Mark 6

Join us tonight, January 3, at 7 pm, as we read and talk about Mark chapter 6. Below are the discussion questions for the evening:

Discussion #1 – Mark 6:1-31

Jesus visits his home town
The 12 are sent to serve
John the Baptist is beheaded

1. When Jesus visited his hometown, he runs into some issues. It says, “He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands upon a few sick people and healed them.” Is it possible that our unbelief can limit God? Why could he not do a miracle there?

2. In verses 14-29, the horrible story of John the Baptist’s death is played out. Who is responsible for John’s death and what was the cause of his death?

What is our responsibility to intervene when we witness an immoral act?

Discussion #2 – Mark 6:30-56

The 12 return
5,000 are fed
Jesus walks on water
Jesus heals at Gennesaret

1. In verses 30-31, the 12 disciples return and report all they were able to do as they had been sent out. But in verse 51-52, they are frightened after Jesus walked on water. The passage says:

“And He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were greatly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.”

How do you explain the inconsistency in their faith? What was meant by describing their hearts as being hardened?

In the story of Herod, the feeding of 5,000, and in the storm on the seas, fear has a major role in terms of the actions and thoughts of these people. If fear is the force that may be our biggest obstacle in our spiritual lives, how can we identify our fears and grow our faith? What are some of your fears?

2. Read silently together the passage Matthew 14:22-33. What extra insights does this give you beyond what we read in Mark? Is there anything troubling to you? Why would Jesus walk by them on the water?