Lesson 5.Miracles Around the Lake
Jesus’ Miracles at the Sea of Galilee: Revelation of His Divine Power and Mercy

Welcome to Lesson 5, where we delve deeply into the Gospel of Mark to better understand the nature and mission of Jesus and to discover how the people of his time responded to him. This lesson takes us through some of the most impressive and significant events in Jesus’ life, which not only reveal his divine power and authority but also highlight the misunderstandings and challenges associated with his mission.

In this lesson, we will explore the following stories and themes:

1. Calming of the Storm (Mark 4:35–41):

   • This story shows Jesus’ power over the forces of nature and teaches us the importance of trusting him in the storms of our lives.

2. Healing of the Demon-Possessed Man (Mark 5:1–20):

   • Here we see Jesus’ authority over evil and his ability to bring deliverance and healing, even in the most hopeless situations.

3. Healing of the Bleeding Woman and Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21–43):

   • These stories reveal the deep faith and desperation of the people who seek out Jesus and show his power to bring both physical and spiritual healing.

4. Rejection in Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6):

   • This episode highlights how difficult it was for even those who knew Jesus best to accept his true identity and mission.

5. Sending Out the Twelve Apostles and the Beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:7–30):

   • These accounts stand in stark contrast to each other and illustrate the challenges and dangers of proclaiming the gospel.

6. Miraculous Feeding of the 5000 and Jesus Walking on Water (Mark 6:34–52):

   • These miracles demonstrate Jesus’ care and divine nature while challenging and correcting the people’s expectations of the Messiah.

As we examine these stories, we will compare the popular notions of the Messiah in Jesus’ time with the true mission he fulfilled. This lesson helps us understand why a correct understanding of prophecy is important and how misunderstandings about Jesus’ mission can lead to confusion and rejection. It will encourage us to deepen our faith, reassess our expectations of God’s actions, and trust in his guidance and care in our daily lives.

Let’s discover together how these timeless lessons can shape our lives and faith today.

5.1 Calming a Storm
Jesus’ Power Over Nature: Calming the Storm as a Sign of His Divinity

Read Mark 4:35–41. What happens in this story and what can we learn about Jesus from it?

In Mark 4:35–41, a dramatic event gives us deeper insights into the nature and work of Jesus. After a long day of teaching, Jesus and his disciples get into a boat to cross to the other side of the lake. Exhausted from the day’s efforts, Jesus falls asleep in the stern of the boat. During the crossing, a sudden and fierce storm arises, threatening to capsize the boat. The frightened disciples wake Jesus and ask for his help. With just a few words, Jesus commands the wind and waves to calm down, and immediately a great calm ensues.

This story highlights several important aspects of Jesus and his nature:

1. Human Nature of Jesus: Jesus was tired after a long day and needed rest. This human side shows his connection to our everyday experiences and weaknesses.

2. Divine Authority of Jesus: By commanding the wind and waves, Jesus reveals his divine nature. This demonstration of supernatural control over the forces of nature affirms his identity as the Son of God.

3. Faith and Trust: The disciples’ reaction, asking Jesus for help despite their fear, shows their faith in his abilities but also their uncertainty and doubt. Jesus questions their fear and lack of faith, encouraging them to strengthen their trust in him.

4. Fear and Awe: The disciples’ response after the miracle— a mixture of fear and awe—underscores their realization of the overwhelming divine presence among them. They wonder who this man is that even the wind and waves obey him.

Overall, this story teaches us that Jesus is both fully human and fully God. His power over nature reminds us that we can trust him in all the storms of our lives. This narrative encourages us to deepen our faith and rely on Jesus in times of need, knowing that he has the power to handle any challenge.

Read Psalm 104:1–9. How can the image of Yahweh here be compared to the calming of the storm by Christ?

