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Commentary on Mark 6 verses 30–44
In there verses, we have,
I. The return to Christ of the apostles whom he had sent forth (Mar 6:7), to preach, and work miracles. They had dispersed themselves into several quarters of the country for some time, but when they had made good their several appointments, by consent they gathered themselves together, to compare notes, and came to Jesus, the centre of their unity, to give him an account of what they had done pursuant to their commission: as the servant that was sent to invite to the feast, and had received answers from the guests, came, and showed his Lord all those things, so did the apostles here; they told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. Ministers are accountable both for what they do, and for what they teach; and must both watch over their own souls, and watch for the souls of others, as those that must give account, Heb 13:17. Let them not either do any thing, or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be related and repeated to the Lord Jesus. It is a comfort to faithful ministers, when they can appeal to Christ concerning their doctrine and manner of life, both which perhaps have been misrepresented by men; and he gives them leave to be free with him, and to lay open their case before him, to tell him all things, what treatment they have met with, what success, and what disappointment.
II. The tender care Christ took for their repose, after the fatigue they had (Mar 6:31); He said unto them, perceiving them to be almost spent, and out of breath, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile. It should seem that John's disciples came to Christ with the mournful tidings of their master's death, much about the same time that his own disciples came to him with the report of their negotiation. Note, Christ takes cognizance of the frights of some, and the toils of others, of his disciples, and provides suitable relief for both, rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. With what kindness and compassion doth Christ say to them, Come, and rest! Note, The most active servants of Christ cannot be always upon the stretch of business, but have bodies that require some relaxation, some breathing-time; we shall not be able to serve God without ceasing, day and night, till we come to heaven, where they never rest from praising him, Rev 4:8. And the Lord is for the body, considers its frame, and not only allows it time for rest, but puts it in mind of resting. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers. Return to thy rest. And those that work diligently and faithfully, may cheerfully retire to rest. The sleep of the labouring man is sweet. But observe, 1. Christ calls them to come themselves apart; for, if they had any body with them, they would have something to say, or something to do, for their good; if they must rest, they must be alone. 2. He invites them not to some pleasant country-seat, where there were fine buildings and fine gardens, but into a desert place, where the accommodations were very poor, and which was fitted by nature only, and not by art, for quietness and rest. But it was of a piece with all the other circumstances he was in; no wonder that he who had but a ship for his preaching place, had but a desert for his resting place. 3. He calls them only to rest awhile; they must not expect to rest long, only to get breath, and then to go to work again. There is no remaining rest for the people of God till they come to heaven. 4. The reason given for this, is, not so much because they had been in constant work, but because they now were in a constant hurry; so that they had not their work in any order; for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Let but proper time be set, and kept for every thing, and a great deal of work may be done with a great deal of ease; but if people be continually coming and going, and no rule or method be observed, a little work will not be done without a deal of trouble. 5. They withdrew, accordingly, by ship; not crossing the water, but making a coasting voyage to the desert of Bethsaida, Mar 6:32. Going by water was much less toilsome than going by land would have been. They went away privately, that they might be by themselves. The most public persons cannot but wish to be private sometimes.
III. The diligence of the people to follow him. It was rude to do so, when he and his disciples were desirous, for such good reason, to retire; and yet they are not blamed for it, nor bid to go back, but bid welcome. Note, A failure in good manners will easily be excused in those who follow Christ, if it be but made up in a fulness of good affections. They followed him of their own accord, without being called upon. Here is no time set, no meeting appointed, no bell tolled; yet they thus fly like a cloud, and as the doves to their windows. They followed him out of the cities, quitted their houses and shops, their callings and affairs, to hear him preach. They followed him afoot, though he was gone by sea, and so, to try them, seemed to put a slight upon them, and to endeavour to shake them off; yet they stuck to him. They ran afoot, and made such haste, that they out-went the disciples, and came together to him with an appetite to the word of God. Nay they followed him, though it was into a desert place, despicable and inconvenient. The presence of Christ will turn a wilderness into a paradise.
