The Gospel Of Mark: The Messiah And Discipleship

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AU G US T 2 015Anyone whowants to be firstmust be the verylast, and theservant of all.Mark 9:35The Gospel of Mark:The Messiah and Discipleship

TODAY WITH PAUL NYQUISTPresident of Moody Bible InstituteFollowing JesusThe Gospel of Mark isthe second book inthe New Testament.Many scholars oncethought the book wasa summary of theGospel of Matthew,but now most think itmay have been the earliest of the fourGospel accounts. Traditionally, the authorship of this gospel is attributed to JohnMark, who traveled and ministered withBarnabas and Paul.Imagine what it must have been like to beone of Jesus’ disciples. Many of us todaywould be filled with awe at getting to walkand talk with our Savior in person, but thedisciples did not know at first who thisremarkable person was. To them, Jesusseemed at first like an ordinary man withan extraordinary ability to speak thewords of God, words the disciples oftenstruggled to understand fully. Yet theychose to follow Him at great personalcost and sacrifice.We know that the disciples did theordinary activities of daily life as theyfollowed Christ. They sailed boats, atemeals, and walked on hot, dusty roads. Hisdisciples were ordinary people. They werenot notable leaders in their community.They were regular working men—fishermen and tax collectors. They had callousedhands and human tempers. They were anunlikely group to be chosen as disciples.1-800-356-6639Jesus gave these ordinary men a simplecommand: “Follow me” (Mark 1:14–18;2:14). Jesus asked them to give up everything—their homes, routines, careers, andeven their relationships. They were to set itall aside in order to focus on one goal:becoming His disciples.The Greek word for disciple (mathetes)could be literally translated as “learner.”A disciple is someone who follows ateacher (Mark 8:34). In that broad sense,Jesus has many “disciples,” including youand me. Jesus identified several qualities ofa true disciple.First, true disciples of Jesus listenedcarefully to His teaching: “If you hold tomy teaching, you are really my disciples”(John 8:13). Second, His disciples observedand imitated His actions (see John 8:1;15:8). Finally, His disciples were requiredto obey His commands: “Why do you callme, Lord, Lord, yet do not do what I say?”(Luke 6:46).This month, throughout our study of theGospel of Mark, we will look at what itmeans to be a disciple of the Messiah,Jesus: the glory, the cost, the suffering, andthe victory. As we study the life of Christ thismonth and consider the role of Hisdisciples, may we be encouraged by Hisgreat love, mercy, and forgiveness whenwe struggle and have doubts, and may webe inspired to follow Him more diligently—to listen, to observe, and to obey.

THEOLOGY MATTERSby John KoesslerJesus’ Surprising Use of ParablesMost readers of the Bible know that Jesusused parables in His teaching. But Hisreasons for doing so might come as asurprise. Some have said that Jesus spokein parables because He was a masterteacher. They argue that Jesus told storiesin order to capture the attention of Hislisteners and make difficult matters plain.But when the disciples asked Him privatelyto explain His parables, Jesus said: “Thesecret of the kingdom of God has beengiven to you. But to those on the outsideeverything is said in parables so that, ‘theymay be ever seeing but never perceiving,and ever hearing but never understanding;otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” (Mark 4:11–12). Jesus acknowledgedthat the parables hid the truth from someand revealed it to others.In His reply to the disciples, Jesus quotedfrom Isaiah 6:9–10 to emphasize theprophetic intent of His parables. Jesus’ useof parables was prophetic on three levels.First, He used these stories to reveal truth toHis own disciples. They had a responsibilityto listen carefully and understand whatJesus said. The disciples’ insider statusallowed them to ask Jesus to explain Hissayings. This privilege made them stewardsof the things that had been revealed tothem. Jesus revealed the meaning of Hisparables to them in secret so that theycould teach it to others later.Second, Jesus used parables to hide thetrue nature of His ministry from “those onthe outside” until everything that had beenpredicted about Him was fulfilled. Jesuscame not only to proclaim redemption butto accomplish it. In order for this to takeplace, some aspects of His mission couldnot be revealed in full until after Hiscrucifixion and resurrection. Jesus hadto be rejected, betrayed, and slain as asacrifice for sin.Third, Jesus’ use of parables was a kind ofjudgment on those who rejected Him. NewTestament commentator C. F. D. Mouleexplains that the mystery Jesus spoke ofin these verses was the secret that thekingdom of God had come in the personof Christ. During His ministry Jesus revealed Himself, but He did so in a veiledmanner. “The incarnate Word is notobvious,” Moule explains. “Only faith couldrecognize the Son of God in the lowlyfigure of Jesus of Nazareth. The secret ofthe kingdom of God is the secret of theperson of Jesus.” The parables became akind of litmus test that revealed those whohad ears to hear and those who did not.For Further StudyTo learn more about Jesus’ use of parables, read The Parables of Jesus by JamesBoice (Moody Publishers).w w w.to dayintheword.com

