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In this lesson:
The last visit to Nazareth. Jesus commissions and sends out His disciples. After the crucifixion, it will be up to them to grow the church. Study Tip: When you encounter a difficult passage, scroll back and forth between the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation" below. |
The Virgin Mary
By the Italian baroque painter Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato (1609-1685) |
Who was -
Mary -
The mother of Jesus (Luke 1:35), also called the Virgin Mary. Mary was the daughter of Heli from the tribe of Judah and a descendant of King David. She was also the cousin of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. A woman of great faith and humility, Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would give birth to the Messiah. After Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, Mary and her husband, Joseph fled to Egypt with the baby to escape the death sentence put on the infant Messiah by King Herod (Matthew 2:13-14). When Herod died, they returned to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23). After Jesus began His ministry, Mary received only a brief mention in the Bible but was there at the crucifixion (John 19:25-27). Mary is last seen in Acts 1:13-14 praying with the disciples. The time and details of her death are unknown.
James -
In biblical times James was a common name. In fact, there are five James mentioned in the New Testament including two of Jesus' disciples. This James was Jesus' half-brother (Mark 6:3; Galatians 1:19). He was not one of the original twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2-4) but converted after the crucifixion and became one of the "pillars" in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 21:18;
Galatians 2:9). James eventually succeeded Peter as its leader. He is also the author of one of the earliest books in the New Testament, "The General Epistle of James" written between AD 40-49. Known for his conservative religious views, he was called "James the Just," and he had the honor of a private meeting with the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7). As a member of the council at Jerusalem James sided with Paul to helped put an end to the Judaizers debate which threatened to tear the young church apart (Acts 15:13-29; 21:18-24). The historian Flavius Josephus records that the Jewish high priest Ananus ben Ananus had James put to death in AD 62. James was dragged to the top of the Temple in Jerusalem and thrown off. He was severely injured but survived the fall. An angry mob then stoned him until a fuller (launderer) stepped out of the crowd and clubbed him to death with a pole used to beat dirty laundry.
Mary -
The mother of Jesus (Luke 1:35), also called the Virgin Mary. Mary was the daughter of Heli from the tribe of Judah and a descendant of King David. She was also the cousin of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. A woman of great faith and humility, Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would give birth to the Messiah. After Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, Mary and her husband, Joseph fled to Egypt with the baby to escape the death sentence put on the infant Messiah by King Herod (Matthew 2:13-14). When Herod died, they returned to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23). After Jesus began His ministry, Mary received only a brief mention in the Bible but was there at the crucifixion (John 19:25-27). Mary is last seen in Acts 1:13-14 praying with the disciples. The time and details of her death are unknown.
James -
In biblical times James was a common name. In fact, there are five James mentioned in the New Testament including two of Jesus' disciples. This James was Jesus' half-brother (Mark 6:3; Galatians 1:19). He was not one of the original twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2-4) but converted after the crucifixion and became one of the "pillars" in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 21:18;
Galatians 2:9). James eventually succeeded Peter as its leader. He is also the author of one of the earliest books in the New Testament, "The General Epistle of James" written between AD 40-49. Known for his conservative religious views, he was called "James the Just," and he had the honor of a private meeting with the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7). As a member of the council at Jerusalem James sided with Paul to helped put an end to the Judaizers debate which threatened to tear the young church apart (Acts 15:13-29; 21:18-24). The historian Flavius Josephus records that the Jewish high priest Ananus ben Ananus had James put to death in AD 62. James was dragged to the top of the Temple in Jerusalem and thrown off. He was severely injured but survived the fall. An angry mob then stoned him until a fuller (launderer) stepped out of the crowd and clubbed him to death with a pole used to beat dirty laundry.