IV. The entertainment Christ gave them (Mar 6:34); When he saw much people, instead of being moved with displeasure, because they disturbed him when he desired to be private, as many a man, many a good man, would have been, he was moved with compassion toward them, and looked upon them with concern, because they were as sheep having no shepherd, they seemed to be well-inclined, and manageable as sheep, and willing to be taught, but they had no shepherd, none to lead and guide them in the right way, none to feed them with good doctrine: and therefore, in compassion to them, he not only healed their sick, as it is in Matthew, but he taught them many things, and we may be sure that they were all true and good, and fit for them to learn.
V. The provision he made for them all; all his hearers he generously made his guests, and treated them at a splendid entertainment: so it might truly be called, because a miraculous one.
1.The disciples moved that they should be sent home. When the day was not far spent, and night drew on, they said, This is a desert place, and much time is now past; send them away to buy bread, Mar 6:35, Mar 6:36. This the disciples suggested to Christ; but we do not find that the multitude themselves did. They did not say, Send us away (though they could not but be hungry), for they esteemed the words of Christ's mouth more than their necessary food, and forgot themselves when they were hearing him; but the disciples thought it would be a kindness to them to dismiss them. Note, Willing minds will do more, and hold out longer, in that which is good, than one would expect from them.
2.Christ ordered that they should all be fed (Mar 6:37); Give ye them to eat. Though their crowding after him and his disciples hindered them from eating (Mar 6:31), yet he would not therefore, to be even with them, send them away fasting, but, to teach us to be kind to those who are rude to us, he ordered provision to be made for them; that bread which Christ and his disciples took with them into the desert, that they might make a quiet meal of it for themselves, he will have them to partake of. Thus was he given to hospitality. They attended on the spiritual food of his word, and then he took care that they should not want corporal food. The way of duty, as it is the way of safety, so it is the way to supply. Let God alone to fill the pools with rain from heaven, and so to make a well even in the valley of Baca, for those that are going Zion-ward, from strength to strength, Psa 84:6, Psa 84:7. Providence, not tempted, but duly trusted, never yet failed any of God's faithful servants, but has refreshed many with seasonable and surprising relief. It has often been seen in the mount of the Lord, Jehovah-jireh, that the Lord will provide for those that wait on him.
3.The disciples objected against it as impracticable; Shall we go, and buy two hundred penny-worth of bread, and give them to eat? Thus, through the weakness of their faith, instead of waiting for directions from Christ, they perplex the cause with projects of their own. It was a question, whether they had two hundred pence with them, whether the country would of a sudden afford so much bread if they had, and whether that would suffice so great a company; but thus Moses objected (Num 11:22), Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them? Christ would let them see their folly in forecasting for themselves, that they might put the greater value upon his provision for them.
4.Christ effected it, to universal satisfaction. They had brought with them five loaves, for the victualling of their ship, and two fishes perhaps they caught as they came along; and that is the bill of fare. This was but a little for Christ and his disciples, and yet this they must give away, as the widow her two mites, and as the church of Macedonia's deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. We often find Christ entertained at other people's tables, dining with one friend, and supping with another: but here we have him supping a great many at his own charge, which shows that, when others ministered to him of their substance, it was not because he could not supply himself otherwise (if he was hungry, he needed not tell them); but it was a piece of humiliation, that he was pleased to submit to, nor was it agreeable to the intention of miracles, that he should work them for himself. Observe,
(1.)The provision was ordinary. Here were no rarities, no varieties, though Christ, if he had pleased, could have furnished his table with them; but thus he would teach us to be content with food convenient for us, and not to be desirous of dainties. If we have for necessity, it is no matter though we have not for delicacy and curiosity. God, in love, gives meat for our hunger; but, in wrath, gives meat for our lusts, Psa 78:18. The promise to them that fear the Lord, is, that verily they shall be fed; he doth not say, They shall be feasted. If Christ and his disciples took up with mean things, surely we may.