Psalm 104:1–9 paints a majestic picture of Yahweh as the creator and ruler over nature. The psalmist describes how God clothes himself with light, stretches out the heavens like a tent, and sets the earth on its foundations so that it cannot be moved. He commands the waters to retreat, revealing the mountains and valleys. This depiction of God’s power and glory emphasizes his control over all creation.

This portrayal of Yahweh in Psalm 104 can be impressively compared to the calming of the storm by Christ in Mark 4:35–41. In both cases, the sovereign power of God over nature is highlighted. Here are some central points of comparison:

1. Divine Power over Nature: Both in the psalm and the gospel, the unrestricted authority of God over the elements of nature is emphasized. While Psalm 104 describes Yahweh’s comprehensive creative power, Mark 4 shows how Jesus, through his word, calms the forces of nature. This reveals Jesus as the one who possesses the same power as the Creator.

2. Theophany and Divine Appearance: Both texts contain elements of a theophany. Psalm 104 describes God in his glory and power, made visible through creation. In Mark 4, Jesus demonstrates his divine nature and power through the miracle, evoking fear and awe among the disciples.

3. Fear and Trust: In both stories, people respond with fear to the manifestation of divine power. The disciples are terrified and ask, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” This fear points to a deeper understanding and recognition of Jesus’ divine power.

4. Revelation and Mystery: While Psalm 104 reveals the majesty and glory of God explicitly, the calming of the storm lacks an explicit explanation of the revelation. This fits into the Gospel of Mark, which often emphasizes the mystery surrounding Jesus’ identity. The disciples’ question, “Who is this?” invites the reader to seek the answer and understand the deeper meaning of Jesus’ divine power—that he is the Son of God.

Overall, Psalm 104 and Mark 4:35–41 both emphasize the overwhelming power and glory of God over nature. Jesus’ calming of the storm fits into the biblical pattern of theophany and reveals his identity as the divine ruler who has power over creation. This parallel invites us to recognize in Jesus the one who stands in perfect unity with the Creator and shares his power and glory.

Reflect on God’s power. How can you learn to rely on this power and trust it in all things in your life?

Reflecting on God’s power is a profound spiritual practice that can help us strengthen our trust and dependence on God in all areas of life. Here are some steps and considerations on how to learn to rely on God’s power and trust in it:

1. Daily Devotion and Prayer:

   • Reflection and Meditation: Start and end your day with prayer and meditation on God’s power and greatness. Read the Bible and focus on passages that highlight God’s power and care, such as Psalm 104 or Mark 4:35–41.

   • Expressing Gratitude: Consciously thank God for his omnipotence and the ways he works in your life. Gratitude helps strengthen trust in his constant presence and help.

2. Recognizing God’s Actions in Your Life:

   • Reflecting on Past Experiences: Think about situations in your life where you have felt God’s power and guidance. Write these experiences down and read them regularly to remind yourself of his faithfulness.

   • Current Challenges: Recognize that current difficulties are also opportunities to experience God’s power. Trust that he is present in every situation and has control.

3. Trust through Community:

   • Collective Prayer: Pray with other believers, whether in church, prayer groups, or informal gatherings. Collective prayer can strengthen trust in God’s power and encourage you to wait for his help.

   • Sharing Testimonies: Listen to and share stories and testimonies of God’s work in your life and the lives of others. These stories can deepen your trust and faith in his power.

4. Faith through Action:

   • Faith in Action: Put your faith into practice through concrete actions. This can mean serving others, listening to God’s guidance, and making bold decisions based on his word.

   • Trust in God’s Plan: Even when circumstances are uncertain, trust that God’s plan is greater and better than our own understanding. Learn to let go and leave control to God.

5. Continuous Spiritual Education:

   • Bible Study: Deepen your understanding of scripture through regular Bible study. Look for lessons and examples that testify to God’s power and faithfulness.

   • Teaching and Sermons: Participate in teachings and sermons that strengthen your trust in God’s power and guidance. Let yourself be guided by the wisdom and experience of others.

