Bible Commentaries
Mark 6

Verses 1-3

TITLE: Who is this man? TEXT: Mar_6:1-3 PROPOSITION: Jesus is different than all other men. QUESTION: What? KEY WORD: Questions READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. As more attention was drawn, questions began to arise.

2. Here is what the people were asking among themselves.

Where did he get this (teaching) from?

1. From heaven or men? ( Mat_21:25 )

2. New ideas, new message - Where does this come from?

3. Joh_7:15-16 - How does he know? Doctrine not mine, His who sent me

How did he get so smart (wisdom)?

1. He has the fullness of the godhead in his body. ( Col_2:9 )

2. His wisdom comes from being God.

3. Mat_7:28-29 - taught as one having authority, not as scribes

How did he get so powerful (able to do miracles)?

1. Same answer. He is God. He has all power.

2. He is Lord (ruler) of all things and people.

3. Joh_3:34 - Jesus has the Spirit beyond measure

Isn't he the carpenter's son? Aren't these his brothers?

1. No. He is the Son of God.

2. These brothers are half-brothers.

3. Implied - He is just human like the rest of us!

Conclusion : They were offended (scandalized) by him. Robertson's Word Pictures - Literally, "They stumbled at him," "They were repelled by him" (Moffatt), "They turned against him" (Weymouth). Trapped like game by the “offense” because they could not explain him, having been so recently one of them. "The Nazarenes found their stumbling block in the person or circumstances of Jesus. He became (rock of offense) ( 1Pe_2:7-8 ; Rom_9:33 ) to those who disbelieved" (Swete). They stumble at Jesus today as the townspeople of Nazareth did. If you are questioning - seek the Biblical answers. If you are offended - learn why Jesus would offend you.

Verses 4-6

TITLE: Jesus was amazed TEXT: Mar_6:4-6 PROPOSITION: Sometimes, even Jesus is amazed. QUESTION: When? KEY WORD: Circumstances READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. Many things surprise, amaze, and marvel us

2. Few things are a surprise to Jesus.

Jesus was Amazed (marveled, wondered) at: The unbelief of the Jews - Mar_6:6

1. Faithlessness - lack of faith, disbelief

2. Sort of understand today - not an excuse - lack of physical evidence

3. Jesus is here - doing miracles, teaching parables, fulfilling prophecies

4. Why would anyone NOT believe?

5. Today we think - If I had lived in Bible times ---

6.“They have Moses and prophets.” Luk_16:31

The Great faith of a Gentile - Mat_8:10 ; Luk_7:9

1. Roman soldier - not come to house - just say the word

2. Centurion (over 100 men) - command, they obey, go, they go.

3. Jesus, you can command disease the way I command troops.

4. I have not seen such great faith in Israel.

Why could Jesus do no miracles here?

1. Wisdom - He know it would not help their unbelief

2. Do not cast pearls before swine ( Mat_7:6 )

3. Goodness - further rejection = greater damnation

4. Purpose - to produce faith ( Joh_20:30-31 )

Which way will Jesus be amazed at you?

1. Your great faith - in action, demonstrated?

2. Your unbelief - rejection, refusal to obey?

Verses 7-13

TITLE: In by 12, Out by 2 TEXT: Mar_6:7-13 PROPOSITION: Jesus sends us out with instructions. QUESTION: How? KEY WORD: Instructions READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. Sign in Dry Cleaners - “In by 12 out by 2”

2. Our text shows Jesus calling in 12.

3. He sends them out 2 by 2.

4. There have been many guesses about “Why 12?” and “Why by 2?”

5. 12 = 12 tribes, 12 gates, 12 foundations, etc.

6. 2 = strength, security, safety, companionship

Gave them Power (7)

1. Power (authority) to deal with demons

2. Strong - delegated influence:--authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength

3. We have power

4. 2Ti_1:17 - God has given us a spirit of power, love, sound mind

5. Rom_1:16 - gospel is power of God unto salvation

Gave them Limitations (8-9)

1. Jesus commanded them

2. Take NOTHING on your journey

3. No bag, no bread, no money in your belt

4. Only carry a staff (walking stick)

5. Tie on your sandals

6. No extra change of clothes

7. NOTE : Preachers today have much more - But: still dependant on the brethren

Gave them Instructions (10-11)

1. Enter a house remain there till you leave

2. If they will not hear, listen to you - shake dust as testimony

3. How long should you keep trying to teach someone?

4. As long as they are willing to study, receptive to the Word

5. More tolerable for Sodom

They went out (12)

1. They went out and started preaching.

2. No masters degree, no preacher training school

3. No homiletics, no hermeneutics, no speech classes

They preached repentance (12)