(2.)The guests were orderly; for they sat down by companies on the green grass (Mar 6:39), they sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties (Mar 6:40), that the provision might the more easily and regularly be distributed among them; for God is the God of order, and not of confusion. Thus care was taken that every one should have enough, and none be over-looked, nor any have more than was fitting.
(3.)A blessing was craved upon the meat; He looked up to heaven, and blessed. Christ did not call one of his disciples to crave a blessing, but did it himself (Mar 6:41); and by virtue of this blessing the bread strangely multiplied, and so did the fishes, for they did all eat, and were filled, though they were to the number of five thousand, Mar 6:42, Mar 6:44. This miracle was significant, and shows that Christ came into the world, to be the great feeder as well as the great healer; not only to restore, but to preserve and nourish, spiritual life; and in him there is enough for all that come to him, enough to fill the soul, to fill the treasures; none are sent empty away from Christ, but those that come to him full of themselves.
(4.)Care was taken of the fragments that remained, with which they filled twelve baskets. Though Christ had bread enough at command, he would hereby teach us, not to make waste of any of God's good creatures; remembering how many there are that do want, and that we know not but we may some time or other want such fragments as we throw away.
For they return to the fountain-head whence the streams flow; those who are sent by God, always offer up thanks for those things which they have received.
Mystically, however, the Lord took apart those whom He chose, that though living amongst evil men, they might not apply their minds to evil things, as Lot in Sodom, Job in the land of Uz, and Obadiah in the house of Ahab.
Little indeed is the rest of the saints here on earth, long is their labour, but afterwards, they are bidden to rest from their labours. But as in the ark of Noah, the animals that were within were sent forth, and they that were without rushed in, so is it in the Church, Judas went, the thief came to Christ. But as long as men go back from the faith, the Church can have no refuge from grief; for Rachel weeping for her children would not be comforted. Moreover, this world is not the banquet, in which the new wine is drank, when the new song will be sung by men made anew, when this mortal shall have put on immortality.
(de Con. Evan. 2. 45) This is said to have taken place, after the passion of John, therefore what is first related took place last, for it was by these events that Herod was moved to say, This is John the Baptist, whom I beheaded.
And the apostles, gathering together, reported to Jesus all that they had done and taught. Not only did the apostles report to the Lord what they had done and taught themselves, but also what John suffered while they were engaged in teaching, or his own disciples or those disciples of John reported to him, as Matthew describes. Hence follows that which comes next:
(ubi sup.) Not only do the Apostles tell the Lord what they themselves had done and taught, but also his own and John's disciples together tell Him what John had suffered, during the time that they were occupied in teaching, as Matthew relates. It goes on: And he said to them, Come ye yourselves apart, &c.
(ubi sup.) How arose the necessity for giving rest to His disciples, He shows, when He adds, For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat; we may then see how great was the happiness of that time, both from the toil of the teachers, and from the diligence of the learners. It goes on, And embarking in a ship, they departed into a desert place privately. The disciples did not enter into the ship alone, but taking up the Lord with them, they went to a desert place, as Matthew shows. (Matt. 14) Here He tries the faith of the multitude, and by seeking a desert place He would see whether they care to follow Him. And they follow Him, and that not on horseback, nor in carriages, but laboriously coming on foot, they show how great is their anxiety for their salvation. There follows, And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them. In saying that they outwent them on foot, it is proved that the disciples with the Lord did not reach the other bank of the sea, or of the Jordan, but they went to the nearest places of the same country, where the people of those parts could come to them on foot.
(in Marc. 2, 26) Matthew says that He healed their sick, for the real way of pitying the poor is to open to them the way of truth by teaching them, and to take away their bodily pains.
(in Marc. 2, 25) Leaving also Judæa, the holy preachers, in the desert of the Church, overwhelmed by the burden of their tribulations amongst the Jews, obtained rest by the imparting of the grace of faith to the Gentiles.
