Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 4:35–41, Ps. 104:1–9,

Mark 5:1–43, Num. 27:17.

Memory Text: “However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to

him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the

Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you’ ”

(Mark 5:19, NKJV).

J

esus’ ministry was largely focused in Galilee, especially in and

around the Sea of Galilee, a lake approximately 13 miles (21 kilometers) long and 8 miles (13 kilometers) wide. It is the largest body

of water in the area and was the center of life for people living nearby.

Mark 4 ends with Jesus and His disciples traveling across the Sea

of Galilee. A storm arises that Jesus calms by speaking to the wind

and waves. Mark 6 ends with a similar scene, but this time with Jesus

walking on the water toward His disciples in the boat. In between these

scenes on the water are numerous miracles of Jesus that were done on

land and His disciples’ first missionary activity. These stories are the

subject of this week’s study.

The overarching characteristic of these dramatic stories is to let the

reader see who Jesus is. He is the One able to calm a storm, cast out

demons, heal a woman who simply touches His clothes, raise a dead girl,

preach in His home town, send out His disciples on a preaching mission,

feed with a few loaves and fish, and walk on water—incredible displays

of power that are drawing the disciples closer to an understanding that

He is the Son of God.

* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 3.