Book of Mark: Part Six
Unleashing God's Power - Authority as a Believer
We’re diving back into the book of Mark, continuing from where we left off. Get ready to be inspired as we unpack Mark Chapter 6 and explore the themes of identity, faith, and the authority of the believer.
We often focus on the popular, more encouraging verses when studying the Bible, especially on Sunday mornings. But to fully grasp God's message, we need to look into every verse, even the difficult ones. So, let's journey through Mark 6 with an open heart and mind.
Who is Jesus?
In Mark Chapter 6, the religious leaders—the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes—are busy labeling Jesus. They conclude He is an ordinary man, a carpenter's son, thus denying His deity. This labeling persists even today. Many people might acknowledge Jesus as a historical figure or good teacher but miss recognizing Him as the Son of God.
Jesus boldly states, "If you've seen me, you've seen the Father" (John 14:9), affirming His divine nature. He is God in the flesh, living among us, and now through the Holy Spirit, living within us.
Personal Labels and God's View
People love to label others, sometimes negatively. You might have been called names or labeled as insignificant, but God has a different label for you. You are God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), a new creation, and forgiven.
Here’s a practical reminder: just like a mother labeling her son's baseball glove to signify ownership, God has labeled us with His love and forgiveness. This means nothing can separate us from the love of God.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Honor and Faith
In Mark 6:5-7, Jesus couldn't perform many miracles in His hometown because of a lack of honor and unbelief. The Greek word for honor, tī-mā', means to treat as precious or extraordinary, while dishonor means to treat as common or ordinary.
Honor is powerful. What you honor draws close to you; what you dishonor moves away. Whether it's your spouse, your church, or God, honoring them brings blessings and adds value to your relationships and spiritual life.
For example, in marriage, treating your spouse with honor leads to a thriving relationship. At church, honoring the gathering and the community draws you nearer to God and promotes growth.
The Impact of Unbelief
Unbelief has significant consequences. Jesus marveled at the unbelief in His hometown (Mark 6:6). This is one of only two instances where Jesus marveled—the other being when a centurion exhibited great faith by believing Jesus could heal his servant with a mere word (Matthew 8:10).
Unbelief can stem from ignorance, false teaching, or bad experiences. Hosea 4:6 states, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." It's not the trials that destroy us, but our ignorance of God's Word. Moreover, bad experiences should never take precedence over Scripture.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
In Mark 6:7, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples two by two, giving them power over unclean spirits. The companionship they share provides safety, encouragement, and spiritual authority.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)
As believers, we're also given authority. The name of Jesus carries power, and we are called to utilize it in our ministry, both inside and outside the church.
Entering the Mission Field
When we leave church, we're stepping into the mission field. Everywhere outside the church walls is a world in need of Jesus. We're called to be salt and light, sharing the Gospel and being a blessing to those around us.
Lessons from Herod and John the Baptist
Mark 6:14-26 narrates the story of John the Baptist confronting King Herod. Herod's inability to control his fleshly desires leads to John's beheading. This story underscores the need for believers to control the flesh and avoid manipulation.
We must do what's right, not what's popular. Even if it means standing alone, following God's path is paramount.
Key Lessons
Have someone who can tell you "No": We all need accountability partners who can guide us back to the right path.
Control the flesh: Avoid letting desires control actions, as exemplified by Herod.
Avoid manipulation: Manipulation is equivalent to witchcraft and can lead to destructive consequences.
Repentance: A Gift from God
In Mark 6:12, the disciples preached that people should repent. Repentance is a gift, an opportunity to turn back to God. When we mess up, instead of living under condemnation, we should repent immediately because God's grace is always available.
Repentance isn't saying "I’m sorry I got caught"; it's about genuinely turning away from sin and seeking God's forgiveness.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Unleashing God's Power
We're all given the ministry of reconciliation, helping people get close to God. This mission starts as soon as we step out of church, entering a world that desperately needs God's love.
Let's remember and utilize the authority we've been given through Jesus, honor those around us, and live a life of faith, free from unbelief.
Finally, if you feel distant from God or need to rededicate your life, don’t hesitate. It's a transformative step toward a more profound, more fulfilling relationship with Him.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
