Traditions of the Elders and Rise of Religious Leaders in Jesus’ Day

The “Traditions of the Elders” in Mark 7

The “traditions of the elders” mentioned in Mark 7 refer to the body of oral traditions and interpretations of the Mosaic Law that had developed over time in Jewish society. These traditions sought to clarify and expand upon the written Torah, addressing questions of religious practice, ritual purity, and daily living.

Origin of the “Tradition of the Elders”

  • Roots in the Oral Torah:

    • Jewish tradition holds that alongside the written Torah (the first five books of the Bible), God gave Moses an oral explanation of the laws. This oral Torah was passed down through generations and gradually grew into a complex system of interpretations and applications.
    • Over time, this oral tradition became increasingly formalized, especially during the Second Temple period (516 BCE–70 CE), as religious leaders sought to apply the Torah to changing social and cultural circumstances.
  • Focus on Ritual Purity:

    • Many of the traditions addressed issues of ceremonial cleanliness, such as handwashing before meals, which was a central concern for maintaining ritual purity.
    • These practices often extended beyond what was explicitly commanded in the Torah and became a hallmark of Pharisaic piety.
  • Written Codification:

    • While initially oral, these traditions were eventually codified in texts like the Mishnah (circa 200 CE) and later the Talmud. However, during the time of Jesus, they were primarily oral and represented a key point of tension between Jesus and groups like the Pharisees.

The Rise of the Pharisees, Scribes, and Sadducees

These groups emerged during the Second Temple period as part of the social and religious evolution of Judaism under foreign rule, especially during the Greek and Roman periods.

Pharisees

  • Origins: Likely arose during the Hasmonean period (circa 2nd century BCE). They were a lay movement focused on maintaining Jewish identity through adherence to both the written Torah and oral traditions.
  • Beliefs: Pharisees emphasized strict observance of the law, belief in resurrection, angels, and divine judgment. They sought to democratize access to holiness, extending priestly rituals to all Jews.
  • Influence: They were highly influential among the common people and were known for their meticulous interpretations of the law.

Scribes

  • Origins: Scribes were originally copyists and preservers of sacred texts but became experts in interpreting and teaching the Torah.
  • Role: They were not a distinct sect but worked closely with groups like the Pharisees. Scribes were legal scholars, often consulted for judgments on religious matters.

Sadducees

  • Origins: Likely emerged around the same time as the Pharisees, with a strong base among the aristocracy and priesthood. They were closely tied to the Temple in Jerusalem and its administration.
  • Beliefs: They rejected oral traditions, focusing strictly on the written Torah. They denied the resurrection, angels, and an afterlife, holding a more conservative theological position.
  • Decline: The Sadducees lost influence after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, which ended their primary source of power.

Historical Context

The differing interpretations of the law and Jewish identity arose in response to foreign domination, particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees represented competing visions of how Judaism should adapt to or resist these influences:

  • The Pharisees: Sought to create a portable form of Judaism, emphasizing laws that could be practiced even without the Temple.
  • The Sadducees: Clung to Temple-based worship and collaboration with foreign rulers.
  • Scribes: Provided the intellectual and legal expertise to interpret the Torah and mediate disputes.

By the time of Jesus, these groups had solidified their roles, with the Pharisees and scribes playing a prominent role in shaping Jewish religious life, while the Sadducees maintained political and religious control over the Temple. Their conflicts with Jesus often stemmed from their differing interpretations of the law and the traditions of the elders.

Citations

  • Neusner, Jacob. The Oral Torah: The Sacred Traditions of Rabbinic Judaism. Harper & Row, 1986.
  • Elman, Yaakov, et al. The Cambridge Companion to the Talmud and Rabbinic Literature. Cambridge University Press, 2007.
  • Sanders, E. P. Judaism: Practice and Belief 63 BCE–66 CE. Trinity Press International, 1992.
  • Vermes, Geza. The Religion of Jesus the Jew. Fortress Press, 1993.
  • Josephus, Flavius. Antiquities of the Jews (Book 13, Chapters 10–16). Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press.
  • Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism. Fortress Press, 1977.
  • Tov, Emanuel. Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible. 3rd Edition. Fortress Press, 2012.
  • Schürer, Emil. The History of the Jewish People in the Age of Jesus Christ (175 B.C.-A.D. 135). Rev. ed., T&T Clark, 1973.
  • Cohen, Shaye J.D. From the Maccabees to the Mishnah. Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.
  • Charlesworth, James H. Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Doubleday, 1992.
  • Grabbe, Lester L. An Introduction to Second Temple Judaism: History and Religion of the Jews in the Time of Nehemiah, the Maccabees, Hillel, and Jesus. T&T Clark, 2010.
  • Wright, N.T. The New Testament and the People of God. Fortress Press, 1992.
  • Bauckham, Richard. Jesus and the Eyewitnesses. Eerdmans, 2006.
  • Wright, N.T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

