Verses 1-37

EXPANSION AND OPPOSITION

These chapters deal with:

Jesus’ Visit to Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6); · The Commission of the Twelve (Mark 6:7-13); · The Martyrdom of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29); · The Report of the Twelve (Mark 6:30-31); · The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6:32-44); · Jesus Walking on the Sea (Mark 6:45-52); · Healing at Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56); · Opposition of the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-23); · Dealing with the Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:24-30) and Recovering the Deaf and Dumb Man (Mark 7:31-37).

Read Matthew 13:53-58 in comparison with Mark’s story of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth, and discover what is peculiar to the latter in verses 3-6. In the same way compare Matthew 15:13, with Mark 6:31 of this lesson for a statement only given by Mark. Another calls attention to the fact that our Lord does not say anything about the success of the disciples when they make their report to him in this instance; in which silence on His part we find a necessary warning against all self-exaltation. It is of His power and grace that we are able to do anything with success or acceptance in His sight.

What notable feature of the walking upon the sea does Mark omit as compared with Matthew?

We considered the opposition of the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-23) in our comments on Matthew, but note here in detail the circumstantial evidence that Mark was writing for a Gentile people who were in consequence unfamiliar with Jewish customs (Mark 7:1-4).

In the case of the Syrophoenician woman note the comment of Mark (Mark 7:24), and the fuller description (Mark 7:25-26; Mark 7:30). What he omits is also significant, the appeal to Jesus as “Son of David.” See the comment on Matthew 15:21-28.

The story of the healing of the deaf and dumb man is peculiar to Mark.

QUESTIONS

1. Name the different events of these chapters.

2. What is peculiar to Mark in the story of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth?

3. What statement is peculiar to Mark with reference to the report of the twelve?

4. What does the silence of Christ teach us in this instance?

5. Have you reviewed our comments in Matthew on the story of the Syrophoenician woman?