Mark 1:21-34 Miracles in Mark
Definition:
Easton's Bible Dictionary says a miracle is "an event in the external world brought about by the immediate agency or the simple volition of God, operating without the use of means capable of being discerned by the senses, and designed to authenticate the divine commission of a religious teacher and the truth of his message (John 2:18; Matt. 12:38).” Webster’s New World Dictionary: says miracles of Jesus are “events or actions that contradict known scientific laws.
Purpose of the Study:
This study will help you to know the different types of miracles performed by Jesus, it will help you to understand the purpose of the miracle accounts, and will help you to know the connection between faith and prayer and miracles.
Purpose of Miracles in Mark:
The purpose of miracles is briefly stated in Mark 16:20, "And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following." Miracles proved the Gospel message to be true.
Mark has two principal themes, such as Christology (the person and identity of Jesus Christ) and discipleship, (what it means to be a follower of Jesus) (Jonathan Rivett Robinson). Through Miracles, Jesus has shown His power over disease, the forces of evil, and nature (Thomas Nelson Bible).
Miracles in Mark:
There are 22 miracles. Eleven are healings, six wondrous miracles, four exorcisms, and one raising of the dead. (Whereas the Gospels have 42 miracles. as 25 healings, 8 exorcisms, 10 wondrous miracles, and 3 raisings of the dead) (Yeshua Boyton).
11 Healings:
Jesus heals the fever of Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31, many sick and oppressed in Capernaum (Mark 1:32-34), a man with leprosy (Mark 1:40-45), a paralytic (Mark 2:1-12), a man’s withered hand (Mark 3:1-6), a great multitude of people (Mark 3:7-12), a woman with an issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), Many sick are healed (Mark 6:53-56), a deaf and mute man (Mark 7:31-37), a blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26), sight to Bartimaeus in Jericho (Mark 10:46-52).
6 wonders:
Jesus Calms a Storm on the Sea (Mark 4:35-41), Feeds 5,000 Plus (Mark 6:30-44), walks on water (Mark 6:45-52), feeds 4,000 plus (Mark 8:1-13), transfigured (Mark 9:2-13), curses the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14,20).
4 Exorcisms:
Jesus drives out an evil spirit in Capernaum (Mark 1:21-28), demons into a herd of pigs (Mark 5:1-20), A gentile woman’s demonized daughter is healed (Mark 7:24-30), a boy with an unclean spirit (Mark 9:14-29).
1 Raised from Dead:
Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter back to life (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)
1. Miracles are responses to human needs:
Most of the miracles in Mark are responses to human needs. Healing Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29–34). A woman was healed (Mark 1:30-31). Healing a paralyzed man (Mark 2:1–12). Healing a man with a withered hand (Mark 3:1–6). A man was delivered from a demon (Mark 7:25-29). Healing a deaf mute (Mark 7:31–37). The storm was stilled (Mark 4:35-41). The crowd was hungry, so fed (6:30-44; 8:1-10).
2. Miracles to prove that he is from God:
Like Elijah and Elisha, Jesus healed the sick and restored dead children to their parents (Mark 5:21-43 & 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:8-37). Like David, he delivered from evil spirits and defeated demonic legions (Mark 5:1-20 & 1 Samuel 16-18). Like Moses, the hungry people of God are fed in the wilderness (Mark 6:30-44 & Numbers 11). Calming a storm (Mark 4:35–41). Walking on the sea (Mark 6:45–52).
3. The Kingdom of God was established through miracles with authority:
“Jesus had begun to do the mighty works of God among the people of Israel and the nations. He thus gave clear evidence that the kingdom of God was at hand by exercising his authority over sickness and death, demonic oppression, and even over nature.” Examples: Jesus healed the paralytic (Mark 2:1-12). Jesus healed a leper (Mark 1:40-45). Jesus cast out an unclean spirit out of a man (Mark 1:23-27). He healed the sick, the healing of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21-42). He healed a deaf man (Mark 7:31-37). Casting out a deaf and dumb spirit (Mark 9:14–29). Jesus taught with authority, gave orders to the demons with authority, Jesus forgave sins with authority, and healed with authority.
4. Jesus’ disciples experienced this authority and the power of the kingdom, when they were given that same authority to cast out demons, and heal the sick in his name (Mark 5:7, 13).
5. Four Greek words used to refer to the miracles:
In the New Testament these four Greek words are principally used to designate miracles: (1) Semeion, a "sign", i.e., evidence of a divine commission; an attestation of a divine message (Matthew 12:38, 39; 16:1, 4; Mark 8:11; Luke 11:16; 23:8; John 2:11, 18, 23; Acts 6:8. (2) Terata, "wonders;" (3) Dunameis, "might work" works of superhuman power (Acts 2:22; Romans 15:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). (4) Erga, "works." (Louis Rushmore).
(For other themes in mark, kindly refer to this cite)
