The Feeding of the 5,000 - John 6:1-15 - According to the Fifth Gospel

Jesus' "feeding of the 5000" can be found in all four gospels.  Each narrative varies to some degree in the details.  The gospel writer of John provides one distinct detail, the small boy who without urging offered up his lunch.  His contribution stands forever in contrast to that of the adults in the story.  "What are they among so many?"  (Treasurers, take heed).

Here are some of the other details according to the Fifth Gospel:

• John and Luke refer to the Sea as "Tiberias."
• Three of the accounts identify the location only as a "deserted place."  This designation does not indicate a wilderness but a "pasturing place."  The grass is green.  Only Luke places the miracle at Bethsaida.
• Jesus has the crowd sit to receive their meal which might point to the wilderness tradition in Exodus of having Israel sit in groups of fifty and one hundred.  Perhaps Jesus was simply into crowd control.
• Certainly Jesus reveals himself as the "new manna from heaven" and "the prophet" through this fourth sign (John has seven signs).
• Mark and Matthew provide a second "feeding" story which takes place on the "other side" of the Sea, the Gentile side.  Unlike in the first story where twelve baskets are taken up, seven baskets are collected here.  The exciting interpretation is that "God's abundance is sufficient for all, Jews and Gentiles."

This narrative is appropriate for the summer months and outdoor worship and church picnics.

The Mosaic from the Church of the Multiplication at Present Day Tabgha

This Sunday's Lectionary Text - Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 - According to the Fifth Gospel

For those who preach or teach from the prescribed readings for the church year, here are some notes on Sunday's gospel text according to the Fifth Gospel:

• Somewhere on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee Jesus gathered the disciples around to share the results of their first mission trip.
• Sensing their weariness of body and soul, Jesus invited them to come apart for His promised rest.  He chose a "deserted place" familiar to Him.  St. Jerome located it and called it the Eremos Heights or the "lonely place."
• Vance Havner captured Jesus' wisdom for Himself and the disciples in "coming apart to  rest, lest they come apart."
• Their respite was all too brief, interrupted by the "coming and going" of a large crowd, hungry for the bread of life.

What follows in Mark (6:35-44) is the account of the feeding of the 5000, but the miracle is excluded in Sunday's lectionary reading!  The confinement to the "lonely place" for Sunday's preaching does not minimize compassionate acts but seeks to help with compassion fatigue.

The Eremos Heights

Tip of the Hat to Ferrell Jenkins

I follow numerous blogs in my desire to remain current on what is happening in the land.  One of my favorite writers is Ferrell Jenkins.  I would like to recommend him to you and congratulate him on his 2000th post which is quite an accomplishment.  For example, this post is only my 317th.  Ferrell was kind enough to reference my blog in late 2013.

Oh, you want to check out his most recent blog on seismic activity in the Galilee!

See for yourself - https://ferrelljenkins.blog/2018/06/28/2000-in-the-bag/ and
https://ferrelljenkins.blog/2013/12/23/reading-the-blogs-2/ 

The Land and Preaching on Sunday's Gospel Text - Mark 6:14-29

The gospel writer records the arrest of John the Baptist in Mark 1:14.  Given this news, Jesus relocates to Capernaum and begins His ministries of amazing proclamation and mighty acts.  At this time, Jesus' actions attract the scrutiny of Herod Antipas, the ruler of the Galilee and John's judge and executioner.

Later in his gospel, Mark (6:14-29) looks back on the details of John's arrest and death:

• Herod Antipas superstitiously saw "John in Jesus."  Like other rulers of Israel, Herod maintained a certain respect for the role of the prophets.  He feared a risen John.
• Herodias, the wife of Antipas and previously of Philip, only wanted John's head  "served up on a platter."  John would not let her or anyone forget her adultery with Antipas.
• Blinded by desire and passion for Herodias' daughter, Antipas lost all perspective and promised the world for one last dance.
• Instead, the price to be paid was the death of John who was being held at Machaerus, one of the eleven fortresses surrounding the kingdom and John's Golgotha.
• Antipas' weakness disallowed not fulfilling his oath to Herodias.  In Israel, you could disrespect a prophet in his hometown and ultimately in the court of the king.

During Jesus' last week in Jerusalem, Antipas and Jesus would finally meet.  What Antipas feared from John, he realized in the risen Jesus!

Machaerus in Jordan

 

Roll Jordan, Roll! Roll Justice, Roll!

The Dan River

The Dan River is one of three streams that converge to give us the Jordan River.  The other two are the Senir and Hermon Springs.  

I wonder if the prophet Amos drew upon this image on one of his mission trips to the Northern Kingdom for his message: "but let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream" (Amos 5:24).

Just wondering!.

Sunday's Text - Mark 6:1-13 - in Light of the Fifth Gospel

Having based His ministry in Capernaum, Jesus returned home to Nazareth for a final time.  According to Mark, the return was not what one might expect given His mighty acts around the Sea of Galilee.  In point of fact, the gospel account is still known as "the rejection of Jesus at Nazareth."

The following points from the Fifth Gospel shed further light on Mark 6:1-6 for preaching or teaching this Sunday:

• Despite the relatively small size of Nazareth (300 - 500 people), the village had its own synagogue.
• On this particular Sabbath, "many" came for study and worship, referring less to the numbers but more the faithful characteristic of its residents.  "Many" was a term associated with the Essenes, describing the nature of community.
• All began well that day when Jesus was called upon to read from Torah and the Prophets; Jesus interpreted the Scriptures with wisdom and power.
• The immediate response of the congregation was one of astonishment and even the reference to Jesus as "the carpenter" was affirming.  In a village, the local carpenter was often the "go-to man" especially when there was no rabbi available.
• Mark's leap from the initial positive response to Jesus' teaching to the sudden offense taken can only be understood by a comparative study of Luke 4:16-30.
• According to Luke, the locals turned on their own prophet when He included Gentiles (a widow and a leper) as beneficiaries of God's mighty acts.
• The unbelief of the village did not seem to surprise Jesus.  His choice of Capernaum and its more inclusive Judaism was indeed confirmed by their arrogance and bad behavior.

There was no turning back for Jesus!  He was and is a "light to the nations."

Nazareth's Synagogue

FAQs About Travel-Study in the Holy Land

I have come to count on certain questions as to travel-study in the land.  Is it safe to travel in the region?  What does it cost?  Is it worth the investment?  Will it impact my ministry and the local church?

The answer is a resounding "yes" to all questions.  Over twenty-four years of travel in the land, I have never felt "unsafe."  The cost is relative, and the investment is life's and ministry's best value.  You will be a more effective preacher and teacher and a more faithful disciple.  Laity and clergy who travel together form special bonds.

Yes, by all means, make the decision and take the steps necessary!  Call me when you do (601-497-5860).  I am ready to assist you.