Bible Reading
Mark 6:1–61. He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.
[11:36] 2. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?”
[13:28] 3. “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
[16:58] 4. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.”
[18:01] 5. And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.
[19:39] 6. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
[20:14] Mark 6:7–137. And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
[25:36] 8. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—
[23:24] 9. but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.
[23:29] 10. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.”
[24:31] 11. “And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
[25:00] 12. So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.
[25:55] 13. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
[23:12] Mark 6:14–2914. King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.”
[29:30] 15. But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”
[29:48] 16. But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”
[30:02] 17. For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her.
[30:16] 18. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
[30:41] 19. And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not,
[31:23] 20. for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
[31:33] 21. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
[32:00] 22. For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
[32:16] 23. And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.”
[32:25] 24. And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.”
[33:25] 25. And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
[33:31] 26. And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.
[33:41] 27. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison
[33:48] 28. and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.
[33:54] 29. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
[34:01] John 1:10–1210. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
[21:49] 11. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
[21:49] 12. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
[22:01] Observation questions
- What details do the people of Nazareth mention about Jesus’ teaching, mighty works, trade, and family, and how do those details lead them to take offense at him? [13:38]
- What does Jesus tell the Twelve to take and not take on their journey, and what do these instructions show about the simplicity and urgency of their mission? [25:08]
- What message do the disciples proclaim, and what two kinds of responses do Jesus’ instructions expect from the places they visit? [25:55]
- What does Herod know about John, and what finally moves him to order John’s death even though he is deeply sorry? [31:33]
Interpretation questions
- Why might people who are very familiar with Jesus, church, or Bible stories still struggle to receive Jesus as the Son of God and Lord rather than only as a wise teacher or moral example? [18:46]
- Jesus sends the Twelve with very little, yet gives them his authority. How does this help believers distinguish between depending on Christ and depending on preparation, comfort, money, or personal ability? [25:36]
- Why is shaking the dust from their feet a serious response to rejection? What does it mean that rejecting Christ’s messengers and their gospel message is ultimately rejecting Christ himself? [26:46]
- How does Herod’s fear of his guests and desire to protect his image reveal the difference between his false kingship and Jesus’ loving, obedient rule? [32:37]
Application questions
- Is there a familiar or reduced picture of Jesus that is easier to accept—such as Jesus the helper, teacher, miracle worker, or moral example—but that resists his authority as Lord? What would it look like to receive him as he has revealed himself in Scripture? [36:22]
- Where is the desire for approval from family, friends, coworkers, or online attention making it difficult to live openly under Christ’s authority? How can the Father’s acceptance in Christ give greater security this week? [40:33]
- Jesus’ mission does not rest on his people having impressive resources or a perfect plan. In one ordinary setting this week—home, work, school, or neighborhood—what might it look like to depend on Christ and speak or act as one sent by him? [28:09]
- Have you experienced rejection, awkwardness, or misunderstanding because of faith in Christ? How can Jesus’ own rejection help you respond without surprise, bitterness, or shame? [35:13]
- Faithfulness does not mean looking for conflict. Is there a relationship or conversation where you may be tempted either to avoid Christ’s truth completely or to speak in a harsh, argumentative way? What would truthful, humble, and loving faithfulness look like there? [39:00]
- Herod heard John gladly at times, yet did not turn from sin. Are there clear areas where you may hear God’s Word but delay repentance because fear of people, comfort, or reputation feels stronger? What is one concrete step of repentance and obedience to take? [33:41]
- Jesus, the rejected King, gives those who receive him a secure place in the Father’s family. When do you most feel pressure to “be somebody,” and how can the truth that your name is written in heaven reshape the way you seek identity and recognition? [41:34]
