Solitude, Silence, and the Kingdom of God

Mark 6:30-56

Read Mark 6:6–13 and 6:35–37. In both passages, Jesus called his disciples to service. Why was service important for their own growth?
Why was service by the disciples important for the furtherance of Jesus' mission?
Read vv. 30–32. Because Jesus had so much to do and so many people to help, many may think that Jesus' call to a retreat was a waste of precious time. Was it? Why or why not?
Look carefully at vv. 31b–32. Specifically, what does Jesus ask his followers to do? What application does that have to us?
What do we learn from Jesus' actions in 6:45–46?
What do we learn about Jesus from the stories in 6:30–56? Simply list everything you see these verses teaching about him. What difference do these things make for those of us who follow him?

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