Series THE BOOK OF MARK with Pastor Mark Finley  |

Lesson 5.Miracles Around the Lake  |
Jesus’ Miracles at the Sea of Galilee: Revelation of His Divine Power and Mercy  |

Lesson 5 focuses on the extraordinary miracles Jesus performed around the Sea of Galilee and their profound meanings. These stories demonstrate Jesus’ divine power over nature, illness, and evil spirits. We witness Him calming a storm, healing a demon-possessed man, and feeding 5,000 people with only a few loaves and fishes. Moreover, His walking on water showcases His authority over the elements. These miracles reveal not only His power but also His compassion and mission to spiritually redeem people.

Memory Text: Mark 5:19 – “However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, ‘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’.”

Content:
5.1 Calming a Storm
Jesus’ Power Over Nature: Calming the Storm as a Sign of His Divinity

In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples experience a dramatic demonstration of Jesus’ divine power when He calms a violent storm. After a long day of teaching, Jesus, tired, sleeps in the boat while the storm rages. When the disciples panic and wake Him, He commands the wind and waves to be still, and a great calm ensues. This act shows that Jesus has power over the forces of nature, as described in Psalm 104:1-9, a characteristic of Yahweh. The disciples’ reaction—fear and amazement at His authority—helps the reader recognize that Jesus is the Son of God, who has control over creation. This story encourages us to trust in Jesus’ divine power and care in times of fear.

5.2 Can You Hear a Whisper Above a Shout?
The Quiet Power of Jesus: Hearing the Whisper for Help Over the Scream of Demons

In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a demon-possessed man living among the tombs, who cannot be restrained by anyone. Despite the demons’ loud resistance, Jesus perceives the man’s silent plea for help. By casting out the demons, Jesus displays His unparalleled power over evil. The demons, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, flee into a herd of pigs, which then plunge into the sea. This story highlights the great battle between good and evil and shows that Jesus brings healing and deliverance even amidst chaos and impurity.

5.3 On the Roller Coaster With Jesus
The Desperate Plea: Jairus Kneels Before Jesus to Beg for Help for His Dying Daughter

In Mark 5:21-24, Jairus, a synagogue leader, shows remarkable faith and humility. Despite his position and the general hostility of religious leaders towards Jesus, Jairus desperately kneels before Jesus and asks for healing for his dying daughter. His actions demonstrate his deep love as a father and his belief in Jesus’ ability to help. Jesus responds immediately and goes with Jairus without hesitation. This scene emphasizes the urgency and faith that motivate Jairus to seek Jesus’ help, despite potential social repercussions.

5.4 Rejection and Reception
Rejection in Nazareth: The Difficulty of Accepting Jesus as Teacher and Healer

In Mark 6:1-6, the people of Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth, reject Him because they know Him only as the carpenter and Mary’s son. They are surprised and offended by His transformation into a teacher and healer and cannot accept His wisdom and power. There is also some hostility since Jesus performed most of His miracles in Capernaum and had conflicts with His family.

In contrast, Mark 6:7-30 describes the sending out of the twelve apostles to spread Jesus’ message and the beheading of John the Baptist. While the disciples travel lightly and rely on people’s support, John ends up isolated and brutally executed. John’s death highlights the danger and suffering Jesus’ followers may also face, hinting at the upcoming crisis for Jesus Himself.

5.5 A Different Kind of Messiah
A Different Kind of Messiah: Jesus’ Miraculous Feeding of the 5000 and the Revelation of His True Mission

In Mark 6:34-52, Jesus and His disciples face the challenge of feeding a large crowd of 5,000 people. While the disciples want to send the crowd away to fend for themselves, Jesus solves the problem by miraculously multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed everyone. This account reflects the expectations of a Messiah who would liberate and lead Israel, but Jesus reveals a different kind of Messiah. Instead of political power, He shows spiritual care and revelation by withdrawing to pray and later walking on water, underscoring His divine nature.

5.6 Summary
Jesus’ Divine Power and Compassion at the Sea of Galilee

Lesson 5 describes various miracles around the Sea of Galilee that reveal Jesus’ divine power and compassion. Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His authority over nature, which awes His disciples. He heals a demon-possessed man, showing His power over evil. In feeding the 5,000, He reveals His ability to provide in times of need while correcting false Messianic expectations. Finally, Jesus walks on water, highlighting His divine nature and astonishing His disciples once more. These miracles illustrate that Jesus is not just a teacher but the Son of God, who came to spiritually redeem people.

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