I know, the title goes against everything we’re experiencing right now. Today we’re in Mark 7:1-23. The title of this section is traditions and commandments. The Pharisees make a big deal about the fact that Jesus and the disciples did not wash their hands before eating. And when they confront Jesus on the matter, Jesus takes the opportunity to show them the real problem. It’s not what we do on the outside that matters—it’s who we are on the inside that really counts.

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In today’s passage, Mark 6:45-56, after feeding a massive crowd of well over 5,000, Jesus sends the disciples out on the sea of Galilee while He spends some much-needed alone time with God. Then in a crazy display of His amazing deity, Jesus decides to walk out to them on the water. The problem is the disciples weren’t looking for Jesus and due to their fear, they miss one of the greatest displays of Jesus’ glory yet. Friends, I have no doubt God has a word for us today.

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In today’s passage, Mark 6:30-44, Jesus and the disciples set out to find some rest but when an enormous crowd gets to their desolate spot before they do all plans get tossed aside. How disappointed were the disciples to see that crowd of people? How tired were they in that moment? There just wasn’t enough patience, energy, or resources for this day. Or was there? You guys, I think you’re going to love this one.

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In today’s passage, Mark 6:7-30, Jesus sends the disciples out on their first missionary journey. I can only imagine the disciples were equal parts terrified and excited. The text doesn’t tell us how long they were on their journey but it appears that while they’re out and about John the Baptist is beheaded, setting up for us a striking parallel between the risk and reward of following Christ.

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The great acts of faith we’ve been studying come to a screeching halt as we follow Jesus into Mark chapter 6, back to his hometown of Nazareth, where He is not at ALL well received. Was Jesus surprised by His hometown’s reaction? Perhaps. There’re only two places in Scripture where it says Jesus marvels and unfortunately this story is one of them.

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We’re still in Mark chapter 5 this week and for good reason. We still need to talk about the bleeding woman. We don’t even know her name and yet I believe God has given her a prominent place in Scripture not just because her faith deserves it, but because our faith needs it. Coming to God with all our mess might feel wrong but it’s the best thing we could ever do.

Mark 5:21-34

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Mark 5:21-43 holds two parallel stories filled with hope and trust and determination all fixed on Jesus. Giving us a beautiful picture of what true Biblical faith looks like.

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In Mark chapter 5 we meet a man no one wanted to be around. He was a madman, driven from town, and unable to be restrained. Possessed by multiple demons he was in bad shape. For those who loved him, it was a hopeless situation. This guy was too lost to ever be saved. That is, until Jesus entered his life. For those with lost loved ones this is absolutely a hope-filled story.

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Have you been there? I know I have, uncertain of God’s affection for me as I wade through this unexpected situation or that one. And you know what? We’re not alone. The disciples found themselves there too, uncertain of how God really feels about them. We’re in Mark 4:35-41 today and it’s fast become one of my favorite stories thus far.

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In Mark 4:30-32 Jesus said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” It’s the greatness of a small beginning…

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