10.15 Mark 4-7

Jackie Gray

10.15.2020

Mark 4-7

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In these 4 chapters, Jesus tells parables and performs miracles to try to get people to understand about the kingdom of God and holiness. Starting in Mark 4, Jesus uses three parables to describe the kingdom of God: the parable of the soils, the parable of the growing seed, and the parable of the mustard seed. Chapter 4 ends with Jesus calming the storm, and the disciples marveling over His power over nature. In chapter 5, Jesus drives out demons, raises a girl from the dead, and heals a sick woman. These miracles show His power over Satan and death. In chapter 6, Jesus is rejected as a prophet by those who grew up with him, gives instructions to the disciples on how they are to go out to share the gospel, and multiplies very little food to feed a lot of people. We also learn in chapter 6 of the plot hatched by Herodias’ wife, which leads to John the Baptist’s beheading. In chapter 7, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for elevating their man-made traditions over God’s law, and explains to the crowd that impurity comes from within their own hearts. Chapter 7 ends with two more miracles. In particular,  Jesus extends healing to a non-Jewish woman because of her great faith and humility. 

What is one key verse?

‘When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” ‘

Mark 6:34-37

How does what you read change your vision of God?

This verse doesn’t really change my vision of God, but rather, confirms and solidifies what I already know of His character. God calls us to take care of people in need, even when we are in need ourselves. In the verse I chose, Jesus and His disciples are exhausted, and the crowd around them is starting to get hungry. The disciples want to send the people to the nearby villages to get food, but Jesus responds, “You give them something to eat.” If I put myself in the disciples’ shoes, I think that I would have been very exasperated with Jesus. I would have wondered how I could provide for all of these people, when I was so depleted myself. But Jesus calls them to give what they are able, and then he multiples it to provide for everyone, including the disciples themselves! This verse reminds me that, no matter how little I might have to give, God calls me to sacrifice it to Him, and not hoard it for myself.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

In my key verse, and the section I read as a whole, I am reminded of the compassion Jesus had for people. He poured Himself out to meet the needs of the people around Him, and He calls me to do the same. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I want to see people through the same lens of compassion that Jesus did. I want to give everything I have to meet the needs of the people around me. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

These chapters are all about Jesus healing and helping people. They remind me of all of the Old Testament foreshadowing of a Messiah who will come to bind up the brokenhearted, heal the sick, and bring reconciliation between mankind and God.