Serving the Saviour - Studies in the Gospel of Mark - 5
Spiritual Lessons
We are studying now Chapters 5 and 6 of the Gospel of Mark, and the first thirteen verses of chapter 7.
Chapter 5 shows Christ's power over demons, disease and death. These three things are the three main problems man faces. Christ shows his authority over them all. In verses 1 to 20 of chapter 5 we read about the encounter between Jesus and the demon-possessed man. Jesus and the disciples had gone over to the land of the Gerasenes in a boat. Verse 2 says, "When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet Him." Jesus asked his name. The man replied, "My name is Legion. for we are many." A Roman legion had six thousand soldiers. This man was possessed by just as many demons. Jesus commands them to go into some nearby pigs. We read in verse 13, "...the evil spirits carne out and went into the pigs". The striking thing about this incident is the condition of the man after he had met with Jesus. Verse 15 says he was, ".....sitting there, dressed and in his right mind". All the hosts of hell cannot stand against Christ. He is able to deliver anyone from Satan's dominion. Whenever someone meets with the risen Saviour he is never the same again.
Verses 21 to 43 record Jesus' meeting with Jairus, and the sick woman. In verse 23 Jairus approaches Jesus about his daughter. He says, "Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live". On his way to Jairus' home verses 25 and 27 tell us, "A woman was there who had bleeding for three years. She came up behind him in the crowd and touched his coat". She was healed of her infirmity. Jesus said to her in verse 34, "Daughter your faith has healed you".
When Jesus arrived at Jairus’ home, He was told that the girl had died. Verses 38 and 39 tell us that, "When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler. He went in and said to them. ‘The child is not dead but asleep’”. And in verses 41 and 42 we read, “Jesus said to her, ‘Little girl I say to you get up.’ Immediately the girl stood up and walked around.” Jesus brought joy and delight to that home, and earlier to the woman who stretched out and touched him.
Jairus came openly to Christ. The woman came secretly. The way you come to Jesus is not important. How you come is. You must come in faith believing he is able and willing to meet your need. If Jesus powerfully dealt with death, demons, and disease, then there is no difficulty He cannot help you with.
Chapter six of Marks Gospel begins with Jesus as the centre of discussion and debate. We read in verse 2, "Where did this man get these things?. .What is this wisdom that has been given to him?". The people who said these things were the ones who knew Him best. They were from his home town. They said in verse 3, "Isn't this Mary's son?". Familiarity breeds contempt. It is possible to take people for granted simply because we are used to seeing them. The worse sin is to take Jesus for granted and not appreciate who He really is. Be careful of over familiarity with truths about Christ, and failing to value them because they are so well known to you.
In verses 6 to 12 Jesus commissions his twelve disciples. Verse 7 says, "Calling the twelve to Him, He sent them out two by two". As servants of God we are not to sit about idle. We must be about the master’s business. Christ has commissioned us. He said in Mark 16 verse 15, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."
There is a cost in following Christ. The highest cost can be laying down our lives for Him. This happened to John the Baptist. John had spoken out against the adultery of Herod. John had been put in prison. We read in verse 27 that Herod, "Sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head". Being outspoken for the Lord against the sinful trends in society will not make you many friends in the world. The world will respond with hatred. John wanted to please God no matter what the outcome. What an example he is to us all!
Verses 30 to 44 records the well known miracle of the feeding of the five thousand Christ shows himself as the creator and provider as he takes the five loaves and two fish and divides them amongst the crowd. The disciples were called to pass the bread around. We read in verses 41,42, "Taking the five loaves and two fish and looking up into heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied". There is a lovely truth here. Our Saviour is the bread of life. He is the one who satisfies the needs of men's hearts. Yet, we are involved with Him in bringing this bread to men and women. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3 verse 9 "For we are God's fellow workers." That is our privilege. Keep close to the Lord and work with Him every day.
The sixth chapter ends like the fourth. Again in this chapter the theme has been that our service for the Lord should be active, it may even cost our lives, and we are working with God as a team. Just as Christ faced hostility in his home town so we will face it as we serve the Lord.
Verses 45 to 54 records Jesus walking on the water to his disciples in the storm. Jesus says in verse 50, "Take courage! it is I. Don't be afraid". The truth is clear, Jesus will come to us, and he will be with us, as we face the storms of the worlds hatred. We need not fear.
Chapter seven verses 1 to 13 deals with the character of the Pharisees. They placed their traditional rules above God's word. They were more concerned with outward ceremonial washings than with true heart religion. Jesus said in verse 8, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Are you a Pharisee? Is there one in your church? How can you tell? The Pharisee is known for his critical spirit. The Pharisee in Jesus' day criticised the disciples for failing to wash their hands ceremonially before eating! Do you spend your time criticising rather than praying for your fellow believers? The Pharisee holds on to tradition rather than being guided by God's word. Sometimes changes need to be made in our churches. The Pharisee opposes it not because he has a biblical reason, but because we have always done it that way! Continue to serve the Lord with all your heart, and be guided by his word in all your decisions.