Mark 6:1-56

"He could there do no mighty work." Not that He in Himself was unable, for His hands laid on a few sick folk brought healing, but that the condition of wilful and persistent unbelief limited the power of the people to receive.

This is the first sending forth of the twelve. There are three definite points of equipment, and they cover the whole area of necessity, from minute detail to the utmost limit of their work.

1. They were "to go shod with sandals."

2. They were to go two by two.

3. They were to go provided with His authority. His parting instructions were very simple, yet drastic. They went, and preached, and healed.

The fame of Jesus spread, and reached the court of Herod. He, utterly depraved, and unscrupulous, trembled with fear. Why should Herod have feared? The very fame of Jesus was a continuity of the messages of the forerunner; and Herod, unable to recognize the King, feared the gruesome reappearance of the dead. So does sin make cowards of men when the Light approaches.

The messengers returned to tell Jesus their doings and teachings, and they went away together. The crowds saw them departing, and outran them round the shore. When He saw that waiting multitude, with its deep need, He was moved with compassion and "began to teach them many things." Then He fed them. Then He sent the disciples away. The reason for this is found in John 6:14, where we are told, "They would have taken Him by force and made Him a King." He would have no kingship based only on a selfish satisfaction.