1. Summary description - sermon in one word = repent

2. Jesus did. John did. Peter did. Paul did.

Verses 17-20

TITLE: Herod and John TEXT: Mar_6:17-20 PROPOSITION: We must have some interaction with the messenger of God. QUESTION: What? KEY WORD: Reactions READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. Popular opinion = Elijah, prophet, John (reincarnated)

2. All these views include some form of “reincarnation” beliefs.

3. Examine these passages :

4. Ecc_9:5-6 - No more forever with anything done under the sun (on earth)

5. Heb_9:27-28 - Man will die once (single, not more than once)

6. Our text is a study of how Herod interacted with John.

Arrested Him (17)

1. At the insistence of his wife (nagged into it)

2. Took him bound him, put him in prison

Disagreed with him (18)

1. Sometimes preachers quit preaching and express opinions

2. Preachers can preach a text and reach invalid conclusions from it

3. However - If it is the truth (It is not lawful to have her.) ( Lev_20:21 )

Herodias (his wife) hated him (19)

1. If you don't like the message, kill the messenger

2. Gal_4:16 - Am I your enemy for telling the truth?

3. Jesus was hated. The apostles were hated.

4. Luk_21:17 - You will be hated of all men for my names sake

Herod feared him (alive and dead) (20)

1. Herod feared his popularity when he was alive

2. Herod was paranoid

3. He also hated John after his death

Knew he was a just and holy man (20)

1. Found no fault in him.

2. Later, Pilate with Jesus, I find no fault in him. Joh_19:4

Kept him safe (20)

1. Observed, kept safe, protected

2. Plots and schemes of Herodias

Heard him gladly (20)

1. Would sneak down to John's cell and listen to his teachings

2. Listened with joy, pleasure (pleased and entertained)

Did some of the things he was taught (20)

1. He followed the teachings of John - most of the way

2. How far will you follow the teachings of the preacher, elders?

3. Just as long as you agree? What if you disagree?

4. What if your sin is pointed out? “It is not lawful to have her.” (18)

Verse 31

S T R E S S ! ! Part 1 - Cause of Stress

Define: A. Stress: 1. Stress is really an integral part of life. We set our whole pattern of life by our stress endpoint. If we hit it exactly we live dynamic, purposeful, useful, happy lives. If we go over, we break. If we stay too far under, we vegetate. 2. Almost anything can produce stress...an alarm clock ringing, a traffic jam, pressure on the job, getting married, battling an illness...even winning a race. 3. Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe developed what they called "The Social Readjustment Rating Scale." A total of 150 or more points within a year means a high level of stress. 4. 89% of all adult Americans feel stressed out. More whites than blacks. High incomes twice as likely. Better educated - more stress. 114 million deal with stress by taking medication, seeking counseling or psyching themselves out. 64 million do nothing 5. Stress occurs when there are: a. Major life changes - divorce, health b. Work problems - demands, fired, insecure c. Environmental threats - crime, economy 6. Stress involves - a. Change b. Threat of loss c. Fear, worry or anxiety about the above B. Burnout 1. People-to-people contact + Stress = Burnout 2. When one works too hard, too long, under stress they lose equilibrium. (Vertigo) 3. The result is BURNOUT. C. Stress Quiz 1. Are you irritated by waiting in line? 2. Does your personal life depress you? 3. Do you feel insecure in your job? 4. Do you eat, drink or smoke to relieve anxiety? 5. Could your goals be unreal? 6. Do you feel trapped? Pushed around? Used? 7. Do you often misplace things? 8. Are you accident-prone? NOTE : One or more "Yes" answers means stress is present in your life - and it needs attention. Symptoms of Stress. A. Physical - headaches, intestinal problems, weight loss or gain, insomnia, chest pains, fatigue, hypertension. B. Emotional - mood swings, drastic personality changes, intense anger over little things. C. Spiritual - not enjoy worship, not pray, not read Bible. D. Mental - reject new information, regression to childhood, depression. Four Stages of Stress. A. Challenge - excitement, power, goals to reach B. Commitment - boring, life becomes routine C. Containment - prison, locked in, trapped D. Collapse - walk out, slam the door, quit Stress in the Bible. A. Mat_6:25-34 1. Worry about life - eat drink, wear 2. Look at the birds. 3. Consider the lilies of the field. 4. O ye of little faith. 5. Worry is what Gentiles (non-Christians) do. 6. Put God and His Kingdom (church) first. 7. Do not worry about tomorrow, enough with today. 8. Tomorrow will take care of itself. 9. Key words: Anxiety; Anxious; Careful; Care B. Luk_10:38-42 1. Martha - cumbered with serving. 2. "Don't you care that I must serve alone?" 3. "Careful and troubled about many things." 4. One thing is needful. Choose it. NOTE : The 50 year rule. What will it matter in 50 years if I do this or do not do it? C. Php_4:6 1. Worry about nothing. Why SHOULD we worry about: a. Past. b. Present situation c. Future 2. Pray about everything 3. Prayer and Worry are in contrast to each other. Like a glass with water and oil in it. The more water you add, the less oil will remain in the glass. The more one prays, the less they worry. The more one worries, the less they will pray. D. 1Pe_5:7 1. Cast your care upon Him. (Care = worry, stress) 2. He cares for you. (Care = concern) 3. Concern seeks to assist, help, solve. 4. Stress stews, frets, paces; does no help. How to have a Nervous Breakdown. A. Worry about trying to find the answer before the problem arises. 1. 95% of what we worry about never happens. 2. Maud Muller - Of all the words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these, "It might have been." 3. "Today will be Yesterday Tomorrow" B. Wish things had been different. 1. Dwell in the past. 2. Live with regret, remorse, guilt. C. Make no decisions, at least not today. 1. Procrastination is our enemy. 2. Bakery sign - "Free Doughnuts Tomorrow" D. Demand more of yourself than you can produce. 1. Many still think salvation is by works. 2. Therefore, they seek perfection. 3. Do less than your best = Nothing at all. 4. Impose tough demands = Destroy yourself. E. Believe the worst. 1. Believe the gossip, rumor, (tabloids). 2. We should think the best. Php_4:8

