Jesus, in Mark 4:35, told his disciples, "Let us go across to the other side." Chapter five begins when they have reached the other side, to the country of the Gerasenes. The end of this passage explains that Jesus went back to the other side (Mark 5:21). Jesus and his disciples are not merely going to a different city. They cross over the sea of Galilee. The region is disputed but is located on the east side of the sea

Mark 4:35-41 After Jesus had taught the crowd, a change in the scene occurs. As we have seen in the past, Mark can follow a crowd section followed by Jesus withdrawing with or without his disciples (Mark 1:35-39, 3:13-18). The author continues to point out the various people who interact with Jesus and their opinions. But what about the closest followers, the ones who Jesus explains the meanings of the parables to, who have been given the secret of the kingdom

The parable of the sower is one significant parable that helps us understand the other parables. However, the next section of Scripture gives us three or four parables, depending on how you count them. These strings of parables seem to be more proverbial than a logical thought progression. It appears to be a seminarian's first sermon with disconnected thoughts and no central point. Previously Jesus had said he speaks in parables to conceal, but now he is saying nothing is

Mark 4:20 The parable of the sower is an important parable to understand because Jesus explained to his disciples if you do not understand this parable, how you will understand any parables (Mark 4:13). Previously we have seen the first three seeds. Although they fall in different places and have different outcomes, ultimately, the result is the same. No farmer or gardener only plants seeds so that thorny plants can choke them. No person sows seed into the ground to feed

Mark 4:1-20 Last week we looked at an introduction of parables. The parable of the sower is the example given as the parable to understand other parables. Jesus explained in verse 13, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” The parable of the sower is the first lesson found in the parable textbook. When learning a language, you need to start with A-B-C, Α-Β-Γ, א-ב-ג. You need to understand the basics before moving forward.

Mark 4:10-12 Parables are one of the most popular aspects of Jesus' teaching. Even today, people would use the terminology of "Good Samaritan" even if they had no concept of Jesus teaching or the context in which this parable is told. Even as Christians, we know parables well, the prodigal son, the friend at midnight, the wise or foolish builder. However, most of the time, when we know things well, we remember them wrong. This happens all the time with songs

Last week we saw the relationship between the crowds and the disciples and Jesus. Both groups follow Jesus in different ways. Today we look at a passage about two other groups and how they explain Jesus' actions. Today we see how Jesus' family treats him, and the Scribes understand how he has the authority to cast out demons. The scene is set at Jesus' house in Capernaum. The crowd has gathered again, so much that Jesus and his disciples are

Mark 3:7-19 The previous verse spoke of the plot to have Jesus destroyed. For Mark, the movement of a place is often the movement of the narrative. Jesus has shown his authority in his teaching and his healing. The conflict has arisen in the Pharisees, and now Mark shows us some other groups and how they respond to Jesus. Just as the pharisee's respond to Jesus differently than his disciples, the crowd also follows Christ and has different reactions. As Mark

Mark 2:23- 3:6 Six-hundred and thirteen, this is the number of laws that are found in the Old Testament. Three-hundred and sixty-five of them speak of what you are not to do, and two-hundred fourth eight is what you are to do. A good Jew would want to be able to obey all of these laws. They would ensure that they would uphold the law in all aspects of their life. However, they became servants of the Law not the giver

Mark 2:18-22 The conflict is rising between the religious leaders and Jesus. We have noted several times this rising tension, which continues to grow throughout Mark's Gospel. The tension will finally be felt at the end of Mark when Jesus is crucified on a cross. However, we notice even in the early chapters they sought to destroy him (Mark 3:6). Mark chapter two shows this tension builds, with the question of who can forgive sins? (Mark 2:7) or Why does he