Mark Chapter 6, Part 2: The Harvest Is Great
Review: Unbelief in Nazareth
In our previous study of Mark chapter 6, Jesus taught in His hometown of Nazareth. Though the people were astonished by His wisdom, they were offended by Him. Because of their unbelief, Jesus did not perform many mighty works there.
Mark 6:1-6
Jesus marveled at their unbelief and continued teaching throughout Galilee.
The Twelve Sent Out to Preach Repentance
Mark 6:12-13
The disciples went out preaching repentance, casting out demons, anointing the sick with oil, and healing many.
Luke reveals that Jesus later sent seventy others out two by two.
Luke 10:1-12
Four Kingdom Principles
- Where God leads, He provides.
- The laborer is worthy of his wages.
- Rejecting the Gospel carries eternal consequences.
- The harvest is great, but laborers are few.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”
The Great Commission Is Still Our Mission
Mark 16:15-16
Jesus commanded His church to preach the Gospel to every creature. This was not just for the apostles—it remains the mission of the church today.
The church is called to equip believers, preach the whole counsel of God, and prepare for His soon return.
1 Corinthians 15:50-52
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…”
Who Do People Say Jesus Is?
Mark 6:14-16
As Jesus’ fame spread, people offered many opinions:
- John the Baptist risen from the dead
- Elijah
- One of the prophets
- The Prophet spoken of by Moses
Deuteronomy 18:15-19
But the real question remains:
Who do you say Jesus is?
John the Baptist Speaks Truth to Power
Mark 6:17-20
John confronted Herod concerning sin and unlawful marriage.
Truth often offends those unwilling to repent.
Herod knew John was righteous, holy, and innocent.
Herodias, however, hated John because he refused to compromise truth.
The Cost of Compromise
Mark 6:21-29
Herod feared people more than God.
To save face before his guests, he ordered the execution of John the Baptist.
Compromise always carries consequences.
John’s disciples honored him by burying him according to Jewish custom.
Jesus Understands Ministry Fatigue
Mark 6:30-32
After returning from ministry, Jesus invited His disciples:
“Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
Jesus understands physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue, and spiritual weariness.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus Restores the Soul
Psalm 23
The Good Shepherd still leads beside still waters, restores souls, and walks with His people through every valley.
John 7:37-39
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.”
Our Eternal Hope
Revelation 21:1-6
One day:
- No more death
- No more sorrow
- No more pain
- No more tears
Jesus declares:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega… I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely.”
Key Takeaways
- The harvest is still great.
- The church is still called to go.
- Truth may cost you something.
- Compromise leads to destruction.
- Jesus gives rest to weary servants.
- Our hope is not in this world but in Christ’s coming kingdom.
Discussion Questions
- What does “the harvest is plentiful” mean for the church today?
- How can believers stand for truth without compromise?
- What areas of ministry can lead to spiritual fatigue?
- How do you personally find rest in Jesus?
- Who do you say Jesus is?
-
Join us next week as we continue our verse-by-verse study through the Gospel of Mark. Let us remain steadfast in faith, walk in love, and share the mercy of Christ — for He calls sinners to repentance and to life.
— Valley Christian Church
Can’t Make it to Church? Join us at 10:30 Live on Youtube