Part 2 - Cure for Stress

Ways to Deal With Stress. Avoid Stress. 1. Get up 15 minutes earlier. 2. Don't rely on your memory. 3. Prepare for morning the night before. 4. Walk everywhere you can. 5. Allow extra time. 6. Anticipate your needs. 7. Don't put up with things that do not work properly. 8. Say "no" more often. 9. Rearrange your schedule, work hours, mealtime. 10. Make copies of all important papers. Keep originals in a safe place. Reduce Stress. 1. Be prepared to wait. 2. Find humor in things. 3. Count your blessings. 4. Unclutter your life. 5. Keep time fillers by your telephone. 6. Memorize your favorite poem, verse of scripture. 7. Make contingency plans. 8. Establish a serene place of your own. 9. Avoid reliance on chemical aids. 10. Ask questions. Relieve Stress. 1. Get it off your chest. 2. Take time out - to breath deeply. 3. Take a break from the children. 4. Unwind before bedtime. 5. Schedule more fun. 6. Find an enjoyable way to exercise. 7. Find something that relaxes you. 8. Talk to a loving friend or relative. 9. Reward yourself after a stressful activity. 10. Touch, hug, hold hands, kiss. How to Cope with Stress A. Remember that all stress is not bad. Jam_1:2-3 B. Develop a positive attitude. Heb_12:15 Sweet spirit or Bitter spirit Psa_118:24 C. Whittle your problem down to size. Four questions to ask yourself: a. Has anyone else ever had a problem like this? b. Did anybody survive a problem like this? c. What are the alternatives? d. What is best alternative? D. Do a regular aerobic exercise. 1Co_3:16-17 1Ti_4:8 E. Come apart or you will. Mar_6:31 Joh_18:1 F. Develop a sense of humor. G. Feed your spirit. 1Pe_2:2 H. Lean on the Lord. 1Pe_5:7 Psa_23:1-6 Stress Management (from Gospel Advocate) A. Be aware of your own stress and your own feelings. B. Confess your sin. C. Develop hobbies and interests that are not job or church related. D. Get plenty of exercise. E. Watch your diet. F. Manage your time effectively. G. Say "No" to projects you know that you do not want to do. H. Develop strong, supportive relationships with fellow Christians. I. Pray daily. K. Study the Bible daily. How to Manage Stress (from Reader's Digest) A. Reorganize yourself. B. Change the scene. C. Change your mind. D. Build up your strength. Decision Time. (from Upreach Magazine) A. Decide that your ability to succeed does not depend on your physical attractiveness. B. Decide that your success does not depend on your performance or ability to function. C. If what you're presently doing isn't consistent with your talents and abilities, decide now to make plans to change. D. Decide not to define success simply in terms of what you will get. E. Decide to share the success that comes to you. F. Decide that your success must nurture your entire family. G. Decide that your success does not depend on circumstances, nor on the attitudes of people around you or things working out the way you thought they would. H. Decide to derive the meaning of your life from a point outside your activities. My personal list of suggestions. A. Get your perspective right. 1. Busy with the urgent; we forget the important 2. Read a book on time management B. Take time off. 1. Weekly. (Sabbath = rest) 2. Monthly. (Hermeneutic Hideaway) 3. Yearly. (Vacation - Do not take work with you.) C. Take care of yourself. 1. Walk, jog, run, swim, bicycle 2. 30 to 60 minutes / 3 times per week 3. Eat right. Sleep right D. Learn to say "NO" E. Delegate. 1. One man band OR conductor of the orchestra. 2. Turn over AND turn loose. F. Laugh. 1. Read the comics. 2. Reader's Digest - "Laughter" G. Use support network. 1. We all need three levels of fellowship. a. Church - Worship with an unlimited number b. Class - 10 to 15 associates c. Cell - Close group of 3 to 5 H. Develop new disciplines. 1. Learn something new, challenging. 2. Develop a hobby, sport, activity. I. Enrich your life. 1. Try new things. 2. Be adventurous. J. Face what you fear. 1. Emerson - "Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain." 2. When you face it, you will learn that it is not as big, bad, mean as you imagined it to be. K. Practice self - assessment. 1. Take inventory. 2. Make adjustments. 3. Avoid falling into new traps.

