Christ Episcopal Church Bible Study – by Scott Kitayama. Mark 6:1-13 (NRSV) 6He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. “Simply put, Mark teaches that mission involves opposition and rejection. Surrounding the sending of the Twelve (6:7- 13) is the rejection of Jesus in his hometown of Nazareth (v1-6) and the death of John the Baptist (v14-29). All who serve God must expect opposition from the world. At the same time, mission also involves authority from God in the proclamation of the kingdom truths. Since we are officially “sent” as representative of the Triune Godhead, we go out with their authority. Finally, mission involves sacrifice. We must depend entirely on Christ, not ourselves, and we surrender all to him.” James R. Edwards, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Whitworth University 1. In verse one, Jesus left “that place” and came to his hometown (5:21-43). Where is “that place” and what happened there? Where is Jesus’ hometown (v1:9). 2. What does Jesus do next and where does it take place (v2), see also (1:21-28, 39 & 3:1-6)? How does his hometown respond to Jesus? What is insinuated in the questions they ask about Jesus (v2-3)? 3. How does Jesus respond to the stubbornness of his hometown (v4)? Can you think of any examples from the Old Testament of prophets treated with contempt (1 Kings 13:4; 18:13; 2 Kings 1:9; 6:31; Jeremiah 18:18, 23; 26:11)? There seems to be an echo in this proverb from chapter 3:20-21, 31-35. Can you think of a similar English proverb that we would use today? 4. In what sense could Jesus not do any mighty works while in Nazareth (v5)? What are the contrasts of faith of the sick woman (5:34) and of Jairus (5:36) to the people of Jesus’ hometown? 5. How does Jesus respond (v6)? Previously the crowds have been amazed at Jesus’ word and deeds (1:22, 27; 2:12; 5:15, 20, 42) and now Jesus is amazed at their response. 6. Despite the rejection of his hometown people, Jesus will continue to other villages to do what (v6)? See also (Mark 1:38)? 7. Who does Jesus call to himself in verse seven and what does he do with them (see also 1:16- 20; 3:13-19)? What does he give them (v7)? Why does he send them out “two by two” (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15)? 8. What did he order them to take and not take on their missionary journey (v8-9)? Why did Jesus instruct them to take so little? On this journey the disciples had on a belt, cloak, sandals and a staff in hand. Do you think there are similarities or parallels to Exodus 12:11? What do you think this suggests for the readers of Mark? 9. A second set of direct instructions from Jesus tells the disciples how to act on the journey. How were the disciples to act in the face of positive and negative hospitality (v10-11)? See Acts 13:51. 10. What message are the disciples proclaiming in verse 12? How does this relate to John the Baptist and Jesus’ message (1:4; 1:15)? What was the outcome of the disciples’ first mission (v13)? How does that correspond with what Jesus has been doing? Dive Deeper How has familiarity with Jesus hinder our relationship with him? Has there ever been a time that friends or family have discouraged you for having a close relationship with Jesus? How does it feel to walk with God’s authority in contrast to walking under our own power? Is it possible to live that way? What would it look like in my life, in family relationships and community? “The sending of reluctant and timorous disciples into mission is, on the face of it, completely mistaken. Uncomprehending and ill-prepared disciples nevertheless typify believers in every age and place who are sent out by the Lord of the harvest. No matter how much exegesis, theology, and counseling one has studied, one is never prepared for ministry. A genuine call to ministry always calls us to that for which we are not adequately prepared. It is only in awareness of such that the Christian experiences the presence and promise of Jesus Christ, and learns to depend not on human capabilities but on the one who calls and in the power of the proclamation to authenticate itself. James R. Edwards, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Whitworth University .