Lesson 15 Outline – Brett

Lesson 15 – Mark Chapter 8: Dependency, Competency, and Spiritual Insight

Introduction

Mark’s Gospel employs a unique “sandwich” technique that alternates between dependency, competency, incompetency, and dependency. This teaching explores these contrasts to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

Part 1: Dependency (Verses 1–10)

Context of Dependency

  • Wilderness setting symbolizes desolation and vulnerability.
  • The people rely on Jesus for physical and spiritual sustenance.

Disbelief and Blindness of the Disciples

Although the disciples recognize their insufficiency, they fail to realize Jesus, the Bread of Life, is their solution.

Jesus’ Compassion

  • Jesus shows concern for the crowd’s needs.
  • Reflection on God’s compassionate character (Exodus 34:6).

Provision Through Jesus

Disciples receive from Jesus and share with others, teaching that God’s commands reveal our need for Him and invite us to depend on His sufficiency.

Part 2: Competency of the Pharisees (Verses 11–13)

Pharisees’ Approach

  • Militaristic opposition to Jesus.
  • Attempts to control and discredit Jesus stem from a refusal to depend on God.

Jesus’ Response

Jesus grieves over their rejection, departing in sorrow rather than anger, allowing them to persist in their choice of self-reliance.

Part 3: Incompetency of the Disciples (Verses 14–21)

Context of Incompetency

  • Disciples are distracted by their failures.
  • They misunderstand Jesus’ teachings and focus on material concerns.

Jesus’ Directive

Jesus warns against the pride of self-reliance, emphasizing the need for continual dependence on Him.

Lesson on Dependency

Incompetency leads to spiritual blindness when focus remains on self. True clarity comes from reliance on Jesus.

Part 4: Dependency Restored (Verses 22–26)

Healing of the Blind Man

The gradual healing of the blind man reflects the disciples’ slow journey to spiritual understanding.

Dependence and Deliverance

  • Others bring the blind man to Jesus, symbolizing prayer and intercession.
  • Jesus’ compassion and patience lead to clear spiritual sight.

Conclusion

Living in Dependency

Salvation and spiritual clarity require ongoing reliance on Jesus. Practical steps include Scripture study, prayer, and church community.

Key Takeaway

The Christian life is not about competence or self-reliance but ongoing dependence on Jesus, who provides compassion, provision, and sight.

Summary of ESV Study Bible Notes Related to Lesson 14

ESV Study Bible Notes for Lesson 14

Teachings on Moral Defilement (Mark 7:1–23)

  • Conflict Overview: Pharisees and Jesus clash on the topic of moral purity.
  • 7:5: Scribes investigate Jesus’ growing influence. Accusations focus on disciples breaking traditions, not Mosaic Law (e.g., ceremonial washing). Jesus demonstrates freedom from these traditions (Luke 11:37–38).
  • 7:6–8: Pharisees are labeled hypocrites for prioritizing external rituals over heartfelt devotion to God.
  • 7:9: Human traditions are criticized for disregarding God’s commandments.
  • 7:10–13: The “Corban” tradition is highlighted as a misuse of the Law, allowing neglect of parental care. This opposes Mosaic Law, which protects the vulnerable.
  • 7:15: Defilement arises from the heart, not external actions. The heart encompasses mind, emotions, and will (Isa. 29:13–16; Jer. 17:9–10).
  • 7:17–19: Jesus teaches his disciples that defilement is spiritual, not ceremonial. Declares all foods clean, signifying the fulfillment of the ceremonial laws (Lev. 11; Acts 10–11).
  • 7:20–23: Jesus lists sins stemming from a defiled heart, emphasizing internal over external purity.

Opening to Gentiles (Mark 7:24–30)

  • Context: Jesus expands his ministry to Gentiles, foreshadowing his disciples’ future mission.
  • 7:24: Travels to Tyre and Sidon, areas known for Gentile populations, where he heals and spreads God’s message.
  • 7:26: References Elijah aiding a Gentile woman, underlining God’s care for non-Israelites (1 Kings 17:8–24).
  • 7:27–30: Jesus tests a Gentile woman’s faith with a challenging response. Her humility and persistence result in her daughter’s healing, demonstrating God’s grace to all.

