Mark 6:1-13

6:1-2 | Jesus typically followed the same plan that the apostle Paul would adopt years later: visiting local synagogues and preaching the Good News at Sabbath worship services.

6:2-6 | Referring to a man’s connection to his mother (the Son of Mary) was uncommon, so this may be a veiled reference to rumors about Jesus’ supposed illegitimate birth. The people in His own country did not believe that a hometown boy, especially one with such a stigma, could teach and act in such powerful ways.

6:5-6 | Only in this passage of Mark’s Gospel is Jesus said to marvel – and He marveled at the unbelief of His Nazareth neighbors. Such widespread unbelief did not prevent Him from performing miracles – He healed a few sick people there – but it did prompt Him to limit His ministry. Those who will be healed must have hearts that believe.

6:7-12 | The disciples had, by then, witnessed Jesus’ works and teachings long enough that He could send them forth as His representatives in unscripted encounters (Matt. 28:19-20). To go out two by two was customary in that day for those who traveled as a part of their work. It was also highly practical and would serve as a model among the first missionaries in the church (Acts 13:2-3; 15:39-41).

6:8-9 | Jesus’ command to refrain from taking along certain expected items was intended to build the disciples’ faith and to teach them to depend on God for their most basic needs.

6:10-11 | To the Jews, dust symbolized cursing. So the Jews would often shake off the dust from their feet when they left a Gentile region as a ay of cleansing themselves from pagan influence and as a testimony against the Gentiles (Acts 13:51). Whenever and wherever the gospel is preached, both salvation and judgment follow, depending on people’s responses. Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared for both eventualities.