Following Jesus in the Gospel of MarkÀpẹrẹ

THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS

Look Closely: These four incredible miracles reveal the power of Jesus, Son of God. They also reveal the faith of those who come to Him. Compare the four stories:

1- The disciples, many of whom were fishermen, took boats out on this sea regularly, and they tried everything they knew to do to get through this storm. How did Jesus react when they woke Him in fear for their lives? Why would the disciples fear Jesus after He calmed the storm?

2- When Jesus healed the demon-possessed man, how did the people of the region react? Why do you think they would fear Jesus?

3- Put yourself in the place of the bleeding woman. What might she have been thinking and feeling?

4- Jairus was a local leader who threw himself at Jesus’ feet. What do you think that says about his state of mind and heart?

All four of these stories highlight the authority of Jesus. He commands the winds and seas. He has power over the spiritual forces. And He can heal with a touch and with a word. But these stories also reveal that Jesus has come to lead people from fear to faith. When the world seems to tip wildly out of control, remember who Jesus is, the authority He commands, and that you can bring every fear to His feet. He will lead you to faith every time.

Spotlight: Purity

Old Testament purity laws required those with skin diseases and discharges to remain separated from others until they were healed. This meant the afflicted person could not live with family or engage in society for fear of passing their impurity on to someone else. Those with leprosy formed their own colonies. A woman like the one in this story would have led a lonely, isolated existence. The bleeding woman’s presence in the crowd was shocking- she could have bumped into so many people. And then she gets caught by Jesus! But rather than shame her or shoo her away, Jesus heals her. Not only does her impurity not make Him unclean, but His presence is enough to make her whole again. What a beautiful reminder of the all-encompassing grace of God.

Challenge: Read Hebrews 11:1-40. What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?