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	Sample Discussion 1: The Desparate Ones Mark 4:35--5:43 Jesus confronts four extremely difficult situations. In emergencies and in long-term problems, Jesus' compassion and power overcome the impossible. Read Mark 4:35-41 Use the BACK button on your browser to return. 1. At the end of a long day of teaching, Jesus suggests crossing the lake. Sudden violent storms frequently arise on the Sea of Galilee, furious enough to terrify even experienced fishermen. Why is Jesus sleeping through the storm? 2. What do the disciples imply by their question to Jesus? 3. How do Jesus' action and his two questions answer the disciples' question, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" 4. Why does this incident seem to make a deeper impression on the disciples than anything they have seen before? Read Mark 5:1-20 Use the BACK button on your browser to return. Note: This incident takes place on the eastern shore of the sea of Galilee. Being in Gentile territory accounts for some of the things Jesus does differently here. 5. What do you learn about the man's condition (verses 3-5)? How would the people of the countryside feel about him? 6. According to Jesus' words in verse 8, who is speaking in verse 7? What insight do these spirits invariably seem to have? See Mark 1:24, 34, and 3:11. 7. What new things do you learn about unclean spirits (verses 8-13)? 8. How do the people react to the changes Jesus brings to the demoniac and to their business? Why? How does the demoniac react? How do people today react to Jesus' power in these two ways? 9. How does the restored man respond to the commission Jesus gives him? Why does this differ from Jesus' charge to the leper in Mark 1:40-45? Remember that the demoniac lives in Gentile territory where Jesus is not having a continuing ministry. Read Mark 5:21-24 10. Jesus returns from Gentile territory to the Jewish area. Who is Jairus and what is his need? What faith does he have? Read Mark 5:25-34 11. Describe the scene in this paragraph as you see it in your imagination. 12. What specific things do you know about this woman's condition? What do you learn about the physicians of her day? How do people today feel who have such experiences? 13. What does the woman know and believe about Jesus? Why would she seek healing in this way rather than coming forward with her request as Jairus did? Note: Under the laws of Judaism this woman's condition made her ceremonially unclean, and everyone who touched her would be considered unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27). Her illness shut her off from worship in the temple and ordinary social life. 14. In what two ways can people touch Jesus (verses 30, 31)? What makes the difference? 15. What does the healed woman gain from her interview with Jesus? Read Mark 5:35-43 16. Imagine yourself as Jairus. How do you feel: as Jesus talks with the woman? when the messenger comes? when Jesus says, "Don't be afraid; just believe"? 17. Compare Jairus' reaction to Jesus with the reaction of the mourners. 18. Whom does Jesus allow to witness the healing? How would Jesus' instructions help them to overcome their awe and regard the girl as a normal twelve year old and not a ghost? Summary 1. Over what forces does Jesus exhibit his power and authority in today's study? What are the various reactions to his power? 2. What responses does Jesus desire from the people who come into contact with him? Conclusion In chapter 4 the disciples learned through parables. In this section they learn through experience in desperate situations. In the storm at sea they realize that the one whom they follow can control the forces of nature. They see Jesus' power to cast out evil spirits that were destroying a man's mind and personality. They see his power to heal a woman's chronic incurable disease and to restore life to a dead child. They see Jesus' power and concern affect every area of human need. This study is Discussion 5, pages 33-37, in the Neighborhood Bible Studies guide Mark: Discover Jesus by Kunz and Schell, copyright (c) 1993, 1963 by Marilyn Kunz and Catherine Schell. back to top
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