Herod and John - Jesus Walks on Water - Mark 6 - Bible notes

I'm blogging these Bible notes for three reasons:

1. Bible literacy.  When we summarize in our own words what we read, it makes us think about it freshly.

2. To see Jesus in the Bible.  Not too hard in Mark, I know, but what exactly is being asserted about Jesus in any given account?

3. How should we apply Scripture?  There are better and worse ways, so here are some good ones.

Verses 1-6

Jesus was rejected by His hometown of Nazareth.  Familiarity can breed contempt.  If you have the happy providence to be around spiritually healthy and vibrant people, do not take it for granted.  Also, we can resent people for being more gifted than we are, and Jesus was the greatest of all.

Verses 7-13

Jesus sends the disciples out to mimic His ministry.  While we don't seek to cast out demons or miraculously heal anymore, we are to meet physical needs, and proclaim the same message Jesus did: repent!

Verses 14-29

Herod hears about Jesus and is convinced He is John the Baptist back from the dead to haunt him.  Herod liked listening to John, though Herod didn't really respond to his preaching.  John told him the Bible said his marriage was improper, so Herod's wife hated him, and got him killed when she got the chance.

It's dangerous to speak truth to power.  Powerful people are often cruel.  But we should apply Scripture to the great, as well as to normal church goers.

Verses 30-44

Meaning to rest, people keep following Jesus.  He teaches them, while the disciples seem impatient to get away.  He miraculously feeds 5,000!

Right when we think we need a little "Me Time," Jesus will plop a "ministry opportunity" into your lap.  Be ready to lay yourself out when you think it's time for a break.

Verses 45-52

Jesus walks on the water, passing the disciples straining in their boat!  They cry out, not for help, but in terror of Him.  So He comforts them and stops the wind.  They aren't catching on, but Jesus as the Son of God controls and can change the physical world.

This passage is often wrongly applied in this way: if you're in trouble and don't cry out to Jesus for help, He'll pass you by.  But that isn't what the text says.  They didn't even know it was Jesus, they just yell in fear.  Like with the 5,000 (vs. 34), Jesus notices they are in trouble, and has compassion.  When you are in so much distress you don't even think to ask the Lord for help, He will help.