What is Jesus like? Mark 6

The Gospel According to Mark, Chapter 6

• People took offense at Jesus because of what He said and did (2-3).
• Are people taking offense at my life's work?
• Jesus went and taught (6).  He is going again.
• Jesus cared for the well being of His own close circle (31-32).
• I need to be sure to always do this with those closest to me.  Do not worry about those whom you do not have; do not neglect those you do have.  Minister to them.
• Jesus was compassionate (34).  He continually gave of Himself, even in His fatigue (34 cf. 31-32).  He sacrificed His time with His own to meet the needs of the crowd.
• I must be willing to give up my personal time and comforts if I want to minister like Jesus.
• Jesus was knowledgeable and capable of sharing that knowledge ("many things" v. 34).
• I need to be knowledgeable in various subject areas and capable of discussing that with those who ask.  This will require effort and study.
• Jesus ministered (taught) long and late (35).
• Jesus was a leader.  He commanded crowds (39).
• Jesus was personal with the crowd, not withdrawn and unreachable (45).
• I must be diligent to make sure I never become withdrawn and unreachable.  My presence must substantiate my words.  Ministry is involvement with people.  "Leadership is influence."
• Jesus did end His ministering at the appropriate time (45).
• Jesus prayed, apparently even late at night, and after He had taught (46).
• I need to be a man of prayer, before and after.  It is easy for me to get done and be spent after preaching and then go on as if the matter was ended, not continuing to pray for or dwell on that message.  The task is not accomplished when the sermon is preached, but until the purpose of the sermon is fulfilled, and only continual prayer can accomplish that.

NOTE: This is the last of my posts from Mark's Gospel about Jesus for now.  Due to various circumstances, I have kept going in Mark but not kept track of or had opportunity to write entries like these past few.