Day 288 – Mark 4-5

Talking Points

• In this section, we see Jesus’ confidence in the Word of God. The Word is central to the mission of Christ. In fact, it is the only trustworthy revelation of Christ. Explaining His parable, Jesus stated, “The sower sows the word” (Mark 4:14). The Word of God, like the powerful seed, has the ability to sprout and take root, to grow, and to ultimately bear fruit, producing a harvest. And, just like the seed, the Word does what it does in the miraculous programming of God!
• Another parable truth: The world and its offerings are deceptively attractive. Jesus said they literally “enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (4:19). We need to be constantly in the Word in order to battle our tendencies to be lured back in by the world’s temptations.
• In the account of the Gerasene demoniac, the crowd reacted with an unexpected response. Instead of rejoicing at the man’s miraculous deliverance, as they heard “all about the swine,” the crowd implored Jesus to leave (5:16). Get that — they actually pleaded with Jesus to move on. Evidently, the cost of entertaining Jesus and His truth was too high. Evidently, His presence was too inconvenient. I wonder how many times we count the price of true discipleship the same?

Thoughts

The happy byproduct of many years in church services (especially as a kid) is that I have a weird mental catalog of lines from hymns which may pop out at any time! One, that I cannot hear except in my Granny’s voice, says, “What have I to dread? What have I to fear?”.

In our verses today, we find the disciples in the process of truly realizing the magnificence of the One they had followed. As they traveled in a storm-tossed boat, their fears overtook them. Panicked, they woke the Savior who was wearily sleeping in the boat’s hull. They were truly fearful, even in the presence of Jesus. Perhaps we read the account and wonder, “Why? Jesus is right with you!” Evidently, His response was the same: “Why is it that you are afraid? How is it you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Jesus promptly calmed the storm. With astonishing ease, He stopped the raging sea. “Hush, be still.” (4:39)

Today, as believers, we have the promise that Jesus loves us deeply. We have the assurance that He will not leave us. We have the knowledge that He is powerful, even over the raging storms of life. May we, like the timid disciples in that wave-tossed boat, also be in the process of realizing the magnificence of the One we are following!

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Amen, Granny!