Mark 6: 1-56 As Mark continues his gospel, the gospel of the Son of God, he addresses various responses to Jesus throughout Mark 6. Initially, Mark addresses the rejection of Jesus by his own hometown. Jesus then sends the twelve out, instructing them how to respond to rejection. Mark recounts the faithfulness of John the Baptist and the undecided response of Herod to his message. The following two accounts work together to demonstrate the hardness of the disciples, their response to who Jesus really is. Finally, Jesus returns to Gennesaret, the region where he freed the demoniac and this time they gladly welcome Jesus back, longing to just touch the hem of his garment. Collectively, these accounts characterize responses of unbelief, rejection, hardness and engagement with Jesus. They collectively beg the question, how do we respond to Jesus? How should we respond to Jesus? How pliable is your heart and mind to the message of Jesus?
The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.
