The Gospel of Mark #7 – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   February 15, 2024

Only What God Can Do

Mark 4:35-5:43 (CGS#7)

INTRODUCTION:  As we turn to the next section in Mark’s Gospel, we are given an account of four different events that demonstrate Jesus’ power and his divinity. This section opens up with Jesus telling the disciples that they are to go to the other side. Mark assumes that his readers understand both the geography and the political/social implications of the phrase “other side.” Jesus has just been teaching by the Sea of Galilee in an area he frequently ministered. It was a section that was densely populated with Jewish people and included Jesus’ own home base of Capernaum. When they set sail for the other side, they are going into a very non-Jewish area. This is highlighted by the presence of pigs in the healing of the demoniac. Pigs were considered unclean and would not have been kept by Jewish people. Jesus is once again crossing social boundary markers for the sake of the Kingdom. In doing so, he not only demonstrates his power, but the implications for the gospel. Specifically, it truly is good news for all people.

Sometimes, it can be easy to read these four accounts as all separate stories. And while they are individual events, Mark puts them all in this section to help us see a clear picture of Jesus. Here are how some commenters reflect on Mark’s purpose in this section.

“The three miracles reported in Ch. 4:35–5:43 reveal Jesus’ sovereignty over sea and wind, demonic possession and death. They have been brought together as a unit, presumably by the evangelist, to illustrate the vanquishing of powers hostile to God. The cosmic dimensions of Jesus’ encounter with Satan are emphasized in the first of these stories, where the sea is understood as a manifestation of the realm of death, with overtones of the demonic in its behavior. This, in turn, prepares for the account of Jesus’ healing of the demoniac from Gerasa. Between the two narratives there are parallels too obvious to be incidental. The narrative of the man who experienced self-destruction leads naturally to an encounter with death itself. In each event the presence of Jesus constitutes an affirmation of life and the defeat of death. Confronted with his word of power, the man of faith finds himself in the presence of the Lord of Life.”[1]

“On the calming of the storm: These historical details are not related randomly and inchoately, as one might find in a diary entry, for example. The story exhibits sophisticated theological thought and reflects in particular the influence of Jonah 1 and Ps 107:23–32. The calming of the storm illustrates Mark’s larger purpose of interpreting historical events theologically so as to show Jesus as God incarnate and his significance for discipleship.”[2] “The God of Israel is the Lord of history and nature. His sovereignty was demonstrated in the stilling of the roaring sea and the silencing of the howling wind. He is the personal, living God who intervenes in the experience of men with a revelation of his power and his will. He is the God who acts, not some pale abstraction.”[3]

When we read this section as a whole, we come to see that Jesus can do what no one else can do.

 

GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. Share a time when you watched someone do something truly extraordinary. What was it, and why did it amaze you?

 

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

 

 

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

 

 

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

 

Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions. [4]

  1. If you had to describe Jesus in three words, what words would you use? Why do you think you chose those words?
  2. In this larger passage, we see Jesus doing some amazing things. What are some amazing or important things Jesus has done for you?
  3. What about the disciple’s response in this section both encourages you in your walk and challenges you towards righteousness and faithfulness?
  4. Jesus’ mercy makes us part of the family of God. How does this truth change you?
  5. How can you build others up in their identity in Christ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] William L. Lane, The Gospel of Mark, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1974), 173–174.

[2] James R. Edwards, The Gospel according to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos, 2002), 148.

[3] William L. Lane, The Gospel of Mark, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1974), 176.

[4] Questions 4-5 are adapted from: Jason Meyer, Mark for You, ed. Carl Laferton, God’s Word for You (The Good Book Company, 2022).