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The Miracles of Mark. General Information. The miracles of Jesus are “mighty acts” (6:2, 5, 14); 17 are mentioned by Mark. Different kinds of miracles: Exorcisms (casting out of demons) Healings Power over nature That Jesus performed miracles was never denied, even by his enemies.
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General Information • The miracles of Jesus are “mighty acts” (6:2, 5, 14); 17 are mentioned by Mark. • Different kinds of miracles: • Exorcisms (casting out of demons) • Healings • Power over nature • That Jesus performed miracles was never denied, even by his enemies.
General Information • His miracles put him into conflict with: • Authorities • Family (his own); they think he’s crazy • Satan’s power • For Mark, Jesus is a man of conflict, a lion roaming territory to establish his control over another lion, Satan (1 Peter 5:8). • Most of Jesus’ miracles take place in the first half of Mark’s gospel.
The Demon Possessed Man(Mark 5:1-20) • The region of the Garasenes was in Gentile territory, outside of Palestine. • The man is an example of what Satan’s power can do in someone’s life. • Although the man was “alive” he was in a state of death, dominated by Satan. • The demon knew Jesus’ identity; in Mark, people are unclear as to Jesus’ identity. • The man fell at the feet of Jesus—a sign of submission.
The Demon Possessed Man(Mark 5:1-20) • “Legion” describes 6,000 soldiers. The man had many demons inside him. • The demon “begged” Jesus not to send them out of the area. • Jesus allowed them to enter the pigs; shows Jesus’ authority over spirits. • Note the people’s response: “They were afraid” (v. 15).
The Demon Possessed Man(Mark 5:1-20) • They “pleaded” with Jesus to leave (v. 17). Their response is similar to the demons. • The healed man pleads with Jesus to go with him, but Jesus didn’t allow him. • Instead, Jesus sent him on a mission: tell what God has done for you. • The man did what Jesus asked. This is true discipleship: obedience.
A Dead Girl and Sick Woman(Mark 5:21-43) • A synagogue ruler’s “little daughter” is dying. • A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years interrupts the story. She too was dying. • The woman’s faith is meant to show what Jairus needed to have. • “Immediately” she was healed (v. 29).
A Dead Girl and Sick Woman(Mark 5:21-43) • Notice what Jesus calls her: “Daughter” • The little girl dies while Jesus is on the way—Jesus’ requirement is faith (v. 36). • “Immediately” she got up at Jesus’ command. • The age of the girl (12 yrs) was the time the woman had been sick. • The little girl is a “daughter.”
Walking on Water (Mark 6:45-56) • This miracle shows Jesus’ power over the material world. • Disciples in a boat, struggling against the wind—symbol of the church in the world. • 4th watch of the night: 3:00-6:00 am (for sailors on the sea, this was the hour of strange occurrences. • They were afraid when they saw Jesus: “Don’t be afraid; it is I.” (see Ex. 3:14) • Presence of God is meant to comfort us.
Healing a Blind Man (Mark 8:22-26) • A strange way to heal: spit on his eyes and put his hands on him. • “I see people who look like trees.” • Only miracle Jesus performs twice; was there not enough power? • The man’s vision clearing up shows the slow progress of people to recognize Jesus’ identity. • This miracle shows Jesus’ power over sickness.
Healing of Boy With Evil Spirit (Mark 9:14-32) • A boy is possessed by an evil spirit and the disciples cannot drive it out. • “But if you can do anything…” Jesus takes note of this comment: “If you can?”. • Faith in God’s power defines a disciple; the man wavers between faith / unbelief. • Prayer is required; it shows dependence on God, not on oneself. • This is how to overcome Satan.