The Miracles of Mark

General Information The miracles of Jesus are “mighty acts” (6:2, 5, 14); 17 are mentioned by Mark. The miracles of Jesus are “mighty acts” (6:2, 5, 14); 17 are mentioned by Mark. Different kinds of miracles: Different kinds of miracles: –Exorcisms (casting out of demons) –Healings –Power over nature That Jesus performed miracles was never denied, even by his enemies. That Jesus performed miracles was never denied, even by his enemies.

General Information His miracles put him into conflict with: 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). 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. 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 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. 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. 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 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 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. “Legion” describes 6,000 soldiers. The man had many demons inside him. The demon “begged” Jesus not to send them out of the area. The demon “begged” Jesus not to send them out of the area. Jesus allowed them to enter the pigs; shows Jesus’ authority over spirits. Jesus allowed them to enter the pigs; shows Jesus’ authority over spirits. Note the people’s response: “They were afraid” (v. 15). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 synagogue ruler’s “little daughter” is dying. A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years interrupts the story. She too was 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. The woman’s faith is meant to show what Jairus needed to have. “Immediately” she was healed (v. 29). “Immediately” she was healed (v. 29).

A Dead Girl and Sick Woman (Mark 5:21-43) Notice what Jesus calls her: “Daughter” Notice what Jesus calls her: “Daughter” The little girl dies while Jesus is on the way—Jesus’ requirement is faith (v. 36). The little girl dies while Jesus is on the way—Jesus’ requirement is faith (v. 36). “Immediately” she got up at Jesus’ command. “Immediately” she got up at Jesus’ command. The age of the girl (12 yrs) was the time the woman had been sick. The age of the girl (12 yrs) was the time the woman had been sick. The little girl is a “daughter.” The little girl is a “daughter.”

Walking on Water (Mark 6:45-56) This miracle shows Jesus’ power over the material world. This miracle shows Jesus’ power over the material world. Disciples in a boat, struggling against the wind—symbol of the church in the world. Disciples in a boat, struggling against the wind—symbol of the church in the world. 4 th watch of the night: 3:00-6:00 am (for sailors on the sea, this was the hour of strange occurrences. 4 th 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) 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. 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. A strange way to heal: spit on his eyes and put his hands on him. “I see people who look like trees.” “I see people who look like trees.” Only miracle Jesus performs twice; was there not enough power? 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. The man’s vision clearing up shows the slow progress of people to recognize Jesus’ identity. This miracle shows Jesus’ power over sickness. 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. 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?”. “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. 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. Prayer is required; it shows dependence on God, not on oneself. This is how to overcome Satan. This is how to overcome Satan.