The Gospel of Mark for Readers | Page 6

country. On
the sabbath day, He began to teach in the synagogue. Many local
people heard the sayings of Jesus and were astonished. They asked,
From whence has this man learned these things? What wisdom is this

that is given to Him that even such mighty works are wrought by His
hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of
James, Joses, Juda, and Simon? Are His sisters not right here among us?
Thus, they were offended at Him. And Jesus said, A prophet is without
honour in his own country, among his own kin, and in his own house.
Jesus went there to do mighty works. He marvelled at their unbelief
and, because of this, could do little but lay His hands upon and heal a
few of the sick and teach in the villages around the area.
In a little while, Jesus called to Him the twelve to begin to go forth by
two and two. He gave them power over unclean spirits. He told them
that they should take nothing for their journey except a staff; no scrip,
no bread, no money in their purse. He instructed them to be shod with
only sandals; and not put on two coats.
He said to them, In what place soever ye enter into a house, abide there
until ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you,
nor hear you, when ye leave there, shake off the dust from your feet as
a testimony against them. Verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable
for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment than for that place.
The disciples went out and preached that men should repent. They cast
out many devils, anointed many sick people with oil, and healed many
of them.
King Herod heard of Him (for His name was spread abroad) and said
that John the Baptist was risen from the dead and, therefore, mighty
works were shown forth in him. Others said, It is Elias. And others said,
It is one of the prophets. But when Herod heard all this he said, It is
John whom I beheaded. He is risen from the dead.
Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold of John. He had him bound
and imprisoned for Herodias, his brother Philip's wife's sake whom
Herod had married. John told Herod that it was not lawful for him to
have his brother's wife. Herodias, therefore, held this against John and
wanted him killed. Herod, however, feared John and knew he was a just
and holy man. Herod saw and heard John many times and heard him
gladly.
Then Herod, on his birthday, made a supper for his lords, high captains,
and chief estates of Galilee. The daughter of Herodias came and danced.
Herod and those who sat with him were pleased. The king said to the
damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt and I will give it thee. He

swore to her that whatever she should ask of him, he would give her
even up to half of his kingdom. She went to her mother, Herodias, and
said, What shall I ask? Her mother said, The head of John the Baptist.
Then she hurried back to the king and said, I will that thou give me the
head of John the Baptist on a charger.
The king was exceedingly sorry. Yet for his oath's sake, and for the
sake of those who sat with him, he would not reject her. The king sent
for an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. The
executioner went and beheaded John in the prison. He brought his head
on a charger and gave it to the damsel. Then the damsel gave it to her
mother. When his disciples heard of this, they came and took up his
corpse and laid it in a tomb.
The apostles gathered together, went to Jesus, and told him all things,
what they had done and what they had taught. Then Jesus said to them,
Come ye away into a desert place and rest a while. They had been
coming and going and had no time even to eat. Thus they departed into
a desert place, going privately by boat. But the people saw them
departing, outran them, and came together to Him.
Jesus saw the multitude that had gathered and was moved with
compassion toward them because they were as sheep without a
shepherd. He began to teach them. And when the day was far spent, His
disciples came to Him and said, This is a desert place and it is very late.
Send them away so they may go into the country and into the villages
to buy themselves bread for they have nothing to eat.
Jesus answered, Give