FROM THE EDITORSby Elena MafterApproved unto GodAugust is here. Leaves turn color, theweather gets cooler, sweet corn is everywhere—and the new school year begins! Ilook at the students who arrive on Moody’sChicago campus (who are, by the way,somehow getting younger and youngerevery year) and I can’t help envying them. Ilove to learn, and in my dreams sometimes,I would like to come back to my studentdays and study full time. I know it won’thappen, but to be a student, and especiallya student of the Bible, would fill my heartwith joy.If your full-time student years disappearedlong ago in the distance of years but youlong to study and to become a studentagain, my suggestion to you: How aboutenrolling in the “school of Today in theWord”? If you receive Today in the Wordevery month and use it as your Bible studyguide, you are already a student—youare studying the Word of God. You learnsomething new every day, with freshinsights and perhaps even revelations.Not only does your knowledge increase,but your life is changing too. (Additionalbenefit—no student loans!)With the beginning of the new school year,let’s resolve to study the Bible diligently1-800-356-6639every day and to go to “classes” whetherwe feel like it or not. Let us pursue theknowledge of the Lord with passion andenthusiasm. Let us follow the apostle Paul’swords carved in stone in The Arch, themain entrance to Moody’s Chicagocampus: “Study to show thyself approvedunto God, a workman who needeth not tobe ashamed, rightly dividing the word oftruth” (2 Tim. 2:15, KJV).We would like to give you an opportunityto invite your friends to “the classroom.” Inthe next issue of Today in the Word, inOctober, which will come in an envelope,you’ll find a reply card. On the back ofthe card we reserved a space for youto write the addresses of one or several ofyour friends who would like to receive ourdevotional.In addition to the print version of Today inthe Word, you and your friends can read itonline at www.todayintheword.com orreceive a daily portion by email. Join theglobal Today in the Word community andlet the power of God’s Word change you.Because, after all, “the grass withers andthe flowers fall, but the word of the Lordendures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

