JUST WHO IS THIS GUY??

We arrive at the climax of Jesus’ ministry to Israel in chapter 6, so let’s see how Mark presents this wonderful Man of action, even skipping meals...                                  

• Jesus heads back to hometown Nazareth, to teach in their synagogue - again! (Last time they tried to kill Him but He has His disciples with Him this time)
• He takes a well-earned holiday? No, He teaches in surrounding villages, while ‘the twelve’ do the same - even with the power to cast out demons! We’re playing for keeps here folks...judgment day awaits those who reject even those Jesus sends!
• John the Baptist has met a gruesome end, thanks to Herod outwitted by his women
• Jesus and His disciples seek retreat from the crowds, only to be swamped by hungry thousands
• Jesus walks on water to calm a storm for His disciples, on the way to yet another healing visit

Notice what the disciples miss... Scraps from 5 fishburgers fill 12 baskets after the feeding of 5000 men, plus women and kids: 12 is the special number for Israel.

Does anyone - anyone at all - recognise the Son of God for who He is?

• the locals in Nazareth are astonished but offended (Gk:skandalizo – tripped up!) 
• king Herod is afraid, thinking Jesus is John risen again
• the people desperately seek His healing hands
• the disciples tell Jesus what to do and are amazed but hard-hearted

So Jesus gets angry? No, He marvels at unbelief but is also moved with compassion...

“Be of good cheer...it is I, be not afraid”

Would you have recognised Jesus as Son of God?

DESPERATE FAITH

What a day that was in Mark 4!...Jesus teaching crowds from a boat, then giving private instruction before embarking on a wild trip across the lake.                                                  Guess what!...the day isn’t over yet...

Good riddance to evil spirits!

As soon as they arrive, Jesus is met by a madman running to meet the boat and getting release from those evil spirits. Jesus then sails straight back to heal a woman of her incurable bleeding disorder and raise a 12 year old girl from the dead – all in a day’s work! (Mark 5)

Telling this Man ALL the truth!

Yes, this Man is wearing Himself out graciously serving men, women and children, even the daughter of the most unlikely person – a ruler of the Jewish synagogue.  Notice the ‘utter uncleanness’, from a Jewish viewpoint, of these people Jesus heals – they are all in a desperate, hopeless position – but faith is rewarded.

• The man was possessed by evil spirits and living in tombs of the dead 
• The woman was totally unclean under Mosaic Law
• The 12 year old girl was dead – utterly unclean

Notice the reactions Jesus receives...                    

The Gadarenes would rather He leave their coasts - these are the descendants of people who didn’t want to cross the River Jordan to inherit the Promised Land.  Back in His own country, Jesus is laughed to scorn.

Nevertheless the good news of Jesus is spread thru 10 towns by the man now sensible, the woman publicly declares all the truth, and the girl is an undeniable silent witness to the Jewish synagogue. 

What about you?                                                                                                 
“Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you and how He has had compassion on you