Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Mark 6:1-13

Context

As we read the opening chapters of Mark, it becomes clear that Mark is not primarily interested in telling us things about Jesus but showing Jesus to us. We see Jesus the healer, the exorcist, and the teacher. Aside from the chapter of parables in Mark 4, Mark has not shared much of the content of Jesus’ teaching. What he shows us in particular is Jesus’ work of cleansing and restoring, which amazes and astonishes. Many of the episodes Mark shares relate to unclean spirits, and in the section immediately before today’s pericope, Jesus heals a woman from her unclean bleeding and restores a young girl to life.

Rejection at home (1-6a)

As Jesus and his disciples travel to his hometown, we…

1. What do you find amazing or astonishing about Jesus?

2. Can you describe a time in your life where God has acted in ways you didn’t expect? What was that like?

3. Reflecting on Mark 6:1-13, do you recognise yourself in the townspeople or the disciples (or both or neither)? Why?

4. Is there anything about Jesus which challenges or offends you? Can you understand why others might be challenged or offended by Jesus?

5. Are…