Jesus comes to his own, but they reject him (John 1:11).

o This paragraph emphasizes the importance of faith, for Jesus is notable to do many miracles there because of their unbelief. This is no aspersion on God’s omnipotence; rather, it simply is to say that God chooses to do little or nothing for the faithless(Heb 11:6).[1]

· Even the nature of the miracles is significant. The woman, who according to Israelite religious law was regarded as unclean and socially unacceptable in her medical condition, is delivered from her helpless estate under the law. And, though Jewish ritual requirements forbade her to touch any holy thing, she is delivered precisely by touching Jesus, the Son of God! Could this be intended by Mark as a dramatization of the emphasis that Jesus’ ministry involved a transcending of the ritual definitions of clean and holy (e.g., 2:13–28; 7:1–23)? It is probably significant also that the other miracle is the raising of a dead person, for it no doubt anticipates Jesus’ own resurrection. The sequence from 5:21–6:6, then, is another example of Markan irony. Although Jesus performed works that intimate his real nature and power, they result in rejection.[2]

Bible Study:

Mark 6:1–6 (NASB95)  Teaching at Nazareth

   1     Jesus went out from there and *came into His hometown; and His disciples *followed Him.

   2     When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is thiswisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?

   3     “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.

   4     Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his ownrelatives and in his own household.”

   5     And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

   6     And He wondered at their unbelief.

And He was going around the villages teaching.

· When Jesus came to Nazareth, he put himself to a very severe test. He was coming to his hometown; and there are no severer critics of any man than those who have known him since his boyhood. It was never meant to be a private visit simply to see his old home and his own people. He came attended by his disciples. That is to say he came as a Rabbi.

o The Rabbis moved about the country accompanied by their little circle of disciples, and it was as a teacher, with his disciples, that Jesus came.

· He went into the synagogue, and he taught. His teaching was greeted not with wonder but with a kind of contempt. “They took offence at him.” They were scandalized that a man who came from a background like Jesus should say and do things such as he. Familiarity had bred a mistaken contempt.[3]

· Jesus returned to Nazareth where a year before He had been rejected by the people and evicted from the synagogue (Luke 4:16–30).

o It was certainly an act of grace on His part to give the people another opportunity to hear His Word, believe, and be saved; and yet their hearts were still hard.

o This time, they did not evict Him: they simply did not take Him seriously.

· Our Lord’s reputation had once again preceded Him, so He was permitted to teach in the synagogue. Keep in mind that He was ministering to people who knew Him well, because Nazareth was His “hometown.” However, these acquaintances had no spiritual perception at all.

o Jesus reminded them of what He had told them at that first dramatic visit, that a prophet is without honor in his own country and among his own people (Mark 6:4; Luke 4:24; John 4:44).

· Two things astonished these people: His mighty works and His wonderful wisdom.

o Jesus did not do any mighty works while He was there, so the people must have been referring to the reports they had heard about His miracles (see Mark 1:28, 45; 3:7–8; 5:20–21). In fact, their unbelief hindered Jesus from having a greater ministry among them.

· What was their problem?

o Why were they unable to trust Him and experience the wonders of His power and grace as had others? They thought that they really knew Him.

o After all, He had been their neighbor for nearly thirty years, they had seen Him at work in the carpenter’s shop, and He appeared to be just another Nazarene.

o He was a “commoner” and the people saw no reason to commit themselves to Him![4]

What about the connection between Healing and Faith?

· Once again we see the mysterious connection between healing and faith. Lack of faith, it seems, seriously hinders Jesus’ power; an important lesson for all who try to preach or live the kingdom. If even Jesus was thwarted by the unbelief of those around, we shouldn’t be surprised if sometimes we don’t seem able to do what we thought we should (though it would be dangerously easy to use this as an excuse, to blame our own incompetence on others). And as so often in Mark, there is a pointer here towards the time when Jesus came to the city the Messiah might think of as home, to the Temple where a Messiah ought to go, and was once again rejected, this time with fatal consequences. Already at this stage of the story we are being pointed on to see where it will all lead.

· This glimpse of Jesus’ family reminds us that he had many blood-relatives who continued to be important in the life of the early church.

o Indeed, two of his great-nephews (grandsons, presumably, of one of the brothers or sisters mentioned here) were hauled up before the Emperor Domitian in the 90s of the first century on a charge of being part of a royal family. They got off by showing Domitian their hands; they were farm laborers. But clearly this kind of notoriety was something the family was not wanting or considering during Jesus’ public career. Jesus seems to have come from a large family, most of whom had names associated in Jewish tradition with zealous godly revolution against paganism.

o The most famous of these brothers is James, to whom Jesus appeared after the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7) and who became the great leader in the Jerusalem church, the anchorman of early Christianity while Peter and Paul were off on their travels around the world.