Jesus’ Ministry Beyond Israel

Jesus’ work primarily focuses on Israel but extends to Tyre, Sidon, and Decapolis. At Caesarea Philippi, Peter’s confession (“You are the Christ”) and Jesus’ declaration (“on this rock I will build my church”) mark pivotal moments.

Additional Miracles in Decapolis and Bethsaida (Mark 7:31–8:26)

  • 7:31: Jesus ministers to Jews and Gentiles in Hellenistic regions.
  • 7:33–34: Healing of a deaf man involves physical means, symbolizing spiritual deafness/blindness. Jesus sighs over the fallen state of humanity (Isa. 35:5–6).
  • 7:36–37: Despite instructions to remain silent, witnesses spread news of Jesus’ miracles. People are amazed, associating Jesus with messianic prophecies (Isa. 35:5–6). However, expectations of a political Messiah persist.

Lesson 14 Outline – Jeremy






The Art of the Story Sandwich in Mark’s Gospel

The Art of the Story Sandwich in Mark’s Gospel

Teaching Summary Outline by Jeremy Thomas

Introduction

  • Presenter Introduction: Jeremy Thomas introduces the session.
  • Central Theme:
    • Exploring the literary structure in the Gospel of Mark, focusing on “story sandwiches.”
    • Connecting Mark’s storytelling to deeper theological truths.

Section 1: The Concept of the “Story Sandwich”

  • Definition:
    • A narrative structure where one story is inserted into another, forming a “sandwich.”
    • Central story (the “meat”) reveals the core message.
  • Illustration:
    • Comparison to sandwiches where the meat is the identifying element, not the bread.
  • Biblical Examples:
    • Example from Mark 5 (Jairus’s daughter and the bleeding woman).

Section 2: Exploring the Sandwich in Mark 7

  • Central Narrative:
    • Focus on Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees about purity (Mark 7:1-23).
    • Teaching framed by two miraculous feedings (Mark 6 and 8).
  • Chiasm Structure:
    • Mark’s use of a pyramid-like narrative structure with the central teaching as the climax.

Section 3: Theological Insights

  • Key Themes:
    • Purity and impurity: External rituals vs. internal transformation.
    • Human insufficiency vs. divine sufficiency.
  • Application to Mark 7:
    • Jesus critiques traditions of men that overshadow God’s commandments.
    • Central teaching: The heart matters more than outward rituals.

Section 4: Practical Applications

  • Discussion Prompts:
    • Reflect on personal traditions and how they align with God’s commands.
    • Explore faith and humility exemplified by the Syrophoenician woman.
  • Life Lessons:
    • Emphasis on inward transformation over external compliance.
    • Avoiding the pitfalls of religious pride and hypocrisy.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to Reflect:
    • Focus on God’s commandments motivated by love, not fear or tradition.
  • Closing Prayer:
    • Request for internal cleansing and genuine worship.


Lesson 13 Outline – Mark Jensen






Understanding the Kingdom of God

Understanding the Kingdom of God

Introduction

  • Welcome & Prayer
    • Encouragement to spend time in silence and solitude with Christ.
    • Prayer for guidance and understanding during the study.
  • Main Theme: The reality and relevance of the Kingdom of God in Scripture and life.

Key Sections

What is the Kingdom of God?

  • Definition: A spiritual state where God’s life is accessible on earth (Andrew Murray).
  • Characteristics:
    1. Presence and rule of the King (Jesus Christ).
    2. Power of God and Christ in believers.
    3. Entry through spiritual rebirth.
    4. Blessings of living in the Kingdom.

Development of the Kingdom of God in Scripture

  • Phase 1: Prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., Daniel 2:44-45).
  • Phase 2: Present during Christ’s earthly ministry.
  • Phase 3: Provisional phase after Christ’s rejection and ascension.
  • Phase 4: Millennial reign of Christ on earth.
  • Phase 5: Eternal Kingdom (Revelation 21-22).

Practical Applications (So What?)