The Gospel According to St. Mark
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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Mark: 6:1-13
Nazareth 1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. 7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. |
Margin notes:
"Came into his own country." (6:1) - Means, Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth. "From whence hath this man these things?" (6:2) - "Where did this man get this wisdom and power?" "Such mighty works are wrought by his hands?" (6:2) - "Miracles are performed by His hands." "They were offended." (6:3) - "They took offense." "He marvelled." (6:6) - There are only two times when Jesus was amazed. The first was in Luke 7:9 when He "marveled" at the great faith of a Roman Gentile. The second is here when Jesus was amazed by the lack of faith in the Jews from His hometown of Nazareth. "Began to send them forth by two and two." (6:7) - Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs for protection just as He did when sending out the seventy disciples (Luke 10:1). "Save a staff only." (6:8) - "Except a walking stick." "No scrip, no bread." (6:8) - "No money bag, no food." "Be shod with sandals." (6:9) - "Wear sandals." "Not put on two coats." (6:9) - Owning more than one coat represented wealth. Jesus wanted the disciples to identify with ordinary people and to depend on God for their everyday needs. "In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide." (6:10) - "Whatever house you're invited to enter, stay there." Jesus is advising the disciples to be content with the hospitality of their first host and not to move from house to house. "Shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them." (6:11) - It was a Jewish custom to shake dust from their feet to show disgust with the practices or attitudes of others. Refusing to carry another's dust symbolically showed they wanted no part of that person. Some Jews even shook the dust off their feet as they left Gentile areas so they wouldn't be sullied by their "unholy" practices. "Verily." (6:11) - Means, "Truly." "Sodom and Gomorrha." (6:11) - Two ancient cities from the Old Testament whose names are synonymous with wickedness. Located in the "vale of Siddim" on the southeast shore of the Dead Sea (Genesis 14:2-3), God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with "brimstone and fire" (Genesis 19:24) due to the rebellious and immoral lifestyle of their citizens (Genesis 18:20-19:29), their pride, idleness and disregard for the poor (Ezekiel 16:49-50). Jesus mentions the two cities demise in Matthew 10:15. Their destruction was so complete that even today no trace of the cities can be found. Jude 1:7 and 2 Peter 2:6 remind us of Sodom and Gomorrah's fate. |
To see how Matthew describes Jesus' last visit to Nazareth read Matthew 13:54-58 (lesson 28). To learn more about Jesus empowering His twelve disciples, see Matthew 10:1-15 (lesson 18) and Luke 9:1-6.
New Living Translation
Mark: 6:1-13
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
1 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown.
2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, "Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?"
3 Then they scoffed, "He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us." They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
4 Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family."
5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them.
6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples
Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.
7 And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.
8 He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick-no food, no traveler's bag, no money.
9 He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.
10 "Wherever you go," he said, "stay in the same house until you leave town.
11 But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate."
12 So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.
13 And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
1 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown.
2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, "Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?"
3 Then they scoffed, "He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us." They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
4 Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family."
5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them.
6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples
Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.
7 And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.
8 He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick-no food, no traveler's bag, no money.
9 He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.
10 "Wherever you go," he said, "stay in the same house until you leave town.
11 But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate."
12 So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.
13 And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?" (6:2)
"And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse." (6:7-8)
"And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse." (6:7-8)
Today's Question:
1. Why didn't Jesus perform more miracles in Nazareth? (6:5)
As we study together, let us know your thoughts and opinions.
1. Why didn't Jesus perform more miracles in Nazareth? (6:5)
As we study together, let us know your thoughts and opinions.
Answer: (Do you agree?)
1. Jesus' miracles were more than just a display to please the crowd. Jesus didn't perform more "mighty" works in Nazareth because the people knew Him as a simple carpenter and had little faith that He was the Son of God. Jesus' miracles were meant to prompt greater faith among believers. Had more citizens of Nazareth believed, perhaps Jesus would have performed more miracles to solidify their faith. As this was Jesus' last visit to His hometown, the people of Nazareth lost their chance to have their faith watered. The message is, have faith and Jesus will work miracles in your life.
Application thought for the day:
Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs so that they could encourage and help each other (6:7). As you serve God, remember to seek out other Christians to help and encourage you.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress Books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; "The Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies"; "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers published by Barbour publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course the "King James Bible". All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2025 evolke
© 2025 evolke