VOLUME 28 ISSUE 8EXECUTIVE EDITORPaul B. CurrieMANAGING EDITORHeather MoffittASSOCIATE EDITORThe Gospel of Mark: The Messiah and DiscipleshipElena MafterCONTRIBUTING EDITORSJohn KoesslerJamie JanoszWRITERBryan A. Stewart1-800-DL MOODY (356-6639)www.moodyglobal.orgPRESIDENTJ. Paul NyquistPROVOSTJunias VenugopalEXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTAND CHIEF OPERATINGOFFICERSteven MogckSENIOR VICE PRESIDENTGreg R. ThorntonCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERKen HeulittVICE PRESIDENTSLarry DavidhizarJim ElliottBruce EverhartChristine GorzJohn A. JelinekCollin G. LambertFrank W. Leber Jr.Paul SanthouseJames SpencerJanet StivenDebbie ZelinskiTRUSTEE CHAIRMANJerry B. JenkinsTRUSTEESChristopher DenisonT. Randall FairfaxThomas S. FortsonManuel GutierrezJ. Paul NyquistBervin C. PetersonDavid SchipperJulianna SlatteryPaul Von TobelMark WagnerRichard E. WarrenRichard YookTRUSTEE EMERITUSPaul JohnsonThe road of discipleship is risky, and often the risk lies inour flawed human nature. Many of us feel that somewhere on that road we may stumble and suffer defeat.That’s exactly what happened to Mark. As a youngconvert to Christianity, he had the rare privilege of goingon the first evangelistic journey with a well-knownmissionary. And Mark failed miserably! He abandonedthe team before the mission was over; he let down hisfellow missionaries. As a result, the famous missionaryrefused to include Mark in the next trip.But Mark’s story is also an encouraging one. He didbecome a real evangelist, and traditionally he is believedto be the writer of the Gospel of Mark. Despite the initialfiasco, he later earned the trust of the apostle Paul(2 Tim. 4:11) and developed a close friendship withhim (Col. 4:10). Mark’s story shows that defeats in lifedon’t mean the end of the discipleship road.As we study the Gospel of Mark this month, we’ll learnfrom someone who knew firsthand the ups and downs,the costs and the victories of following Jesus, as well asthe glory of persevering to the end. We hope this month’sstudy will inspire you, as you follow Jesus on your ownroad of discipleship. Thank you for your generosity toToday in the Word—it enables us to send this devotionalaround the world and help others to embark on theirdiscipleship road.Moody Bible Institute is the sole publisher of Today in the Word, copyright 2015 by Moody Bible Institute. All rights reserved. Please direct all Todayin the Word inquiries to Donor Resource Management, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd.,Chicago, IL 60610. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New InternationalVersion , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TMUsed by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture taken fromthe New American Standard Bible , Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968,1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used bypermission. Printed in the U.S.A. Today in the Word is published monthly.Printed on 30% recycled paper.www.todayintheword.com

Read: Mark 1:1–13Saturday, August 1The Messiah Has ComeMany first-century Jews living underRoman rule thought that the long-awaitedMessiah would come one day to kick theRomans out of the land, set up an earthlykingdom, and give national victory toGod’s people. What a surprise it musthave been when the Messiah whom Godsent wasn’t the one they expected!John’s baptism in the Jordan. Then Scripture reveals His identity, without greatfanfare or trumpet blast: He is the beloved Son of God, in a unique relationshipwith the Father and the Spirit.After His baptism, Messiah Jesus was immediately driven into the wilderness fora forty-day trial of temptation with Satan. None ofThe beginning ofthis is the picture of a kingly,majestic Messiah expectedthe good newsby most first-century Jews.about Jesus theInstead, we discover a quiMessiah, the Sonet, humble, and obedientof God.Jesus who submits to theSpirit’s leading.Mark 1:1The Gospel of Mark openswith the proclamation of“good news”: the Messiah,the Son of God has come,and His name is Jesus. Justas God had promised“good news” through theprophet Isaiah (see chapters 40 through 55), theLord also had sent aheada messenger to preparethe way. In the verses to follow, we beginto learn both what kind of Messiah Godsent and what it means to be a disciple ofthis Messiah.First, we begin to see what kind of Messiah Jesus was. He was not a kingly, militaryfigure but one who humbly submitted toSecond, we begin to seewhat being a disciple of thisMessiah looks like. The central theme ofJohn the Baptist’s preparation for Messiahis repentance. Turning from sin, confessingit before the Lord, and committing to anew way of life—these are the marks ofone who is beginning to follow God’sMessiah, Jesus.Apply the WordPray with UsThe themes of who Jesus is (Messiahship) andhow we should follow Him (discipleship) willdominate the rest of the Gospel of Mark. Taketime this weekend to examine your own life. Thenrepent, confess your sin, and ask God to use thismonth’s study to give you a new understandingof what genuine discipleship of the Messiahlooks like.We would like to start by prayingfor the Engineering Systems staffwho maintain the heating and airconditioning systems on Moody’sChicago campus. We are gratefulfor the faithful service ofAlfredo Rios, Paul Siebold,and Roger Vinlasaca.6 Moody Bible Institute

