Day 267 – Jesus’ Ministry at Sea of Galilee

• Why do you think it’s helpful to read two separate accounts of these miracles, even though they basically re-tell the same stories? Do you think there is anything to be gained from seeing unity in the gospel writers? Does either author give interesting extra information that the other doesn’t?
• The first miracle we read today shows Jesus calming the storm. What did this show that Jesus had power over?
• If we were in a storm in a small boat nowadays, we would likely be afraid just like the sailors were. I don’t even like it when the waves rock for too long when I go sailing in the Hebrides! Why do you think Jesus asked them why they were afraid?
• We can’t “rebuke the wind” like Jesus did. What can we hold onto when our lives feel like the boat, being tossed about in the wind and waves?
• The second story we read shows Jesus’ power over the demonic. How was the man, who is unnamed, described? He must have been a sorry sight.
• When Jesus approached, the man spoke. We see the words in Mark 5:7. The words come from the demon, using the voice of the possessed man. Does the demon know who Jesus is?
• The words basically mean “what do we have in common?” or “mind your own business”. The demon went on to plead with Jesus. What did the demon know about Jesus’ power over it?
• The voice called himself “Legion”. A legion in the Roman army was a group of 6,000 men, suggesting that this man was highly tormented by many demons, or a very powerful one.
• The demons were fearful of being sent into the “Abyss” (Luke 8:31). This is a place of confinement for demons, and is later referenced in Revelation 9:1. Where do they beg to be sent instead? Why do you think Jesus allows this? Does the choice of animal make you think about anything?
• Previously Jesus has told some people he healed to keep the matter quiet. In this instance, he didn’t. He told the man to declare what had happened to him. A possible reason for this was that this event happened in a Gentile area, and people would have reacted differently to those in a Jewish area.

It’s been ages since I posted a video, and as we spent a bit of time in Mark today, that’s as good a choice as any! Enjoy watching; it’s very helpful.

Unlike Matthew, who seems to have written his gospel for a Jewish audience, Mark looks to have directed his account of Jesus to a gentile audience (remember, that means anyone who wasn’t a Jew). He was a little like a Christian pastor teaching people who Christ was and why they should follow Him. It’s written at quite a fast pace, and has plenty of action in it, which may have helped and encouraged people to read it! It also skips some of the Old Testament references and genealogies that authors like Matthew refer to. Mark clearly wanted his audience to realise not just who Jesus was, but how they can follow Him even though they weren’t part of the Israelite nation.

Try and keep this in the back of your mind as you read.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-_gcSTH1GM