Verses 45-56

SERMON #1

TITLE: Pass Me Not TEXT: Mar_6:45-56 PROPOSITION: We must consider the personal and individual viewpoint of salvation. QUESTION: Which? KEY WORD: Viewpoints READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. Jesus was coming to apostles walking on the water - looked like he would pass by

2. Song - Pass me not O gentle savior, hear my humble cry, while on others thou art calling, do not pass me by.

3. Think for a moment - Would Jesus have passed by?

4. We often overlook the personal and individual viewpoint of salvation.

Global Salvation

1. Joh_3:16 God loved the world

2. Rom_5:6 - Christ died for the ungodly

3. Act_17:30 - All men commanded to repent

4. Act_2:38 - Repent and be baptized every one

5. Mar_16:15 - Into all the world, preach to every creature

6. Mat_28:18 - Make disciples of all nations

7. 1Jn_2:2 - Died for the sins of the whole world

Personal Salvation

1. Salvation is not done in MASS - It is individual faith and obedience.

2. Every one of you ( Act_2:38 )

3. Rom_12:13 - Given to every man a measure of faith

4. Eph_4:7 - To everyone is given grace according to the measure of Christ

Conclusion:

1. Yes, Jesus died for the whole world.

2. He would have died if I were the only one.

3. I must respond personally - faith, repentance and obedience.

SERMON #2

TITLE: Would you Recognize Him? TEXT: Mar_6:49-56 PROPOSITION: Many are not able to recognize Jesus. QUESTION: How? KEY WORD: Descriptions READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. As Jesus approached the apostles, they did not know him. (49)

2. But across the lake many recognized him. (54)

3. More familiar - take for granted; less familiar look deeper - search more intense.

4. Study Mat_21:31 - tax collectors and harlots enter church before self-righteous.

5. We know that pictures are not accurate.

6. How can you know Jesus?

No photos exist.

1. We know that all the “pictures” are not what Christ looked like.

2. If you look for Jesus to be long hair, blonde, blue eyes - you will miss him.

NOTE : If we are to recognize Jesus - We must see his inner qualities: Word became flesh

1. Deity became flesh - Joh_1:14

2. God lived with us - Mat_1:23 - Immanuel

3. This is the foundation of Christianity.

Witnesses

1. Apostles - 2Pe_1:16-18

2. John - Joh_21:24-25

3. Roman soldier - Mat_27:54

4. Samaritan woman - Joh_4:25 ; Joh_4:42

5. Officers of the chief priest - Joh_7:46

6. Pharisees - Joh_11:47-53

Claims of Jesus

1. Joh_14:1-9 - Know the Father, know Jesus

2. Joh_8:12-19 - Father bears witness for Jesus

3. Joh_8:23 - I am from above, not of this world

4. Joh_8:56-59 - Before Abraham was I AM

5. Mar_2:5-12 - Jesus has power to forgive sins

6. Joh_18:33-37 - To Pilate - Kingdom not of this world

New Testament Writers

1. Joh_1:1-3 - Word became flesh

2. Col_1:16-17 - Created all things, all things consist in him

3. Col_2:9 - Fullness of godhead bodily

4. Rom_9:5 - eternally blessed God

5. 1Ti_1:16-17 - Christ is the pattern

Conclusion:

1. Is this the Jesus you know?

2. Do you recognize this Jesus in your life?