(in Marc. 2, 26) But when Christ goes to the deserts of the Gentiles, many bauds of the faithful leaving the walls of their cities, that is their old manner of living, follow Him.
Let us also learn, when we are sent on any mission, not to go far away, and not to overstep the bounds of the office committed, but to go often to him, who sends us, and report all that we have done and taught; for we must not only teach but act.
Again, He goes into a desert place from His humility. But Christ makes His disciples rest, that men who are set over others may learn, that they who labour in any work or in the word deserve rest, and ought not to labour continually.
So do thou not wait for Christ till He Himself call you, but outrun Him, and come before Him. There follows, And Jesus when he came out saw much people, and was moved with compassion towards them, because they were as sheep having no shepherd. The Pharisees being ravening wolves did not feed the sheep, but devoured them; for which reason they gather themselves to Christ, the true Shepherd, who gave them spiritual food, that is, the word of God. Wherefore it goes on, And he began to teach them many things. For seeing that those who followed Him on account of His miracles were tired from the length of the way, He pitied them, and wished to satisfy their wish by teaching them.
(non occ.) The Evangelist, after relating the death of John, gives an account of those things which Christ did with His disciples after the death of John, saying, And the Apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
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SUMMARY
Mark 6:30 captures a pivotal moment in the early ministry of Jesus's disciples, detailing the return of the apostles after their first independent mission trip. This verse highlights their immediate re-gathering with Jesus to provide a comprehensive report, recounting "all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught," underscoring their accountability to Him and the importance of debriefing in their spiritual formation and ongoing commission.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Mark 6:30 serves as a crucial transition point within Mark's Gospel. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus had dispatched the twelve disciples, two by two, empowering them with authority over unclean spirits and providing specific instructions for their journey, including their reliance on divine provision and their message of repentance (Mark 6:7-13). This mission, which involved preaching, casting out demons, and healing the sick, represents a significant step in their practical training. Their return in Mark 6:30 marks the conclusion of this initial phase of independent ministry. The narrative then swiftly moves to Jesus's invitation for them to rest (Mark 6:31) and the subsequent miraculous feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:32-44), demonstrating the relentless pace of their ministry and Jesus's compassionate care for both His disciples and the crowds. The debriefing in this verse is essential for understanding the disciples' growth and the unfolding of Jesus's messianic mission.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Jewish rabbinic tradition, the concept of a "sent one" or an "emissary" (Hebrew: shaliach) carried significant weight. An emissary acted with the full authority of the one who sent him, and his actions were considered as if performed by the sender himself. This cultural understanding illuminates the profound authority Jesus bestowed upon His disciples. Upon returning, it was customary for such emissaries to report back to their sender, providing an account of their mission. This practice was not merely a formality but a vital component of accountability and evaluation. The disciples' gathering "unto Jesus" (Mark 6:30) reflects this cultural expectation, emphasizing their subordinate yet empowered role. Their mission occurred within the broader context of Roman occupation and Jewish religious life, where various itinerate preachers and healers were common, but Jesus's disciples distinguished themselves by their message and the source of their authority.