Read: Mark 1:14–45Sunday, August 2Discipleship BeginsMany things in the world can amaze us:picturesque mountain ranges, telescopicviews of faraway galaxies, or the birth ofa new child. How often do these momentsof wonder move us to a closer relationshipwith God?Jesus as “the Holy One of God” (v. 24) isthe demon in the synagogue! Most ofthese early crowds were more interestedin what Jesus could do for them ratherthan how they might become followers ofthe Messiah.Today’s reading is also full of wonder, On the other hand, Scripture does give usa glimpse of true discipleamazement, and crowdsship in the figures of Simon,gathering around Jesus.Andrew, James, and John.The crowds in the synaAt once they leftCalled by Jesus while busygogue marveled at Jesus’their nets andwith their work as fisherauthoritative teaching andfollowed him.men, these two pairs ofHis ability to cast out debrothers left their boats “atmons. Crowds gatheredMark 1:18once,” and “without delay”around the house where(vv. 18, 20) followed JesusJesus was staying in order toas He went on His way.receive healing from illness,disease, and demon-possession. Scripturetells us that Jesus’ fame “spread quickly These disciples didn’t just follow at a disover the whole region of Galilee” (v. 28) so tance or look only for ways they couldthat people “came to him from everywhere” benefit. They invited Jesus into their(v. 45) to see his powers.home, and sought Jesus out in His place ofearly-morning prayer. This is a picture ofWonder and amazement suffuses today’s genuine discipleship—a willingness to bereading, but notice the absence of faith. with Jesus and to follow where He leads.The only one who even correctly identifiesApply the WordPray with UsTwo pictures of discipleship: one of convenienceand personal gain; the other of genuinefollowing. Which picture describes you? ThisSunday as you enter into worship, ask God toshow you the ways He wants you to follow Himand what it means to be His disciple. Thank Himfor the many blessings and wonders of your life;then commit yourself to true discipleship.We ask that you pray forFacilities Management’sJames Miedema and ErikHultquist, as they lead severalteams that take care of theChicago campus infrastructure.Their work may be behind thescenes, but its fruits are evident toeverybody at Moody.Today in the Word 7

Read: Mark 2:1–17Monday, August 3A Discipleship of ForgivenessIn our culture of glitzy fashion magazines,Hollywood red carpets, and Facebookprofiles, Americans are continually encouraged to think that the people withpolished faces and “perfect” lives havemore value and worth than the rest of us.And often we transfer that mentality toour relationship with God.In the next scene, Jesus called Levi, thetax collector—a vocation notoriouslyconnected with the sins of greed andextortion. Not only did Levi quicklyfollow Jesus, later that evening, Jesus wasfound having dinner with Levi and “manytax collectors and sinners” (v. 15).Again, the religious leadership was bothered andToday’s reading shows usbegan questioning Jesus’that nothing could be furI have not come toactions. In response, Jesusther from the truth. In thecall the righteous,proclaimed the purpose forfirst episode, a paralyzedbut sinners.His coming: “It is not theman is brought to Jesushealthy who need a docwhen his friends loweredMark 2:17tor, but the sick. I have nothim through the roof of thecome to call the righteous,house. Notice Jesus’ first rebut sinners” (v. 17).sponse upon seeing theirfaith. Rather than address the most apparentneed of physical healing, Jesus proclaimed: Jesus did not come looking for“Son, your sins are forgiven” (v. 5)!perfect, sinless people to call asHis disciples. Rather, He came to find theSome of the religious leaders of the town spiritually sick and sinful and to call themtook exception to this pronouncement, to healing and forgiveness. The disciplerightly recognizing Jesus’ implicit claim to Jesus looks for is the sinner who seeksdivine authority. Jesus responded not by forgiveness. Only the disciple who knowsqualifying His action but by healing the that forgiveness can become a true folman physically as further proof of His lower of Christ.divine authority to forgive sins.Apply the WordPray with UsDo you think about your relationship with God interms of cleaning up your act before He willaccept you? The only discipleship Christ requiresis that of forgiveness and following, in that order.Spend time today examining your heart and listthe sick and broken areas of your life that needhealing. Then take them to God and rest in Hispromised forgiveness.Every part of Moody GlobalMinistries is supported by thehard work of the Operationsteams under the leadership ofSteven Mogck, executive VP andchief operating officer. Pleasepray for their dedicated serviceon Moody’s Chicago campus.8 Moody Bible Institute

