Jesus heals – Be Still…

Mark 2:1-17 – Bold Compassion

Jesus is definitely not afraid to ruffle feathers and go against what is expected for someone who teaches and heals. We should do a better job at being bold witnesses of our faith in Jesus. Watching Jesus’ examples and how he lived his life can give us clues for how we should be interacting with others.

Jesus wasn’t afraid of what people might think. He knew his mission, and he proceeded with boldness. He not only healed, but he also forgave. We’re only two chapters into the gospel of Mark, and already we see frustrated religious leaders. They are so focused on the law that they can’t see God in their midst. Continue reading “Mark 2:1-17 – Bold Compassion”

Mark 1:21-45 – Jesus’ Touch

Read Mark 1:21-45

Mark’s gospel doesn’t waste any time getting into what Jesus came to do. There are a couple of interesting observations we can make in this reading. Were you surprised at how Jesus spoke to the demons when they recognized who he was? It seems Jesus didn’t want everyone to know his true identity all at once.

What have we seen Jesus do so far? Teach, heal, and pray. Getting to know Jesus through the eyes of Scripture is so helpful because we see God in motion. It never gets old reading about how Jesus walked among us and interacted with the world God loved so much. Continue reading “Mark 1:21-45 – Jesus’ Touch”

Mark 5:21-34 – Faith Healing

Read Mark 5:21-34

What surprised you in today’s reading? Was it that a religious leader who publicly recognized Jesus’ healing power or was it how a woman was healed by simply touching Jesus’ garment? Jesus’ ministry is packed with amazing moments of seeing God at work among his people.

Let’s focus on the woman who has been afflicted for twelve years. Could she even remember what it was like to not be bleeding? Can you remember what you were doing twelve years ago? Take a moment to do the math. While you certainly won’t remember what you had for dinner twelve years ago tonight, try to place yourself in that moment of your history. I was leading Vacation Bible School in a church where my husband was serving. Many of the kids attending that year are grown up with children of their own!

Mark 3:20-30 – The Unforgiveable Sin

Read Mark 3:20-30

What an encounter we witness in this reading! Jesus is busy fulfilling his mission, but even those closest to him don’t yet understand. They think Jesus has gone mad because he’s so busy serving by helping, healing, and casting out demons. The religious leaders are the ones who really miss the mark. Is their pride so strong that they must blaspheme the Holy Spirit?

I suppose if they were to accept Jesus’ actions, they would have to admit Jesus was the Messiah. Would that have been so horrible? Have you ever thought what Jesus’ ministry may have looked like had he not been an “enemy” in the eyes of the religious leaders who were anxiously awaiting the Messiah?

Mark 3:7-12 – Crowd Control

Read Mark 3:7-12

What happens when you hear something great is happening? Many of us will drop everything to see for ourselves if it’s “hype worthy.” Here in Mark’s gospel, we see that crowds of people have heard about Jesus. They want to see for themselves, too. They are attracted to Jesus but have no real understanding of who he is.

The miracles people were talking about were examples of God touching people and meeting their needs. People were being healed. Others had their lives restored when evil spirits finally left them alone. Can you imagine keeping quiet about such life-changing experiences?