How to be a disciple of Jesus is an important theme throughout the book of Mark, but it comes to the foreground in this section. When we follow along with the Twelve as they go out on mission without Jesus and as they engage in ministry with Jesus, we discover the practicalities of following him. We see that it means engaging in ministry even if we feel we are not ready yet, it means speaking boldly for him even in the face of opposition, and it means following his lead, even when we think we know better. All these aspects reflect one simple truth, following Jesus means spending time with him. Surprisingly, this is something we can do today, even when Jesus is not physically present.
Study Questions for Mark 6:6-44
1. Why did Jesus send his disciples two by two (v. 7)? When do you prefer to participate with others in ministry and when do you prefer to do it alone?
2. Why did Jesus set such strict limits on his disciples’ travel essentials (vv. 8-10)?
3. How is the disciples’ message like the message of John the Baptist (1:4)? or Jesus (1:14-15)?
4. What impact did the ministry of the disciples have on the villages they visited (v. 12)?
5. Why did Mark include this flashback about John the Baptist’s beheading in the middle of his story of the disciples’ mission?
6. Why might the people mistake Jesus for Elijah (v. 15)? For one of the other prophets?
7. Herod Antipas put John in prison, even though he knew he was a righteous and holy man. What does this tell you about Herod’s character (v. 14, 20)?
8. Who impresses you as being stronger, Herod Antipas or Herodias? After the party, how powerful do you think Herod felt when he went to bed?
9. Why do you think Mark included the detail about John’s disciples burying his body (v. 29)?
10. The feeding of the 5000 is included in all four gospels. Why is this miracle so important? What does the feeding of the 5000 teach us about Jesus identity and mission?
11. How did Jesus express his compassion (v. 34)? What does this tell us about the ministry of teaching?
12. If you had been one of the disciples, how would you feel when Jesus told you to feed the crowd (v. 37)? How would you feel when picking up the leftovers (v. 43)?
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