Reflection on Mark 6

Mark 6:1-13

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. (vs. 4-6)

Jesus is the BETTER Prophet and healer: Who although he is not honoured in his hometown does not 'tone down', 'lay low' or give up dejectedly but empowers his disciples to go out into the whole world with His power.

Mark 6: 14-29

King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
Others said, “He is Elijah.”
And still others claimed, “He is a prophet,like one of the prophets of long ago.”
But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” (vs. 14-16)

Jesus is the BETTER Elijah- - who doesn't just face and defeat one evil king and queen but conquers ALL kings and all queens to submit to his authority and lay down the crowns at his feet.

Jesus is the BETTER John the baptizer- - who rises up again after being killed.

Jesus is the BETTER Prophet - - who ALL the prophets in history have been pointing to.

Mark 6: 30-44

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. (vs. 34).

Jesus feeds the 5,000-plus with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish

Jesus is the BETTER teacher: Who cares for and provides for both the physical and spiritual feeding and nourishment of the people he is teaching...not just information/knowledge for its own sake.

Jesus is the BETTER shepherd:Who has pity on the crowd of people when he sees they have no shepherd.

May we follow him everywhere and trust him completely to feed us and protect us daily.

Jesus is the BETTER pray-er: Who thanks God BEFORE the miracle...BEFORE God answers.

Mark 6:45-52

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. (vs. 50-52).

Jesus is the BETTER Encourager: Who COMMANDS us to be courageous and at the same time drives out our fear and calms the storm that is threatening our lives.

May we boldly and bravely go out courageously trusting that Jesus has conquered the fears that were holding is in bondage.

May we see that the storms around us will not kill us, because in the presence of Jesus we will survive the winds of eternal destruction.

Mark 6:53-56

When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. (vs. 53-56).

Jesus is the BETTER healer:

Whose presence and touch heals us from all our ILL-ness and SICK-ness.

May we touch Jesus cloak, hold onto His power and have all our DIS-ease driven away!