Mark 4-5: The Servant Demonstrates his Power

Study guide* notes...

One way Jesus served those He came to save was by delivering God's truth to a world shrouded in darkness. Another way He served was by miraculously delivering people from certain temporal trials. These assorted miracles were not ends in themselves, but rather a means to a greater end. They were signs, intended to point out deeper truths about the person and work of Christ. They acted to authenticate His message.

Above all else the miracles were foretastes of kingdom power. When Jesus healed diseases and restored broken bodies, he provided a glimpse into the kingdom where there would be no sickness or deformity. When He cast out demons, He gave a preview of the kingdom where there would be no demonic activity. When He raised the dead, he previewed the kingdom where there would be no death.

Questions / Things to Consider:

• What "tests of faith" did Jarius have to endure before his daughter was restored to him?
• The disciples seemed shocked and surprised by Christ's power; however, the synagogue official and the bleeding woman seemed to have great faith in the power o Christ. How do you explain the differences in their responses?
• With which person or group of people from this extended passage do you identify most (the disciples in the storm, the man oppressed by demons, the prominent man with the sick child, or the woman with a debilitating and shameful illness)? Why?

* Study guide reference: "Mark: The Humanity of Christ," John MacArthur, 2006.

On a non-study guide note, I love the story about the woman who wanted to touch the garment of Jesus, because she knew He could make her whole (Mark 5:25-34). At the Women of Faith conference this weekend, Nicole C. Mullen sang and performed a song she wrote about this story. It is my new favorite song. Here's the video for the song (I put the lyrics below the video)...



Here are the lyrics...

Been ostracized for 12 years... I'm used to being alone... spent everything i had and now it's gone. I'm used to being put down... my issues tell it all... my only hope is anchored in this fall. If I could just touch the hem of His garment... I know I'd be made whole. If I could just press my way through this madness... His love would heal my soul. If only one touch.

So many people calling... how could He ever know... that just a brush of Him would stop the flow. If he knew would He rebuke me... Or shame me to the crowd. Well I'm desperate 'cause it's never or it's now. If I could just touch the hem of His garment... I know I'd be made whole. If I could just press my way through this madness... His love would heal my soul.

And then suddenly He turned around... He said somebody has unleashed my power. Well, frightened and embarrassed i bowed... You see I told Him of my troubles And how... I had to touch the Hem of His garment ...And i know I've been made whole... and how I had pressed my way through this madness... and His love has healed my soul.

Then with one word... He touched the hem of my garment... and you know I've been made whole... and somehow He pressed His way through my madness... and His love has healed my soul. I tell you he Touched me. He reached way down and touched me. When no one else would touch me... your Jesus sure enough he touched me... and i know I've been made whole.