Key Themes: Mark 6:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of discipleship and training. Jesus is actively preparing His followers for future ministry, and this mission trip, followed by the debriefing, is a vital part of their practical education. It's a hands-on learning experience where they apply what they've been taught. Secondly, the verse highlights accountability in ministry. The apostles do not operate autonomously but return to their Lord to report "all things," demonstrating their submission to His authority and their role as His representatives. This foreshadows the broader call to accountability for all who serve God, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Thirdly, it emphasizes the authority of Jesus and His partnership with His followers. While the disciples were granted authority to preach and perform miracles, they understood that this power flowed from Jesus, and their work was an extension of His own. Their report back to Him signifies His ultimate oversight and the ongoing nature of their collaborative ministry, echoing the principle found in John 15:5.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Mark 6:30 effectively employs several literary devices. The verse functions as a Narrative Summary, succinctly bringing to a close the account of the disciples' first mission trip and setting the stage for subsequent events. The phrase "all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught" uses Parallelism and Emphasis to highlight the comprehensive nature of their report. The repetition of "what they had done" and "what they had taught" underscores the dual nature of their ministry—action and word—and reinforces the thoroughness of their debriefing. This detailed reporting also serves as a form of Foreshadowing, hinting at the greater commission they will receive after Jesus's resurrection, where they will be sent to "make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things" (Matthew 28:19-20). The very act of the apostles returning to Jesus to report also demonstrates Thematic Reinforcement of Jesus's ultimate authority and centrality to their mission.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:30 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of accountability within Christian ministry and discipleship. The apostles, having been empowered and sent by Jesus, immediately return to Him to render a full account of their activities. This act underscores that all true ministry is derivative, flowing from Christ's authority and ultimately answerable to Him. It highlights that our service is not self-directed but a stewardship, requiring regular review and submission to the Lord for guidance, correction, and affirmation. This debriefing process was essential for their spiritual growth, allowing Jesus to assess their understanding, address their challenges, and prepare them for even greater responsibilities, including the future Great Commission. It demonstrates a model of collaborative ministry where human effort is empowered by divine authority and continually brought back to the source for evaluation and renewal.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:30 offers timeless lessons for every believer engaged in God's work. Just as the apostles returned to Jesus to report "all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught," we are called to live lives of constant accountability to our Lord. This means regularly bringing our efforts, our successes, our failures, our questions, and our burdens to Him in prayer and reflection. It's an invitation to debrief with God, not just about our formal ministry, but about every aspect of our lives where we seek to honor Him. This practice fosters humility, deepens our reliance on His wisdom, and allows Him to guide our next steps. It reminds us that our work is ultimately His, and our effectiveness flows from our intimate connection with Him. Furthermore, the verse subtly teaches the importance of reflection after periods of intense activity. Just as Jesus immediately invites His disciples to rest after their report (Mark 6:31), we too must prioritize spiritual and physical replenishment, recognizing that sustainable service requires intentional pauses for restoration and renewed focus on Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the apostles need to report "all things" to Jesus?
Answer: The apostles needed to report "all things" to Jesus for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated their accountability as His commissioned representatives. They were not acting independently but as extensions of His authority, and therefore, a full report was a natural expectation. Secondly, it was a vital part of their discipleship and training. By recounting their experiences, Jesus could assess their understanding, provide further instruction, correct any misconceptions, and prepare them for future, greater responsibilities. Thirdly, it allowed Jesus to evaluate the effectiveness of their mission and the impact of His teachings as applied through them. This comprehensive debriefing was essential for consolidating their learning and ensuring alignment with His divine purpose, much like a general receiving a report from His officers after a campaign.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:30, while seemingly a simple narrative detail, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's role as the ultimate Sender, Sustainer, and Receiver of all true ministry. The apostles' return to Jesus to report "all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught," foreshadows the ongoing relationship between Christ and His Church. Jesus is not merely a historical figure who once sent out disciples; He is the living Head of the Church, who continues to empower His followers through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) and to whom all ministry efforts are ultimately directed. Their debriefing with Him prefigures the ultimate accountability of all believers to Christ at the final judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). Furthermore, Jesus Himself perfectly embodies the "doing" and "teaching" that the apostles reported. His earthly ministry was characterized by both powerful deeds (miracles, healings) and profound teachings (the Sermon on the Mount, parables), setting the pattern for His disciples. He is the one who "began to do and to teach" (Acts 1:1), and the apostles' report reflects their participation in His ongoing mission. Their future Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) would be to continue this very pattern, making disciples by both teaching and demonstrating the power of the Gospel, all under the authority and in the presence of the resurrected Christ, who promised, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).