Day 23: Mark 7:30-37 

The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man

Jesus returned to the Decapolis still keeping on the move. The description of this miracle indicates that healing was not always instant or easy. It took time and some deep emotion in Jesus. Elijah, the prophet, also took time and effort when bringing God’s healing to the widow’s son. (1 Kings 17:17-24)

What does this show you about healing when things do not seem straightforward?

Why didn’t Jesus want the people to broadcast news about this miracle?

  Day 22: Mark 7:24-30
Faith of the Syro-Phonecian Woman

You can touch or click on the map to bring up a larger size if you cannot see enough detail

Jesus now had to keep on the move as his teaching was really stirring things up. He moved towards Tyre, in Gentile territory, well away from Galilee. Even so, people knew about him and even the Gentiles wanted his help, especially when they were in the grip of evil powers.

Why did Jesus first reject this woman’s desperate cry for help?

What made him eventually help her? 

Can you see how God can release you from some of these?

  Day 21: Mark 7:1-23
Clean and Unclean

This account may not follow on directly from the last one since Jewish writers didn’t keep everything in a neat diary form. It shows that the religious teachers were concerned enough (about Jesus’ teaching) to come all the way from Jerusalem, seventy miles away. (several day’s journey) They came to oppose Jesus’ teaching and make the people hold on to their traditions. But Jesus had clear answers to all that they said.

Take some time to think about Jesus’ answers especially in verse 20-23.

What unhelpful traditions are you bound by?

Can you see how God can release you from some of these?

  Day 20: Mark 6:45-56
 Jesus Walks on the Water

Jesus withdrew to pray, probably because the people wanted to make him a king. (John 6:15) The plan was to meet on the shore near Bethsaida (and go on to Capernaum according to John). The storm changed all this and they ended up further west in Gennesaret. (the region west of lake Galilee) Jesus’ appearance on the water was frightening because local Jewish people were superstitious about water spirits that appeared in the night to bring disaster (NIV study note on verse 49). Storms were common on this sea but this one was memorable.

Jesus uses circumstances to train us.
What would his disciples have learned from this situation?

This story has many possible applications to us when things get out of control.
Is God saying anything in particular to you?

  Day 19: Mark 6:30-44
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

This event happened somewhere on the north east shore of the Sea of Galilee well away from the influence of the synagogues. Jesus knew these people needed teaching and were wandering aimlessly through life without any real direction. Jesus’ popular movement attracted a lot of people and this was an opportunity to plant simple and straightforward ideas about the Kingdom of God. The people were not expecting to stay so long which is why they ran out of food.

Why do people need a Shepherd?

Do you recognise this in people around you?
What can be done to meet that need?

  Day 18: Mark 6:14-29
John the Baptist is Beheaded

Herod Antipas was the Roman ruler of Galilee. He was one of several sons of Herod the Great who died in 4 BC and divided his kingdom into parts for each of his sons. John the Baptist suffered a martyr’s death because he was not afraid to do the will of God and publically expose Herod of his adultery with his brother’s wife. Herod apparently respected John but his partner, Herodias, hated him. People did not yet understand who Jesus was and so the nearest powerful figure they could connect him with was John the Baptist.

How was it that Herod listened to John even though
 John had been so publically critical of him?

How does this encourage you when the Spirit of God
may be urging you to speak up about anything? 

  Day 17: Mark 6:6b-13
Jesus Sends out the Twelve

This story reveals another side of Jesus’ work. Up until now Mark has only mentioned Jesus’ preaching, deliverance and healing. Now the twelve disciples were sent out with very clear instructions about being equipped, what they should do and how they handle the response.

They went out to preach, cast out demons and to heal because they had been given authority over evil spirits.

Do you have the same expectation that this can also be done in our generation? 

What could prevent it?

Let God speak to you about this.