Mark 6:1  “…came to His own country…”
Nazareth.

3  “…brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here…”
Jesus had at least four half brothers and at least two half sisters.  We forget He was raised in a normal Jewish family.  Not sure of the age difference between Him and His siblings, but it couldn’t have been much.  And we’re not sure when Joseph died.  Also the obvious, Mary didn’t stay a virgin, contrary to what some may declare.

4  “…A prophet is not without honor except in his own country…”
For any of us, we could say that people know the bad things we’ve done and can’t accept what we’ve become.  In Jesus’s case, He’d never done anything wrong and yet the people reacted the same.  Just comes from familiarity.  I guess we think if we know someone they couldn’t know anything of any worth no matter what it is.  I know the feeling.

5  “…He could do no mighty work there…”
Matter of faith, not ability.  Jesus could do whatever He wanted, but the people refused to believe in Him.  Like the ones in the wilderness who refused to simply look at the snake on a pole.  Jesus didn’t force Himself on anyone.

6  “…He marveled because of their unbelief…”
You would think the people would come around after seeing all the miracles He performed, but they didn’t.  Was very strange.

8  “…take nothing for the journey…”
Here it’s just what they’re wearing and a staff.  Later Jesus will tell them to provide more for themselves.  Special occasion for a special purpose, not a doctrine of Christian living.

11  “…it will be more tolerable…”
They will have heard the clear truth and rejected it.  Basis for anyone going to Hell.  They’re given the choice, but they refuse the truth.  No hope beyond that.

12  “…they went out…”
Amazing to realize Judas was part of the group.  He helped cast out demons and heal the sick.  And still betrayed Jesus in the end.

14  “…John the Baptist is risen from the dead…”
Guilty conscience.  Herod knew the name was different, but he’s overcome with what he’s done.

15  “…It is the Prophet…”
The one Moses spoke of, Him you will hear.  They were right, but they expected a prophet, not the Messiah.  Were right and didn’t know it.

20  “…Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man…”
Reason for the guilt and lack of desire to do John harm.

20  “…he did many things…”
Odd statement.  Commentaries are varied on their ideas.  Some speculated Herod did some things John preached on, but not repent as he should.  Nothing clear.

25  “…the head of John the Baptist…”
How children can be manipulated and used.  Happens today.

28  “…and the girl gave it to her mother”
Cold hearted individuals.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.