In this passage, we see the selfless openness of our Savior. Jesus not only reaches out to extend His healing touch to others, but also invites others to freely reach out to Him in faith to experience the healing touch that only He can bring.

In Mark 5:1-20 we encounter a man in horrific bondage to the demonic, a danger to himself and to others. Nothing he could do, or others could do for him could set him free, that is until He met the One who is mighty to save.

In the midst of the storms that life will bring us, we are challenged in this text to not look fearfully upon the power of the storm, but to place our trust in One who is in the boat with us.

Mark 4 is a whole chapter of parables. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Through parables, Jesus taught about himself and the Kingdom of God.

What is God's family and how do I become a part of it? As Jesus begins to talk about family, he redefines what true family is, and he reveals that only those who follow Him; only those who submit their hearts and lives to trust Him are included as part of God’s family.

In this passage, Mark presents to us a stark contrast between Jesus and the Pharisees, grace and legalism, compassion and condemnation, and ultimately between life and death.

On the surface, this text is just about a basic healing. But there's a sub-narrative in the passage that goes beyond this initial healing. It's that Jesus not only heals a man, but tells him he’s forgiven of his sins.

Jesus had just had an extraordinary day of teaching the scriptures, casting out demons, and healing the sick—all on the sabbath. He serves the hurting late in the evening, well past sundown. And even though the day is drawing to a close, there is more to be done to enable the kingdom to advance against the powers of darkness and evil. Along with exercising the miracles of healing and exorcism, we find Jesus praying and preaching and cleansing a leper.

There are two aspects of Jesus’ ministry, where we’ll see over and over again in Mark’s gospel, that he confronts people -- the supernatural and authority.

Jesus is inaugurated at His baptism, He enters into the first battle with the enemy in the wilderness, then begins His official work. What this text highlights are the message and the mission of the King.