Read: Mark 2:18–3:6Tuesday, August 4Controversy BeginsKeeping the Law was an essentialcomponent of being a faithful Jew. By Jesus’day, however, the religious leaders hadadded so many legalistic qualifications tothe Law that so-called “law-keeping” wentfar beyond what was actually required.right way to keep the Sabbath, Jesusclearly proclaimed that the purpose of theSabbath was for human flourishing anddoing good. Performing works of necessity (like eating) and works of mercy (likehealing) were not violations of the Sabbath but fulfillments of its purpose.Jesus’ encounters with the Pharisees todayMore importantly, however,centered on the applicationnotice Jesus’ claim aboutof fasting laws and Sabwho had the authority tobath observance. WhenSo the Son ofdecide these issues! WithHe was questioned aboutMan is Lord even ofHis mouth, He declaredthe lack of fasting by Histhe Sabbath.that He was “Lord even ofdisciples, Jesus defendedthe Sabbath” (2:28). Withtheir actions with a wedMark 2:28His actions, He demonstratding analogy: the guests ofed it by healing the man inthe bridegroom should notthe synagogue.fast while the bridegroomis present. Fasting has a place, even forHis disciples, but that time was not now. Je- In each confrontation about fasting andsus, the “bridegroom,” came bursting the Sabbath, Jesus not only challenged theold wineskins and tearing the old cloth of stifling chokehold of legalism, He alsoreligious tradition. Celebration, not fasting, proclaimed His own identity as God’swas the appropriate response.Son and Israel’s Messiah. Living as adisciple in that kingdom does not meanLikewise, in the controversies over the self-righteous legalism. Discipleship entailsSabbath, Jesus demonstrated that the new understanding the spirit and purpose oforder He was ushering in would break the God’s law and responding appropriatelybonds of legalism. Challenged about the to the kingdom that has come with Jesus.Apply the WordPray with UsScripture calls us to see God’s law not simply assomething to avoid breaking but as anopportunity to express our love for God, whodesires our flourishing. Write out one of the TenCommandments, setting it in a visible place. Asyou see it throughout the day, consider how theapplication of that law in your life might be ajoyous response to Christ’s liberating kingdom.Moody Radio’s ministry wouldn’tbe possible without the supportof our faithful listeners. CollinLambert, vice president, andDoug Hastings, general managerof Moody Radio, invite you tothank God for this wonderfulprovision through His people.Today in the Word 9

Read: Mark 3:7–35Wednesday, August 5The New Family in Christing abounded. His natural family thoughtHe was “out of his mind” (v. 21), andthe teachers of the law went further byaccusing Jesus of using Satan’s power tocast out demons. In response, Jesus clarified both His own work and who, exactly,constituted His true family. Jesus pointedout that Satan would not work againsthimself; rather, the Spirit ofGod was the agent behindWhoever doesJesus’ exorcisms. ThoseGod’s will is mywho denied the Spirit, orlabeled it as “demonic,”brother and sisterwould cut themselves offand mother.from God’s forgiveness.A common proverb declares: “Blood isthicker than water.” It means that loyalty toour blood relatives is stronger, and moreimportant, than the bond of friendshipor acquaintance. This may be generallytrue, but today’s reading challenges ourunderstanding of “family.”After the previous controversy with the religiousleadership and furtherhealing of the crowds,Jesus withdrew to a mountain and chose twelve ofHis followers, that “theyMark 3:35might be with Him andthat He might send themJesus’ identity and activity,then, was at one with theout to preach and to haveauthority to drive out demons” (vv. 14–15). Spirit of God. A true member of His familyThis group of disciples represented a new is one who correctly identifies the Spiritcommunity centered on Jesus. The rest of at work through Jesus, and whoever “doesthe chapter will sharpen our understand- God’s will” (v. 35) as it is now revealed ining of what this new “family” of Jesus Christ. We may think of our family primarily in biological terms, but we also have alooks like.spiritual family: those who belong to JesusLarge crowds surrounded Jesus, eager are also now our brothers and sisters.to see Him at work, but misunderstand-Apply the WordPray with UsHow well do we appreciate our new family inChrist? Those who belong to Jesus—whatevertheir economic situation, ethnicity, personality, orlooks—are now our siblings in Christ. Seek out afellow Christian who is different from you andfind a way to express Christ’s love—write a noteof encouragement, invite them for coffee, orinitiate a conversation to learn more about them.Keeping in prayer Moody Radio’sministry, please mention itsProduction team. May God blessJoseph Carlson, William Davis,Jon Hemmer, Chris Papendick,and Amy Rios as they produceuplifting Christian programs.10 Moody Bible Institute