§ It’s good to be reminded that at this stage (as in 3:31–35) he was simply a puzzled, and perhaps angry, younger brother.

§ The individual human dramas behind the larger story of the gospel are worth pondering, to learn the manifold ways in which God has worked in different hearts and lives.

· Christians today need to keep in mind both the big picture of what God is doing in our world and our time, and the many smaller pictures of the individual humans, perhaps at the moment in rebellion against the gospel, who by God’s grace will become people of faith and prayer.

o James, at this stage, shared the general unbelief of Nazareth. Within 30 years his name would be known throughout the land, and across the world, as synonymous with faithful and persistent teaching and prayer—and loyalty to his older brother, Jesus the Messiah.[5]

Thoughts to soak on and ponder…Think of the New Pope Leo from Chicago…Think of his brother back home and his neighbors.  “That little outfit grew up and became the Pope…go figure…who would have thought?”

· They had known Him as the carpenter (“the joiner,” Moffatt), the son of Mary (3). His brothers and sisters they could name.[74] And they were offended (a transliteration would be “scandalized”)at him. “Astonished” at His wisdom and power, they nevertheless stumbled over His person.

· Jesus replied with a proverb common to the day and region. “ ‘A prophet will always be held in honor except in his hometown’ ” (4, NEB). It is evident elsewhere (Luke 13:33) as well as here that Jesus spoke of himself as a Prophet and was popularly so regarded (15). He was a Bearer of truth.

· There follows in verse 5 what has been called one of the “boldest statements in the Gospels,” one that creates a “deep impression of historical accuracy.” He could there do no mighty work (5). (Literally, “He was not able there to do …”) What we call miracles, John called “signs,” and the Synoptists called “mighty works” (dynameis). Except for a few sick folk on whom Jesus laid bis hands to heal, no one witnessed any “signs” or “mighty works” in the hometown of Him who has always been known as Jesus of Nazareth.

· Wherever the Master went, His ministry aroused amazement, but in Nazareth the reverse was true. The unbelief of His kinsmen and friends astonished Him. Jesus marveled because of their unbelief (6). As He went round about the villages of Galilee, teaching, He must have carried a wound in His soul (cf. Matt. 17:17).[6]

Questions to soak on and discuss:

· Why might the people in Jesus’ hometown have resented Him? Is the response of a person’s hometown and family a reliable indicator of whether the “prophet” is genuine and legitimate?

· List some of the things Jesus said and did that are astonishing. Do non-Christians acknowledge that He said and did those things?

· How is it possible for a person to see what Jesus did and yet deny that He is the Savior, the Son of God?

· What kinds of credentials do you expect spiritual leaders to have? Are the most important credentials where they went to school, how well-spoken they are, who recommends them, or something else?

· Should we avoid offending people when we tell them about Jesus?

· Are you familiar and comfortable with any “famous” person? Do you sometimes forget that other people hold them in awe? Have you become too familiar with Jesus?

· How can you ensure that your faith translates into an active obedience in your daily life?

· Have you ever been amazed that people don’t believe in Jesus despite the evidence? Do you sometimes display amazing lack of trust in Jesus?[7]

· What ministry has Jesus called you to? How has he empowered you for this ministry? How do you need to be dependent upon him?[8]

Applications to Life

· In the Gospel of Mark, we read that Jesus returned to his hometown, only to be met with skepticism and disbelief. The very people who had watched Him grow up struggled to accept His divine authority. This reflects the age-old truth that familiarity can breed contempt.

o Oftentimes, those closest to us may reject the message we share simply because they cannot see us beyond our past.

§ Just as Jesus experienced a lack of honor among His own, we too may face similar challenges when sharing the Gospel with those who have known us the longest.

· The prophet Samuel anointed David as king, yet when he returned to his home in Bethlehem, many mocked his prophetic vision. They could not fathom that the Shepherd Boy would become their leader. This serves as a poignant reminder that God often chooses unlikely vessels to fulfill His purposes.

o  Those we least expect, even within our own circles, may carry God's calling.

