Beyond Desperate Shame (Mark 5:21-43). A father desperate for his dead daughter. An ill woman shamed and ostracized is desperate for just a touch of Jesus. When the world says give up hope Jesus says to you: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Trust the Word and promise of God to give life. How can you keep silent about God raising up the dead to new life?

Unfettered Right-mind Disciple (Mark 5:1-20). A crazy every day demon possessed man is living in a cemetery. Again the destructive demons ask not to be destroyed. The unclean swine won’t abide with any. The unfettered Gospel-minded man goes to tell everyone what Christ has done for him. Do you tell how Christ has freed you?

Terrified of Storm Calmer (Mark 4:35-41). The disciples take Jesus with them. Do you take Jesus with you on your adventures? When the furious squall comes upon them they bellow at Jesus, “Do you even care?” In our storms, Jesus asks you, “Why are you so afraid? Do you have no faith?” How do you answer?

Cross Concealed Lamp (Mark 4:21-34). What if the lamp is hidden to be revealed where we don’t expect it? Will we hear this? If you measure the Gospel by the Law you will be unable to receive the Gospel. The seed of the Gospel works in ways we do not perceive. The seed of the Gospel is insignificant and yet will become the biggest thing in life.

Crazy Seed Confusion (Mark 4:1-20). Listen to the Word! The crazy farmer is throwing the seed everywhere. The soils are not any help. Jesus teaches plainly that the parables are not meant to give insight but to further accuse us under the Law. What would your life look like if you accepted the seed?

Out Of Our Minds Jesus (Mark 3:20-35). His skeptical family thinks Jesus is out of his mind. The skeptical teachers thinks he is a lying con man bamboozling people by the power of Beelzebul. Christ operates out beyond our minds, our frameworks. We are the ones with impure spirits if we blaspheme against God’s Spirit.

Unfollowing Following Crowd (Mark 3:7-19). In the crowded chaos of this life, do you withdraw with Jesus to be alone with him? Jesus chooses you to be in community with him. Jesus calls you to be with him, send you out in his purpose, to preach His Word and have the authority to dispel the demonic. Are you just a spectator or a disciple of Jesus?

Hungry Needy Sabbath (Mark 2:23-3:6). Do you think of Sabbath as a LAW you are obligated to do for God? Or do you come to Sabbath worship hungry and in need to be refreshed by God? Worship is not a waste of your time. Come expose your shriveled up hands in worship to see what happens.

Bursting Your Old Skin (Mark 2:13-22).  The preach Word of God’s promise calls only sin-sick sinners. Self-righteous folks have no use for Christ. If the new life of Christ is beyond the ability of your old life to contain it. The new bursts the old works oriented philosophy and patterns. Do you have use of the redeemer?

Yes, I made the mistake of saying “The Gospel of Matthew” – not Mark.

Nonchalant Skeptic Paralysis (Mark 2:1-12). Jesus preaches the Word that gives life. Do you seek Jesus’ Word? Are you the paralyzed man lowered before Jesus? Are you the skeptic who doubts Jesus’ authority? Jesus speaks a clear Word: “Your sins are forgiven!” Are you still clinging to your mat?