What does Mark 6:15 Mean?

Context Summary

In the opening paragraph of this chapter, we learn of hatred and rejection of those who had enjoyed the rich privileges of being the neighbors and associates of our Lord from His earliest days. They could not discern the divine in the human, the heavenly under the earthly veil. The Savior, therefore, driven from their towns, goes about among the villages, depriving Himself of the companionship of His disciples, in order to spread the good news as far as possible. The Lord is still in His Church through the Holy Spirit, but His power is limited and neutralized by our unbelief. It is useless to ask Him to put forth His great power and save us, so long as we have made it practically impossible for Him to do as we ask. The oldtime cry was: "Why shouldst thou be as a mighty man that cannot save?" The answer is supplied here: He could do no mighty work,"¦ and he marveled at their unbelief. Faith is our capacity for God, and there are several conditions for its nurture and growth.

With what simplicity the Twelve were started on their mission, Mark 6:7. But with what authority they spoke! Simplicity and power are closely allied. The truly strong soul is not in need of the external surroundings and circumstances on which others lean; and in proportion to our willingness to deprive ourselves of the sources of human confidence may we lay hold on and possess divine power. [source]

Chapter Summary: Mark 6

¹  Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country
⁷  He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits
¹⁴  Various opinions of Jesus
¹⁶  John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried
³⁰  The apostles return from preaching
³⁴  The miracle of five loaves and two fishes
⁴⁵  Jesus walks on the sea;
⁵³  and heals all who touch him