  • Living as Citizens of the Kingdom:
    • Questions for reflection:
      • Do I believe the Kingdom of God is real?
      • How does this belief shape my life and actions?
    • Areas to work on (e.g., overcoming fear, living for God’s approval).
  • Improving Relationship with God:
    • Importance of solitude and quiet time with God.
    • Suggestions for deeper spiritual intimacy (e.g., reading related materials).
  • Impact on Others:
    • Reflecting the Kingdom of God through actions and relationships.
    • Encouragement to live a life that reveals the Kingdom’s reality to others.

Encouragement and Group Study

  • Recommended Questions: Focus on specific group discussion questions to deepen understanding.
  • Closing Blessings: Encouragement for continued growth and reflection.


LESSON 12 OUTLINE – Scott






Lesson 12: More of Jesus’ Miracles

Lesson 12: More of Jesus’ Miracles

1. Introduction

  • Acknowledgment of participants’ engagement in small groups and Bible study.
  • Encouragement to share something impactful about the study during Christmas with friends and family.

2. Overview of Mark Chapter 6:30–56

  • Passage Divisions:
    • Verses 30–44: Jesus feeds the 5,000.
    • Verses 45–52: Jesus walks on water.
    • Verses 53–56: Jesus heals the sick in Gennesaret.
  • Observation: Headings summarize Jesus’ actions but may miss His deeper identity and mission.

3. Context and Key Actions in Mark Chapter 6

  • Chapter Overview:
    • Begins in Nazareth with Jesus teaching and being rejected.
    • Disciples sent out to preach and heal.
    • Interlude: John the Baptist’s execution by Herod.
    • Return of the disciples; Jesus attempts to retreat for rest.
    • Miracles: Feeding the 5,000, walking on water, healing the sick.
  • Focus of Teaching:
    • Compassion of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (central theme of verses 30–56).
    • Heart of Jesus revealed in His deep compassion for people.

4. Jesus as the Good Shepherd

  • Scriptural Support:
    • Mark 6:34: Compassion for people “like sheep without a shepherd.”
    • Supporting passages: John 10, Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23.
  • Jesus’ Compassion in Action:
    • Teaching and feeding the crowds.
    • Leading and caring for the disciples.
    • Healing and restoring the sick.

5. Detailed Analysis of Key Miracles

  • Feeding the 5,000 (Verses 30–44):
    • Jesus’ focus on providing spiritual and physical sustenance.
    • Significance of abundance: A demonstration of God’s lavish provision.
  • Walking on Water (Verses 45–52):
    • Jesus’ leadership and guidance through trials.
    • Disciples’ lack of understanding due to hardened hearts.
  • Healing in Gennesaret (Verses 53–56):
    • Jesus’ power to heal and restore lives, fulfilling His role as the compassionate shepherd.

6. Application and Reflection

  • Focus on Jesus’ Identity:
    • Recognize Jesus as the compassionate shepherd in trials and blessings.
    • Depend on Him rather than attempting to control outcomes.
  • Sharing the Message:
    • Share personal insights from the study with family and friends during Christmas.

7. Conclusion

  • Quotation from John Newton emphasizing the completeness of Jesus as the source of everything.
  • Closing prayer for understanding and application of the teaching.


Bible Study Discussion Follow-up for December 11

Luke 10:1 seventy-two
Many very old and reliable Greek manuscripts have “seventy-two” here and in v. 17, while many other old and reliable manuscripts have “seventy,” and all interpreters agree that it is difficult to decide about which number was in the original of Luke’s Gospel. Most modern translations have decided in favor of “seventy-two,” based on basic principles for determining manuscript readings. In any case, no doctrinal issue is at stake, and the number probably has symbolic significance representing the number of nations in the world (cf. Genesis 10). Sending them out two-by-two fulfills the OT requirement for two witnesses (Deut. 17:6; 19:15).