In summary, learning to rely on God’s power and trust in it involves building a conscious and continuous relationship with him. It requires daily devotion, recognizing and remembering his actions in your life, experiencing community with other believers, actively living out your faith, and continuous spiritual education. Through these steps, your trust in God’s almighty guidance can grow and strengthen you in all things in life.

The story of the calming of the storm in Mark 4:35–41 and Psalm 104:1–9 offer profound insights into the divine power and glory of Jesus, which directly impact our daily lives and faith. Here are some ways we can apply these biblical truths to our everyday lives:

1. Trust in God’s Power in Challenges:

   • Daily Storms: Everyone faces challenges and crises in life, whether health problems, professional difficulties, or personal conflicts. The story shows that Jesus has the power to calm even the fiercest storms. This reminds us that we can trust Jesus in our daily “storms.”

   • Prayer and Trust: In difficult times, we should come to Jesus in prayer and entrust our fears and worries to him. He has the power to bring peace and calm to our stormy situations.

2. Recognizing and Accepting God’s Presence:

   • God’s Presence in Everyday Life: The disciples had Jesus in their boat but were not fully aware of his power. We too often feel alone, forgetting that God is always with us. By consciously recognizing that Jesus is always present, we can find more peace and security in our everyday lives.

   • Reverence and Gratitude: Like the disciples, we should respond with reverence and gratitude when we recognize God’s presence and power. This can be done through daily thanksgiving and praise.

3. Deepening Faith and Trust:

   • Faith Growth through Challenges: Jesus questioned the disciples’ faith to strengthen their trust in him. We too should see challenges as an opportunity to deepen our faith and strengthen our trust in God’s power.

   • God’s Word as a Foundation: By studying the Bible and meditating on God’s promises, we can strengthen our trust in his power and care. Psalm 104 and Mark 4 remind us of how great and mighty God is.

4. Community and Support:

   • Shared Faith: The disciples experienced the storm together and found comfort in Jesus together. We too should stand in community with other believers to encourage and support each other.

   • Sharing Experiences: Sharing experiences of how God has worked in our lives can help others strengthen their trust in God’s power.

5. Rest in God’s Sovereignty:

   • Calm and Peace: The fact that Jesus could sleep in the midst of the storm shows his complete calm and trust in God’s sovereignty. We too can learn to rest in God’s sovereignty and find calm even when circumstances are difficult.

   • Divine Perspective: By adopting a divine perspective and recognizing that God has everything under control, we can let go of our fears and worries and live in peace.

In summary, the story of the calming of the storm shows us that Jesus understands both human weaknesses and possesses divine power. This truth invites us to trust in his power in all situations of life, find rest in his presence, and deepen our faith. By relying on God’s sovereignty, we can be strengthened and encouraged in all areas of our lives.

Trust in the power and presence of Jesus in all the storms of your life, for his divine power can calm even the fiercest waves and give you peace.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-miracles-around-the-lake-5-1-calming-a-storm-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

July 28, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Malachi Chapter 2

¹ And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.

² If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

³ Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

⁴ And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.

⁵ My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

⁶ The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

⁷ For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

⁸ But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.

⁹ Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

¹⁰ Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

¹¹ Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

¹² The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the Lord of hosts.

¹³ And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

¹⁴ Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

¹⁵ And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

¹⁶ For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

¹⁷ Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Rebuke Against the Priests (Verses 1-9)

In this section, the Lord, through the prophet Malachi, directly addresses the priests, who bear a special responsibility as the spiritual leaders of the people. The priests have failed to give due honor to God’s name, leading the people astray. They are admonished to heed and embrace God’s command, or else the Lord will turn their blessing into a curse.
Verse 3 is particularly vivid and striking: the Lord threatens to smear the dung of their festival sacrifices on their faces. This emphasizes the abhorrence of their failure and the necessity for purification and sanctification. The covenant with Levi (verse 4) is described as a covenant of life and peace, based on fear and reverence for God. The priests are supposed to be teachers of the truth, but they have strayed from the path and led many into sin.

