Week 2    Summary       Mark 5-8          The Identity of Christ

Jesus traveled to various locations to share the good news and reveal His true identity..  

Chapter 5 - Power and Authority

Jesus demonstrates His power and authority over demons sickness and death. These were not crowd pleaser events, they were One on one encounters with the intention of bringing people to faith in His true identity. Note the posture of the man with demons (5:6) and Jairus the synagogue ruler (5:22). Both fell on their knees as they approached Jesus. Both understood His true identity. Jesus did not want the woman suffering from bleeding to miss this important point. So He calls her back so she can look full into His face. When Jesus addresses her as “daughter”, He speaks to her as a member of the family of God (3:34-35) and tells her to “go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Chapter 6-   True Identity

News about Jesus’ healing power had spread. Some may have even heard of His power to forgive sins. Jesus wanted to reveal His true identity. He wanted spiritual eyes to be opened. To those who asked in faith, Jesus revealed more. To those who ask in doubt, He remained silent.

The people of His hometown rejected Him. Yes, He could teach with wisdom and do miracles, but how could the carpenter be Israel’s chosen? Because of their refusal to accept Him, He did not heal many there.

When Jesus sent out the Twelve to villages to preach, He gave these instructions: Where He was accepted, the apostles should remain. Where He was rejected, they were to leave.

King Herod knew John the Baptist to be a holy and righteous man, but he had John killed. His conscience bothered him to think Jesus was John brought back from the dead. Little did Herod realize- Jesus was the Son of Man!

Jesus’ primary audience for the next two miracles is His disciples. He showed the disciples He could provide more than enough to feed a crowd of over 5000 Jews and then He walked on water.

Chapter 7 - Lord of all

Pharisees ask about ceremonial washing. Jesus carefully explains to them how the traditions of men have negated the commands of God. Then He calls to the crowd to Him and teaches them about true uncleanness.  

Jesus travels to another Gentile community near the coast. Here He meets a Greek woman who understand Jesus identity as more than Israel’s’ Messiah, He is Lord of all. In another Gentile community, Jesus healed a deaf mute.

Chapter 8 - Lord of All

Jesus feeds over 4000 Gentiles, with basketfuls of leftovers. When the Pharisees ask for a miraculous sign, Jesus warns the disciples about the customs of the Pharisees. Sensing their lack of understanding, Jesus tries to help them see. After healing a blind man, the disciples’ spiritual eyes are finally opened, and Jesus begins to reveals more about His purpose.