§ The challenge lies in honoring those whom God has set apart, even when we find it hard to perceive their potential.

· In your workplace, you may find yourself caught in a culture of dishonesty or unethical behavior.

o It can be tempting to compromise your values to fit in or achieve success. Reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages you to trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. This week, choose to speak truthfully in all your interactions, even if it seems like a risk.

§ Share your faith with a coworker, demonstrating that you prioritize integrity over expediency. In doing so, you might inspire others to question the status quo and uphold a higher standard.

· As you engage in community events or social gatherings, you might encounter challenging conversations about divisive topics like politics or social issues.

o Instead of avoiding these discussions, lean into them with faith and obedience. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your words, ensuring they reflect Christ’s love and truth. When confronted with disagreement, take a moment to pray silently, then respond with kindness rather than hostility.

§ Your ability to listen and express a biblical perspective can open doors for honest dialogue, ultimately shining the light of your faith in a world that desperately needs it.

· Navigating your role as a volunteer or leader in community projects can be overwhelming, especially when faced with differing opinions and group dynamics.

o You may feel like giving up or sidelining your faith in the process. However, remember that Galatians 5:13 calls us to serve one another humbly in love.

§ This week, take the initiative in a project that empowers others, actively seek to involve those around you and practice teamwork. Not only will this strengthen your community engagement, but it also encourages you to exemplify Christ-like servant leadership, showcasing faith in action.

· In your public interactions, you might feel a disconnect between your faith and social expectations, making it difficult to openly express your beliefs.

o This tension could lead to feelings of isolation or fear of judgment. Embrace John 15:18-19, where Jesus reminds us we are not of this world. This week, commit to finding a balance between being respectful of differing viewpoints while still sharing your faith narrative. You could do this by starting small—perhaps sharing a personal testimony or inviting someone to a church event.

§  Authentic sharing builds relationships, paving the way for deeper discussions about faith.

· As you navigate your responsibilities in public life, you might often wrestle with anxiety over perceptions or outcomes that feel beyond your control.

o This pressure can tempt you to rely on your own understanding or abilities instead of seeking God’s guidance. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages you to present your requests to God in prayer. Make it a habit this week to start each day with a moment of prayer, surrendering your plans and concerns to the Lord.

§ When faced with a stressful situation, pause to pray before responding. This discipline not only builds your faith but also brings peace amidst the chaos.

· In your work place, if you encounter colleagues who dismiss your input, it can be disheartening and demotivating. Instead of shutting down, challenge yourself to respond with grace and clarity.

o Take a moment to thoughtfully address their concerns and express your appreciation for their perspectives.

§ This approach not only demonstrates Christ-like humility but also encourages constructive dialogue, allowing your ideas to be heard and respected, even among dissenting voices.

· If you're dealing with a difficult coworker, this challenge can test both your faith and your patience. Instead of retaliating or complaining, pray for that person regularly, asking God to soften your heart and grant you the strength to respond with kindness.

o Consider setting aside time to engage with them outside of conflict — perhaps over coffee.

§ This approach can often lead to breakthroughs in your relationship and help you live out the principle of loving your neighbor.

· Feeling that your spiritual leadership is unrecognized at home can lead to discouragement.

o Combat this by intentionally recognizing the gifts of others in your family. Find moments to affirm their talents and contributions, perhaps through specific compliments or acts of service.

§ By fostering an environment of mutual honor and respect, you not only enhance your relationships but also model Christ-like love that encourages everyone to grow spiritually together.

On behalf of my learning curve for each of you around the world that receive this, I would appreciate hearing from you as to this new format approach.

Was it helpful to you?

Would you like to see more of it?

Would you like anything changed?

Do you have any prayer requests you would like to share?

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

jsj

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[1]Douglas Mangum, ed., Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament, Lexham Context Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020), Mk 6:1–6.

[2]Larry W. Hurtado, Mark, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011), 88.

[3]William Barclay, ed., The Gospel of Mark, The Daily Study Bible Series (Philadelphia, PA: The Westminster John Knox Press, 1976), 138.

[4]Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 129.

[5]Tom Wright, Mark for Everyone(London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 66–68.

[6]A. Elwood Sanner, “The Gospel according to Mark,” in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Beacon Bible Commentary (Beacon Hill Press, 1964), Mk 6:1–6.

[7]Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Mark, ed. Daniel L. Akin, David Platt, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014), 122–123.

[8]Rodney L. Cooper, Mark, vol. 2, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 112.