Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 118

1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you."

Day 118 – Mark 5

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” 1 Peter 4:12

LEAVING THE SHORES OF GADARA

Jesus may not have had a great public ministry in the country of the Gadarenes, but His visit must not be seen as a failure. Jesus had much to teach His disciples on this trip. What were some of the lessons He wanted them to learn?

1. Sensitivity to the leading of His Father

Jesus was most sensitive to the fact that His Father had given Him special works to do. Nobody fully understood that He was carrying out the work assigned to Him (Cf. John 4:34; 5:17; 9:4). It was the Father who led Him to leave the shores of Galilee to minister to Legion in the country of the Gadarenes.

2. A glimpse of the Ministry of the Future

The Disciples were given a glimpse of the ministry that would be theirs in the not-too-distant future. The following things may be highlighted:-

a) Ministering to the multitudes
b) Ministering to just one individual
c) Battling powerful demonic forces
d) Vital spiritual lessons:-
i) The deployment of faith and courage against powerful evil demonic forces (Facing a Legion of demons).
ii) Deep insights into ministry possibilities (Sending Legion to minister in his home region).
iii) Accepting rejection even after doing something great.

RETURNING TO THE SHORES OF GALILEE

Jesus soon turned His face back to ministry in Galilee. His work at Gadara was done. He had left behind an invaluable and powerful disciple of His.

“Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat
to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him,
and He was by the sea.”
MARK 5:21

Jesus was back to ministering to the multitudes. Once again they thronged Him. The ministry at Gadara was to meet the needs of Legion and his friend. The ministry in Galilee was vastly different. Ministry in any form would be challenging.