Mark 6 moves through a hometown rejection, the sending out of the twelve, the brutal death of John the Baptizer, the feeding of five thousand, and Jesus walking on the sea. These questions are built for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and each one points you back to the text so the discussion stays anchored in what Mark actually wrote.
Mark 6 at a Glance
The chapter opens in Nazareth, where Jesus teaches in the synagogue and meets unbelief from people who knew him as the carpenter’s son. He then sends out the twelve with authority and simple instructions, and Mark pauses to tell the grim story of Herod, Herodias and John’s execution. The apostles return and report, and Jesus tries to withdraw with them, but the crowds follow. He feeds the multitude, sends the disciples across the lake, and comes to them walking on the water.
The movement is from rejection to mission, from a wicked king’s feast to a shepherd’s feast on green grass, and from a storm on the sea to a calm that leaves the disciples amazed. A leader can follow the questions in order without a separate summary.
Observation Questions
Use this set to slow the group down and look carefully at what the text says before anyone offers an opinion. Ask people to point to the words on the page, and resist explaining too quickly.
Mark 6:4
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.”
(WEB)
Read this during the discussion of Nazareth to frame the theme of rejection among those who knew Jesus best. It opens a conversation about why honor can be withheld where it is most expected.
Mark 6:7
He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
(WEB)
Read this to introduce the sending of the twelve, so the group hears the moment of commissioning before they discuss its details. It sets up the questions about mission and authority.
Mark 6:34
Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
(WEB)
Read this slowly to highlight Jesus’ compassion and the image of the shepherd. It is a good anchor for conversation about how the group sees the needs of others.
Mark 6:41-42
41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate, and were filled.
(WEB)
Read this during the feeding account so the group can picture the blessing, breaking, and distribution. It keeps the focus on what Jesus does with what the disciples bring.
Mark 6:50-51
50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” 51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled…
(WEB)
Read this at the close of the discussion on the storm to let the words of Jesus land in the room. It works well before moving into prayer.
Memory Verse for Mark 6
Mark 6:50
For they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
(WEB)
This verse gives a short and memorable word from Jesus in the middle of fear. Encourage the group to repeat it aloud together and to think of one situation this week where they will recall it.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as people who sometimes overlook what you are doing because we think we already know the story. Open our eyes to see you at work among us, in our homes, our churches, and the places we pass every day. Give us the same compassion you showed the crowd, and make us willing to offer what little we have so that others may be fed. When fear rises in the storms we face, speak to us as you spoke to the disciples on the sea, and let us hear your voice saying that it is you and that we need not be afraid. Teach us to trust you as we go out, and to rest in your presence. Amen.
