Project 119: Mark 6:1-29

 |  Project 119  |  Dr. Wayne Splawn

Will following Jesus make your life better? When we hear this question, most of us would probably answer with a resounding “Yes!,” and while I certainly agree that we should answer this question in the affirmative, I also think we need to be reminded that better is not synonymous with easier or even happier. Here in Mark 6:1-29, Mark reminds us of the costs often associated with following Jesus and he highlights the rejection and suffering that often accompany those who decide to follow after Jesus.

In Mark 6:1-6, we read that Jesus is rejected by those who know Him best. Jesus teaches with wisdom and He performs mighty works, but people in His hometown are filled with disbelief because they know Jesus came from humble origins. Jesus’ ministry was limited in His hometown because the people there were filled with unbelief and Jesus is astonished they would respond to Him in this way. In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends the disciples out two by two with authority over unclean spirits. As Jesus prepares them for the mission ahead, He tells them how to respond when they are rejected by others. Jesus is certain that dealing with rejection will be part and parcel of what it means to follow Him. Finally, in Mark 6:14-29, we read of the death of John the Baptist. Rather than telling Herod and Herodias what they wanted to hear, John tells them an unpopular truth that will eventually cost him his life. Jesus, the disciples, and John the Baptist are all reminders of the truth that the life of faithful people often result in rejection.

Will following Jesus make your life better? Absolutely. Does this mean your life will be easier or happier in the short term? No. As we will see once again in our readings on Friday there are definite costs associated with following Jesus. But, we must always remember that what we gain in following Jesus is much more valuable than anything we will be called to give up. How might Jesus be calling you to endure rejection and hardship as you seek to follow Him faithfully?   

Mark 6:1-29 (ESV):

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works 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 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.

And he went about among the villages teaching.

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged 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 put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Somesaid, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.