Against Marriages with Pagan Women and Divorce (Verses 10-16)

Verses 10-16 address the social and moral transgressions of the Israelites, particularly regarding marriages with pagan women and the practice of divorce. The prophet reminds them that all people have the same Creator and that despising and desecrating the covenant is a grave sin. Judah is accused of unfaithfulness, as they defile holy things and engage with the daughters of foreign gods.
The Lord points out that such actions lead to his abhorrence and that those who commit these deeds will be excluded from the community. The altar of the Lord is covered with tears (verse 13), highlighting the emotional and spiritual distress of the people affected by their sins and their consequences. Divorce is described as an act of violence and betrayal, and God calls for men not to despise or abandon the wives with whom they have made the marriage covenant.

God’s Judgment is Coming Soon (Verse 17)

In the final verse of this chapter, the impatience and misunderstanding of the people towards God’s judgment are addressed. The people accuse God of promoting evil and ask where the God of justice is. These accusations anger the Lord, as they question His righteousness and holiness.

Summary

Malachi Chapter 2 is a strong admonition to the spiritual leaders and the people of Israel. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and reverence towards God and His commandments. The priests and the people are called out for their sins, and it is made clear that their failures have severe consequences. The call to repentance and the warning of impending judgment are meant to bring the people to their senses and lead them back to a life in accordance with God’s will.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 51: The Light of Life

This chapter is based on John 8:12-59; John 9.

Read online here

Commentary

Introduction: Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12)

Jesus declares in the temple that He is the light of the world and promises that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. This statement is made during the Feast of Tabernacles, where large lamps in the temple courtyard illuminate Jerusalem and remind the people of the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness. Jesus uses this symbol to highlight His mission as a spiritual light meant to illuminate the darkness of the world.

The Significance of Light in the Bible

Light is a recurring symbol in the Bible for God’s presence and revelation. From the light of creation to the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness and the light that accompanied the dedication of Solomon’s temple, light stands for God’s guidance and proximity. Jesus, as the light of the world, embodies God’s essence and His relationship with humanity. He is the true light that enlightens every person (John 1:9).

Jesus and Abraham (John 8:56-58)

Jesus emphasizes His eternal existence and His relationship with Abraham, which the Pharisees perceive as presumptuous. He explains that Abraham rejoiced at the prospect of Jesus’ day. By saying, “Before Abraham was, I am,” Jesus claims divine existence and identity, which the Pharisees see as blasphemy and therefore want to stone Him.

The Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9)

In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This healing demonstrates that God’s works are revealed through Jesus. The disciples and the Pharisees inquire about the cause of the blindness, but Jesus shifts the focus to the outcome: the revelation of God’s power and grace. This healing occurs on the Sabbath, prompting the Pharisees to again condemn Jesus as a lawbreaker.

The Pharisees’ Reaction

The Pharisees attempt to deny the miracle and intimidate the healed man and his parents. However, the formerly blind man bravely defends Jesus and points to the obvious divine origin of his healing. This defense leads to his expulsion from the synagogue. Jesus seeks him out and fully reveals Himself to him, whereupon the man worships Jesus as the Son of Man.

Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees

Jesus uses the healing of the man born blind to highlight the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. They claim to see, but they reject the true light that Jesus offers. Their self-righteousness and pride prevent them from recognizing the truth, thus their sin remains.

Summary

Chapter 51 underscores the profound significance of Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus brings not only physical but also spiritual light into the world, revealing God’s truth and saving people from the darkness of sin. The healing of the man born blind serves as a practical example of Jesus’ mission and the necessity of accepting spiritual light. The Pharisees, however, remain trapped in their self-righteousness and reject the life-changing light that Jesus offers.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/28-07-2024-malachi-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/