Read: Mark 5:1-17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. (v. 17) This is an interesting story. A man living among the tombs was demon-possessed. He had a history of behaving wildly. No one could subdue him—even with chains. Night and day he would run around the hills scaring people, crying out in a loud voice, …
Peace in the Storm
Read: Mark 4:35-41 [Jesus] awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (v. 39) A sudden, violent storm had arisen on the Sea of Galilee. Even experienced boat handlers like the disciples were scared stiff. Jesus was in the boat, too, but he was asleep. …
Growing Seeds
Read: Mark 4:26-34 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. (v. 27) Jesus, it would seem, had a great appreciation for the miracle of growth. Although we may take it for granted, it is truly an amazing phenomenon. Having taken his teaching ministry outside, Jesus is reminded time and again …
Visible Faith
Read: Mark 4:21-25 He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?” (v. 21) In Grand Haven, Michigan, where I live, a lighthouse is situated on a pier that juts far out into Lake Michigan. For many years that lighthouse has stood there, indicating to …
The Harvest Is Sure
Read: Mark 4:1-20 And other seeds . . . produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold. (v. 8) As Jesus continued his ministry outdoors, he saw a farmer sowing seeds. He used that as an illustration of what happens when the gospel is shared with people. We sow the seed of the Word …