Living Manna

Introduction

Let us begin our study of Mark 6:1-13 today. Though we only read verses 1-6, we’ll be exploring the entire passage. This sermon, the eighth in our series on the Gospel of Mark, is titled “Do You Really Know Him?” Through this passage, we’ll examine two main actions of Jesus and learn about the fundamental principles of following Him as Christians and disciples.

In today’s passage, we find Jesus returning to His hometown. This isn’t His first visit; He had been there before, as mentioned in Mark 3, prior to selecting His disciples. As we delve into this text, let’s consider: Do we truly know Jesus? Let’s approach this study with fresh eyes and open hearts.

Teaching in His hometown

As we observe Jesus in His hometown, we see a striking contrast between His wisdom and the people’s reaction. Despite teaching with profound wisdom and performing miracles, His own people took offense at Him. They couldn’t reconcile the Jesus they knew as a carpenter’s son with this man of extraordinary wisdom and power [Mark 6:2-3].

This reaction reveals a crucial lesson for us: familiarity can breed contempt. How often do we, like the people of Nazareth, limit Jesus based on our preconceptions? Let’s challenge ourselves to see Jesus anew, to marvel at His wisdom and power as if encountering Him for the first time.

Jesus’ response to their unbelief is telling. He says, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home” [Mark 6:4]. This statement should prompt us to examine our own hearts. Do we honor Jesus as we should? Or have we become so familiar with Him that we’ve lost our sense of awe?

The consequences of their unbelief were severe. Mark tells us that Jesus “could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them” [Mark 6:5]. It wasn’t that Jesus lacked power, but their unbelief limited what He could do among them. Let’s ponder: Are we limiting what God can do in our lives because of our unbelief?

Jesus’ amazement at their lack of faith should startle us [Mark 6:6]. Let’s strive to be people whose faith amazes Jesus, not our lack of it. May we cultivate a faith that opens the door for God to work powerfully in and through us.

Jesus sends out the Disciples

Following this encounter in His hometown, Jesus sends out the Twelve. This action carries profound implications for us as His followers today. Let’s examine the instructions He gives them and what they mean for our own discipleship.

First, Jesus sends them out in pairs [Mark 6:7]. This teaches us the importance of community and partnership in our spiritual journey. We aren’t meant to follow Christ in isolation. Let’s value the relationships God has placed in our lives and see them as essential to our mission.

Next, Jesus gives them authority over impure spirits. This is a powerful reminder of the authority we have in Christ. As believers, we too have been given authority over the enemy. Let’s not shy away from exercising this authority in our daily lives. When we face spiritual opposition, let’s stand firm in the power Christ has given us.

Jesus’ instructions about what to take on their journey are particularly striking. He tells them to take nothing except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money [Mark 6:8-9]. This command echoes God’s instructions to the Israelites during the Exodus [Exodus 12:11]. It’s a call to complete dependence on God. How often do we truly depend on God, rather than our own resources? Let’s challenge ourselves to trust God more fully, even when it seems impractical or uncomfortable.

The disciples are also instructed to stay in one place when they enter a town, not moving from house to house [Mark 6:10]. This teaches us about commitment and perseverance in our mission. We shouldn’t be constantly seeking comfort or better circumstances, but should be faithful where God has placed us.

Finally, Jesus tells them how to respond if they’re not welcomed: “shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them” [Mark 6:11]. This action, while seeming harsh, carries a profound spiritual significance. It’s a reminder that our responsibility is to faithfully share the gospel, but the response is between the hearers and God. Let’s be faithful in our witness, leaving the results to God.

Conclusion

As we conclude our study, let’s reflect on what true discipleship means. It’s not just about knowing facts about Jesus, but truly knowing Him. Let’s commit to continually learning and growing in our relationship with Christ.

True discipleship involves loving our neighbors and learning from them. It means overcoming the “unclean spirits” in our lives – those habits, attitudes, or beliefs that hinder our walk with God. Let’s take hold of the authority Christ has given us and walk in victory.

Discipleship also means depending wholly on God. Like the disciples sent out with nothing but a staff, let’s learn to rely on God’s provision and guidance in every aspect of our lives.

Remember, we come to know Jesus not just by hearing about Him, but by serving Him. It’s in the act of service, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable, that we truly grow as disciples. So let’s commit ourselves to serving in God’s church, regardless of our personal preferences or comfort.

As we go forth this week, let’s live as true disciples. May we experience God’s power in our daily lives. May we overcome spiritual opposition through the authority Christ has given us. And may we return next week with testimonies of God’s faithfulness and power at work in and through us.

AMEN.