Chapter eight is another compendium of several events, much like the first few chapters. Immediately following the miracles in Gentile territory in chapter seven, Jesus did another one. Much like the feeding of the five thousand Jews in chapter six, Jesus provided lunch for four thousand this time (Mark 8:1-10). He had hoped his disciples […]
Chapter seven puts a focus on ministry that Jesus did outside of Israel. Although much of his early ministry was dedicated to the Jewish people, Jesus did not neglect the Gentiles. In a sense, it could be said that the continued rejection that he received from the Jews drove him to Gentile ministry. The first
Chapter six is the second-longest chapter in Mark, surpassed only by chapter fourteen, which records the night of Jesus betrayal and arrest. Having returned to Nazareth, Jesus preached in the synagogue on the Sabbath as was his custom (Mark 6:1-6). However, validating the adage, “Familiarity breeds contempt,” his hometown neighbors rejected him, primarily because they
