PERCEIVING JESUS

Mark 6:1-16 

Thursday, 27 August 2026

Jesus became so well-known…….– Mark 6:14 CEV

Jesus’ earthly ministry in its different phases is recorded by the Gospel writers. Mark’s Gospel isa fast-moving account portraying the rise of Jesus’ ministry, its popularity, then its opposition and final climax into his death and resurrection. Our reading today shows how people perceived Jesus as his ministry was picking up pace. 

We get a glimpse of Jesus’ ministry in his hometown- acceptance was difficult as people put forth various opinions about him. Let’s see how Jesus is perceived from our text today:

• The Teacher & Healer

The primary ministry Jesus did was teaching and those who heard him were amazed at the wisdom that came forth from him (v.2; cf. Luke 4:15). They observed the miracles he performed(v.2) but Jesus met with offence from the people of the town he grew up as they considered him an ordinary person, a carpenter, Mary’s son with other brothers and sisters. Thus, their unbelief stood as a barrier in His ministry. He did not receive honor in his hometown! Often the same happens to Jesus’ followers in every decade- opposition, offence, mocking, rejection—where doubt abounds, works of faith are retarded.

• The One with Authority

As his ministry was picking up pace, Jesus sent his twelve disciples two by two with authority (v.7 cf. Matt.10). Father God sent Jesus into the world and in turn, Jesus sends His disciples as His representatives with a mission (John 17:18). The disciples were given instructions to follow and how to go about with the mission. Mark 6:12-13 states: They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. The One with all authority has given that authority to all his disciples in every age to carry on His work: … “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt.28:18-20). Jesus’ disciples are vested with his authority to carry on His work in the world until His return to establish His Kingdom!

• The Prophet 

Many perceived Jesus as a prophet (vs.14-16) and king Herod believed he was John the Baptist raised from the dead. In perceiving Jesus like one of the prophets of long ago (v.15), they understood that he was a spokesman for God and did his ministry with the anointing of God upon him. Though they were willing to recognize Jesus as a prophet and see the power of God working through him, that did not help them have the right perception of Jesus. Many like Jesus’ teaching as recorded in the Gospels and are willing to receive miracles in His name, to their own benefit, but unwilling to surrender their lives to him even in our day!

Friend, what is your perception of Jesus? Teacher? Prophet? Miracle Worker?—a good man who left his mark and has a few followers all over the world? Unless you perceive him as the Son of God and Saviour of the world—bringing salvation and life everlasting to all who truly believe in Him—you are in error. Acts 17: 30-31 states: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” – That is Jesus! Would you turn to God and be saved through Christ Jesus?

Think on: Who is Jesus to you?

Listen: 'I speak Jesus'