Lesson 12: More of Jesus’ Miracles

1. Introduction

• Acknowledgment of participants’ engagement in small groups and Bible study.
• Encouragement to share something impactful about the study during Christmas with friends and family.

2. Overview of Mark Chapter 6:30–56

• Passage Divisions:
  • Verses 30–44: Jesus feeds the 5,000.
  • Verses 45–52: Jesus walks on water.
  • Verses 53–56: Jesus heals the sick in Gennesaret.
• Observation: Headings summarize Jesus’ actions but may miss His deeper identity and mission.

3. Context and Key Actions in Mark Chapter 6

• Chapter Overview:
  • Begins in Nazareth with Jesus teaching and being rejected.
  • Disciples sent out to preach and heal.
  • Interlude: John the Baptist’s execution by Herod.
  • Return of the disciples; Jesus attempts to retreat for rest.
  • Miracles: Feeding the 5,000, walking on water, healing the sick.
• Focus of Teaching:
  • Compassion of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (central theme of verses 30–56).
  • Heart of Jesus revealed in His deep compassion for people.

4. Jesus as the Good Shepherd

• Scriptural Support:
  • Mark 6:34: Compassion for people “like sheep without a shepherd.”
  • Supporting passages: John 10, Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23.
• Jesus’ Compassion in Action:
  • Teaching and feeding the crowds.
  • Leading and caring for the disciples.
  • Healing and restoring the sick.

5. Detailed Analysis of Key Miracles

• Feeding the 5,000 (Verses 30–44):
  • Jesus’ focus on providing spiritual and physical sustenance.
  • Significance of abundance: A demonstration of God’s lavish provision.
• Walking on Water (Verses 45–52):
  • Jesus’ leadership and guidance through trials.
  • Disciples’ lack of understanding due to hardened hearts.
• Healing in Gennesaret (Verses 53–56):
  • Jesus’ power to heal and restore lives, fulfilling His role as the compassionate shepherd.

6. Application and Reflection

• Focus on Jesus’ Identity:
  • Recognize Jesus as the compassionate shepherd in trials and blessings.
  • Depend on Him rather than attempting to control outcomes.
• Sharing the Message:
  • Share personal insights from the study with family and friends during Christmas.

7. Conclusion

• Quotation from John Newton emphasizing the completeness of Jesus as the source of everything.
• Closing prayer for understanding and application of the teaching.