Read: Mark 4:1–34Thursday, August 6Parables of the KingdomThe ancient world of Jesus’ day wasprimarily an agricultural society, and soit makes sense that Jesus’ teaching oftenused stories and images from everydayagricultural life in order to convey amessage about God’s kingdom.able of the mustard seed demonstratesthat while God’s kingdom may start small,one day it will be “the largest of all” (v. 32).Yet behind these parables, Scripture alsosends a warning about the importanceof how we respond to God’s Word in ourIn each of today’s parables about the lives. Just as the first parable demonstratesthat some soils were notkingdom, Jesus highlightready or willing recipientsed the idea that althoughof the seed of the kingdom,God’skingdommayWhoever hasso Jesus declared that theappear small—even invisears to hear, letheart condition of each ofible, like seeds—in timethem hear.us affects our ability to reit would reveal itself inceive God’s Word.a fullness of astoundingMark 4:9abundance, growth, andprotection. In the parableThe phrase, “Whoever hasof the sower and seedsears to hear, let them hear”we learn that the seemingly tiny seed of (vv. 9, 23), calls us to be open to God’sGod’s Word, when received by the proper Word so that it might produce a floursoil, will not only take root but produce ishing, abundant spiritual life in us. Butan incredible harvest far beyond what the passage cited from Isaiah aboutseems possible.“ever hearing but never understanding” (v. 12) warns us that, tragically, thoseIn the parables of the lampstand and who harden their hearts to God will findthe growing seed, what at first appears Christ’s teaching mysterious, hidden, andhidden and invisible will in fact be fully barren in their lives.revealed in God’s timing. And the par-Apply the WordPray with UsThe image of a seed is a powerful picture of theway God’s Word works in our hearts. Plant someseeds this month in rich, fertilized, and wateredsoil. In the weeks to come, as those small plantsbegin to grow, let it be a living parable remindingyou of the growth of God’s Word in your lifewhen you receive it with openness and faith.Ask for God’s inspiration forcreativity and generating ideasin the service of these additionalMoody Radio’s Production teammembers: Lee Rugen, ChristopherSegard, Deb Solomon, Joel Swan,and Steven Tabor.Today in the Word 11

