Mark gives us another summary of Jesus ministry. After Jesus reveals himself as Yahweh by walking on water, he heals those who recognize him. His fame continues to grow and people bring all those who are sick to him with the hope of just touching his garment. Jesus, in his compassion, obliges and heals many who were sick.

Chapter 20 of the 2LCF focuses on the advancement of the gospel throughout the world. High predestinarian theology is not opposed to the importance of evangelism and missions. God, in His sovereign will, saves sinners through the preaching of the Word of God and through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. While God has predestined a great multitude before the foundation of the world, He calls forth those who are His through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is not just for a small number of the socially elite and ethnically superior as the Jews thought. God, who is rich in mercy, saves all kinds of men and women. His people are made up of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. And because Christ was a ransom for all, God's people ought to pray for all men. We need to pray for their salvation, but also pray for men in high places as they rule nations.

The disciples of Jesus need further reminder of who Jesus is. Jesus sends them to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, while he withdraws to pray alone. But seeing their striving to make it across with little progress, he passes by them on the water. Jesus reveals himself to be Yahweh the Creator and Redeemer who subdues the chaos of the waves.

Paul returns to his charge to Timothy to command others to teach no other doctrine. To encourage Timothy to wage the good warfare, he reminds him of his calling that was confirmed by multiple prophecies. But as a warning, he also gives examples of men who shipwrecked the faith and were handed over to Satan.

Mark's account of Jesus feeding the five thousands emphasizes Jesus as the leader Israel needs. Drawing on several Old Testament allusions, Mark highlights how Joshua and David are types of Christ. But, more importantly, he also alludes to Old Testament passages that speak of Yahweh as the shepherd of Israel. Jesus is the Yahweh-Warrior who provides for His people.

Paul gives us a wonderful summary of the gospel- Christ came into the world to save sinners. The incarnation of the second person of the Trinity was for the purpose of saving people like Paul. Paul was a blasphemer, murderer, and insolent man. Paul is an example for all who would believe for everlasting life.

The death of John the Baptist reminds God's people of the suffering they will face in this life. The Kingdoms of this world oppose the Kingdom of God and seek to remove it. But God's people have the promise that Christ is on the throne, advancing his Kingdom, and no earthly kingdom can remove it.

As Paul moves on to discuss the gospel and how it contrasts with the Law, he uses his own experience as an example. Paul marvels at the thought that a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man could be called to salvation and to the apostleship. God's grace abounds for Paul and it also abounds for God's people. Every Christian has had their lives completely changed by God's overflowing grace.

In Mark 6-7-13, Jesus gives the Twelve his authority as he expands the kingdom through these men. They are the true witnesses of the Kingdom of God and are part of its inbreaking. But there will be those who reject the King's message. For those that hear the gospel and reject it, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than them.