Lesson 11 Outline – Jim






Lesson 11: Mark 6:1-29

Lesson 11: Mark 6:1-29

  • Introduction
    • Encouragement for the holiday season
    • Importance of being with family and friends
    • Encouragement to reach out to those in need
    • Opportunities to share faith during Christmas
  • Shout-out to Leaders
    • Gratitude for consistency and leadership
    • Recognition of the importance of their role in ministry
  • Lesson Overview
    • Chapter 6, Verses 1-19 in the Gospel of Mark
    • Three scenes unfold in the passage:
      • First Scene – Jesus rejected in His hometown (Verses 1-6)
      • Second Scene – Jesus sends out His disciples in pairs (Verses 7-13)
      • Third Scene – The death of John the Baptist (Verses 14-29)
  • Detailed Discussion
    • Rejection in Nazareth (Verses 1-6)
      • Jesus’ return to His hometown
      • Crowd astonished but critical of Him
      • Questioning His wisdom and miracles
      • Offense taken due to His humble background
      • Jesus’ response: A prophet is not honored in his hometown
    • Sending Out Disciples (Verses 7-13)
      • Disciples sent out in pairs
      • Reflection on methods of ministry
      • Effective, but not the only way to share the Gospel
    • The Death of John the Baptist (Verses 14-29)
      • Sad account of John’s death
      • Herod’s poor decisions and John’s faithfulness
      • God’s faithfulness and John’s fulfillment of his ministry
  • Application and Reflection
    • Impact of Rejection
      • Reflection on personal rejection in sharing the Gospel
      • Encouragement to continue sharing despite past rejection
    • Not Holding People to Their Past
      • Encouragement not to dismiss people based on their history
      • Reflection on God’s grace and forgiveness towards us
    • Overcoming Unbelief
      • Questioning personal unbelief in following Christ
      • Practical ways to address unbelief in daily life
  • Conclusion
    • Encouragement to share faith despite the potential for rejection
    • Final prayer and well wishes for the Christmas season


Follow Up






Discussion Questions – December 4, 2024

Discussion Questions – December 4, 2024

The following questions were shared during our discussion time on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. I took some time to look up these questions:

Stories of Jesus Calming the Stormy Sea and Walking on Water

The stories of Jesus calming the stormy sea in Mark 4:35-41 and Jesus walking on the water in Mark 6:45-52 are two separate incidents in the Gospel of Mark. Here’s how they differ and connect:

1. Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)

  • Setting: This occurs as Jesus and the disciples cross the Sea of Galilee after a long day of teaching (including the parables in Mark 4).
  • Event: A great storm arises while Jesus is asleep in the boat. The disciples wake Him in fear, and He rebukes the wind and the sea, bringing immediate calm.
  • Focus: Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature, questioning the disciples’ faith after they express fear.

2. Jesus Walks on the Water (Mark 6:45-52)

  • Setting: After the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat while He stays to pray on a mountain.
  • Event: The disciples struggle against strong winds as they row. In the early morning, Jesus walks on the water toward them. When they see Him, they are terrified, thinking He is a ghost, but He reassures them and calms the wind.
  • Focus: This incident emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and ability to defy natural laws. It also highlights the disciples’ ongoing struggle to fully grasp who He is.

Key Differences and Continuity

  • Timeline: The two events are separated by time, with Mark 5 (healing miracles and teachings) occurring between them.
  • Context: In Mark 4, Jesus is present with the disciples in the boat. In Mark 6, He approaches them from a distance.
  • Lessons: Both events reveal Jesus’ divine power but focus on different aspects of faith and trust. Mark 4 addresses fear in immediate danger, while Mark 6 highlights faith amidst confusion and awe of Jesus’ identity.

These distinct incidents together underscore the growing revelation of Jesus’ divine authority and the disciples’ journey toward understanding Him.





Mark 5: Demons and the Swine

The Significance of Demons Entering the Swine (Mark 5)

  • Demonstration of Authority Over Demons:
    By casting the demons into the swine, Jesus demonstrates His supreme authority over spiritual forces of evil. This act visibly shows His power to the onlookers, as the demons’ presence and their destructive intent are made manifest when they drive the pigs to their deaths.
  • Value of Human Life:
    The man’s deliverance from the demons highlights the immense value Jesus places on human life and freedom. While 2,000 pigs are lost, Jesus prioritizes the healing and restoration of one person.
  • Judgment on Demons:
    Allowing the demons to enter the swine could also be interpreted as a form of judgment. They beg not to be sent out of the area or into the abyss (a place of ultimate confinement and punishment for evil spirits, as referenced in Luke 8:31), and Jesus grants their request—but their newfound “home” is destroyed almost immediately.
  • A Testimony to the Community:
    The destruction of the swine served as a dramatic event that drew the attention of the community, forcing them to confront Jesus’ authority and the reality of spiritual forces. However, instead of marveling at the man’s deliverance, they respond with fear and ask Jesus to leave.

What Happens to the Demons After the Swine’s Death?