Read: Mark 4:35–5:20Friday, August 7Messiah’s Authority DisplayedBecause of the geographical terrain The episode in the next chapter alsosurrounding the Sea of Galilee, sudden, demonstrates Jesus’ power and identityviolent squalls were quite common. Even when He met a demon-possessed man.for experienced fisherman, such storms The lengthy description of the man’s concould prove deadly. Just such a storm dition highlights for us the extent of hisseems to have beset Jesus and His disci- enslavement to demonic control. It alsoples as they were crossing to the eastern emphasizes the power of Jesus to breakshore. The disciples were terrified. Their that bondage. The demons address Jesusas “Son of the Most Highlack of faith was revealedGod” (5:7), and their recwhen they addressed JesusGo home to yourognition of His identity wasas “Teacher,” rather thanconfirmed by Jesus’ single“Lord” or “Savior” Evenown people andcommand that sent the deJesus identified their weaktell them how muchfaith with His question:mons to their destructionthe Lord has doneand restored the man to a“Why are you so afraid?for you.sound state of mind.Do you still have no faith?”(4:40).Mark 5:19Although most of thepeople in today’s readingIn the midst of the chaoswere afraid, even hostileand danger, Jesus wasnot only untroubled, but firmly in control. towards Jesus’ power, one man—the forMuch like the description of God’s control mer demon-possessed—sought to joinover nature in Psalm 107:23–30, Jesus Jesus. Notice Jesus’ response. He turnedawoke from sleep and commanded the him away and encouraged him to prowind and waves: “Quiet! Be still!” (4:39). claim God’s power and mercy to others.The disciples were left wondering about The man obeyed, fulfilling his call to followthe identity of Jesus; their faith may have Jesus by witnessing to his own people.been weak, but Jesus’ divine power andidentity remained clear.Apply the WordPray with UsDiscipleship is focused on Christ’s identity as theSon of God who has authority over nature andspiritual forces. Find a hymn that proclaimsChrist’s reign over all things, like Charles Wesley’s“Jesus! The Name High Over All.” (If you don’thave a hymnal, it can be found online.) Thendemonstrate your discipleship by singing yourpraise to God and inviting others to join you.Greg Thornton, senior vicepresident of Media, requestsyour prayers for Moody’s mediaministries he oversees:Moody Radio and MoodyPublishers. Pray for God’sblessing on these ministries andfor the people whose lives areenriched by them.12 Moody Bible Institute

Read: Mark 5:21–43Saturday, August 8Models of FaithOne pop singer recently summarizedwhat many people today think aboutfaith: “If you believe in yourself, anythingis possible.” Today’s reading is about having faith—but not in the way our modernworld thinks.Then an entourage reported to Jairus,“Your daughter is dead . . . Why botherthe teacher anymore?” (v. 35). At this pointit seems that the delay with the bleedingwoman had cost the life of Jairus’s daughter! But Jesus reassured him: “Don’t beafraid; just believe” (v. 36).Today’s reading presents two healingmiracles, one nestled withinthe other. The story opensDaughter, your faithwith a picture of faith: asynagogue leader, Jairus,has healed you.came to Jesus seekingGo in peace andhealing for his sick daughbe freed fromter. While Jesus is in theyoursuffering.process of traveling toJairus’s house, we meetMark 5:34another person in need ofHis help.A woman, suffering for twelve yearsfrom incurable hemorrhaging, desperately sought healing. The womanpressed through the crowd, secretly touched Jesus’ garment, and washealed! Her faith was also highlighted, both by her own thoughts—“IfI just touch his clothes, I will be healed”(v. 28)—and Jesus’ response—“Daughter,your faith has healed you” (v. 34).This wasn’t a call for Jairusto believe in himself oreven to have faith in faith.The verb Jesus uses is inthe present tense (“keepon believing”), meaningthat Jesus was instructinghim to continue with thefaith that first brought himthere: faith in Jesus and Hisability to heal!That faith proved well-founded. WhenJesus arrived at the house, He quicklyejected the gathered crowds, went into theyoung girl’s room, and commanded her toget up. Immediately, the girl was broughtto life and restored to her family. The central theme of faith in today’s passage callsus, too, to see Jesus’ power and to respondwith faith in His ability.Apply the WordPray with UsWe know that God does not always grant ourrequests, but today’s reading reminds us thatnothing is too big for God’s power. Reflect on thegreatest struggles in your life or the most troubling realities in our world, and bring thosebefore God in faith—not in ourselves but in whoHe is and what He can do.Since its founding by D. L. Moody,Moody Publishers has been usedpowerfully by God to spread HisWord all o

The Gospel of Mark is the second book in the New Testament. Many scholars once thought the book was a summary of the Gospel of Matthew, but now most think it may have been the earliest of the four Gospel accounts. Traditionally, the author-ship of this gospel is attributed to John Mark

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