The Bible does not explicitly state what happens to the demons after the swine rush into the sea and drown. However, a few possibilities can be inferred based on biblical theology:

  • Release Back into the Spiritual Realm:
    Since the demons are spiritual beings, they may not “die” in the sense that the swine do. They could have been released back into the spiritual realm, free to roam and seek another host (as implied in Matthew 12:43-45, where Jesus describes unclean spirits wandering).
  • Symbolic Judgment:
    The drowning of the swine might symbolize the eventual destruction and defeat of evil powers. While the demons might continue to operate in the interim, their ultimate fate is the judgment of God, as described in Revelation 20:10.
  • Binding or Limitation:
    In allowing the demons to destroy the swine, Jesus might have limited their activity temporarily, demonstrating His control over their plans without revealing the exact outcome.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Jesus’ authority over evil and His ability to bring complete freedom is central to this account.
  • The story challenges us to consider how we respond to Jesus’ power—like the healed man, with gratitude and a desire to follow Him, or like the townspeople, with fear and rejection.
  • It reminds us of the destructive nature of evil and the ultimate futility of its rebellion against God.




Who Touched Me? – Mark 5

Who Touched Me? – Mark 5

When Jesus asks, “Who touched me?” in Mark 5:30, it is not because He lacks knowledge. Instead, His question serves a greater purpose, aligning with His teaching and relational style. Here’s a breakdown of why He might have asked this question:

1. To Invite the Woman to Publicly Acknowledge Her Faith

  • Jesus likely knew who touched Him (consistent with His divine nature), but by asking the question, He gave the woman an opportunity to come forward and share her story.
  • This public declaration of her faith and healing would:
    • Affirm her boldness and trust in Him.
    • Encourage others to believe in Jesus’ power.
    • Restore her dignity, as her condition had rendered her socially and religiously unclean for years.

2. To Highlight the Personal Nature of His Ministry

Jesus’ question emphasizes that His power is not impersonal or mechanical. The woman’s healing wasn’t just the result of touching His garment—it was her faith in Him as the source of healing. By asking, “Who touched me?” Jesus underscores that He is aware and involved in every act of faith directed toward Him.

3. To Teach the Disciples and the Crowd

  • The disciples react incredulously because many people were pressing against Jesus in the crowd.
  • However, Jesus distinguishes this touch of faith from the casual jostling of the crowd.
  • This moment teaches that proximity to Jesus is not enough—faith is the key to experiencing His power.

Did Jesus Know the Answer?

Yes, Jesus likely knew the answer. His question was not for His own knowledge but for the benefit of the woman, the disciples, and the crowd. It was an intentional act to:

  • Bring the woman into the light.
  • Affirm her faith publicly.
  • Highlight His power and compassion.

In this way, Jesus’ question was both rhetorical and relational, inviting deeper understanding and connection.


Lesson 10 Outline – Brett






Lesson 10: Mark 4:35-5:43

Lesson 10: Mark 4:35-5:43

  • Introduction
    • Overview of Mark chapter 5 and a bit of chapter 4 (verse 35)
    • Title of the teaching: “To Sentence and to Serve”
  • Jesus’ Authority
    • Jesus’ authority over spiritual beings and human beings
    • How Jesus uses His authority with both creations
  • Jesus’ Authority to Sentence
    • Jesus’ use of authority to sentence the deep (chaos, sin, death)
    • The calming of the storm in Mark 4:35-41
    • Jesus’ authority over the deep – symbolism of water as chaos
  • Jesus’ Authority Over Demons
    • Jesus encounters the demoniac in Gerasene
    • Explanation of demon possession vs. mental illness
    • Jesus’ authority to sentence demons to swine
    • Analysis of the demons’ reactions: running, bowing, shrieking, confessing, begging
  • Jesus’ Authority Over Disease and Despair
    • Story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34)
    • Jesus healing the woman’s disease and ending her despair
    • Reflection on why Jesus heals some but not all
  • Jesus’ Authority Over Death
    • Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Mark 5:35-43)
    • Jesus’ authority to overcome death as a foreshadowing of His resurrection
  • Responses to Jesus’ Authority
    • Begging responses from demons, people of Gerasene, Jairus, and the sick woman
    • Judgment responses: Demons, Gerasene people, and those who reject Jesus
    • Surrendering to Jesus and being sent by Him
    • Jesus’ authority to serve and His compassion through identification, contamination, and resurrection
  • Conclusion
    • Reflection on personal responses to Jesus’ authority
    • Will we beg, be judged, reject, surrender, or be resurrected?
    • Philippians 2:5-11: All will bow and confess Jesus as Lord