1. What is the significance of the use of "straightway" in Mark?
2. Where was Capernaum located?
3. What was the difference in the way that Christ taught and the way the scribes taught?
4. What did the unclean spirit say about Jesus?
5. What two things did Christ make the unclean spirit do?
6. In whose house did Christ likely live while in Capernaum?
7. What was wrong with Simon's mother-in-law?
8. Why did the crowd wait until after sundown to come to the door in v. 32?
9. Name two things about His prayer life in v. 35. ,
10. How do we know that the leper was cleansed by the wayside rather than in the city?
11. Quote the memory verse.
12. Quote the key verse of the book of Mark. Mark 10:45

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It is important that you memorize and remember the key verse of this book. Mark 10:45, For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
The crowds came to see the sick healed and demons cast out, but most of them were not interested in the truth that He preached.

I. THE PALSIED MAN'S SINS FORGIVEN. v. 1-12

A. He Preached the Word. v. 1-2

1. The kind of noise that needs to be made. v. 1
2. The kind of preaching that needs to be done. v. 2. II Tim. 4:2, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

a. No city of that day heard more gospel and saw more miracles than Capernaum.
b. No city received greater condemnation. Why? Because they remained in their unbelief. Matt. 11:23-24. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

B. He Pronounced The Forgiveness Of Sins. v. 3-5

1. The unknown four carry the palsied man. v. 3. In this case his palsy was a blessing, without it his sins might not have been forgiven. (Christians like these four needed today).
2. The means they used to get him in. v. 4. We too need to use every Scriptural means to get people to Jesus.
3. The faith they had. v. 5a. Heb. 11:6, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
4. His sins forgiven. v. 5b. Palsy was not his main problem. Not all sickness is caused by sin, but evidently his was. John 9:1-3
5. These four men are a good example of being "fishers of men."

a. They had concern for the man and wanted to see him helped.
b. They had faith that Jesus could help him.
c. They did not simply pray about it, but they did something.
d. Difficult circumstances did not defeat them.
e. They did not put off their work until tomorrow.
f. They used their God given ingenuity.
g. They did not mind the physical and financial cost.

C. He Proves His Own Identity. v. 6-12

1. Scribes reason out of their unbelieving hearts, rather than the Scriptures. v. 6
2. Only God can forgive sins. v. 7. Forgiveness of sin was the greatest miracle. Ex. 34:6-7, And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Isa. 43:25, I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Micah 7:18, Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
3. Jesus perceived their wicked reasoning. v. 8. Jesus looked into their hearts.
4. The purpose of healing miracles. v. 9-10. John 20:30-31, And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. This miracle proves that the Son of man was the Son of God. "Son of man," is a Messianic title, and Jesus used it about 80 times in the four gospels.
5. The man commanded to rise, take up his bed and walk. v.11-12. The bed had once borne him, now it is borne by him. Palsy was a disease that showed the helpless condition of the sinner. The healing of his body is an illustration of the healing of his soul. Psa. 103:3, Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.
6. The scribes forced to admit they had never seen anything like this before. v. 12

II. THE TAX COLLECTOR CALLED. v. 13-22

A. Jesus Calls A Preacher. v. 13-14

1. Jesus taught the multitude. v. 13. He did not entertain them or merely talk with them.
2. His providential passing by. v. 14a
3. His providential seeing of Levi (Matthew). v. 14b
4. His providential calling. v. 14c. Levi was a publican (tax-collector). They worked for the Romans and were hated by the Jews. He was given a new calling and a new name. "Matthew" means "gift of God."

B. The Sick Need A Physician. v. 15-20

1. The feast at Levi's house. v. 15

a. Many publicans and sinners sat with Jesus.
b. They had been invited by Levi, no doubt that they might hear the Word.

2. The critics see Him there. v. 16. They were spies and not invited guests. They were in the tradition of the false prophets, who cried peace, when there was not peace. Jer. 6:14, They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Jer. 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
3. The sick need a physician, the well do not. v. 17a. Jesus considered them as patients and as the great physician, He made them whole and paid the bill Himself.
4. Sinners called to repentance. v. 17b. Luke 13:5, I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
5. Jesus criticized because His disciples did not fast. v. 18-20

C. False Doctrine Not To Be Patched With Truth. v. 21-22

1. The old garment and the old bottle are apostate Judaism.
2. The new cloth and the new wine are true Christianity.
3. We are not to mix things that are essentially different. Jesus came to teach new truth, not to patch up the old.
4. The modern ecumenical movement is guilty of disregarding these words of Jesus. This condemns any compromising world religion of our day.
5. Salvation is not a patching up of one's life, it is a complete new robe of righteousness. Isa. 61:10, I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. II Cor. 5:21, For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

III. THE SON OF MAN IS LORD OF THE SABBATH. v. 23-28

A. The Danger Of Following Human Tradition. v. 23-24

1. The hungry disciples eat in the field on the Sabbath. v. 23

a. The Law did not forbid the plucking and eating of a neighbor's corn in the field. (Corn in the Bible is wheat). Deut. 23:25, When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn.
b. The Law forbid work, but not this kind of eating on the Sabbath day. Ex. 20:8-11
c. There is no record that God ever gave the Sabbath to the Gentiles.

2. The Pharisees criticize on the Sabbath day. v. 24. The Jews had added human tradition to the Law and debated over the smallest trifles. Should an egg laid on the Sabbath be eaten. In laying the egg, the hen had worked, etc.

B. The Value Of Knowing The Scriptures. v. 25-28

1. When David and his men were hungry and fleeing for their life, they ate the shewbread which was reserved for the priests. v. 25-26; I Sam. 21:1-6
2. David did what was right except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. I Kings 15:5, Because David did [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any [thing] that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
3. The Sabbath was never meant to be detrimental to the health and welfare of man or beast. v. 27
4. The Lord of the Sabbath could sweep out human tradition and he did. v. 28. Note: "Son of man" occurs 88 times in the New Testament and always refers to Christ. Rev. 1:13, And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

—by E. L. Bynum

1. In what city and in what place did the healing of the palsied man take place?
2. What did Jesus later on say about this city?
3. What was this man's main problem?
4. Relate the details of how this man was brought into the presence of Jesus.
5. What did the scribes say about the forgiveness of sins?
6. What was the purpose of healing the palsied man?
7. Give the two names of the publican who was called by Jesus.
8. What did the critics say about Jesus eating at the publican's house?
9. Explain the lesson of the old garment, the new patch, the old bottle, and the new wine.
10. What did the disciples do in the field that so aroused the critics?
11. How did Jesus answer their criticism?
12. Recite the memory verse.

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I. THE SERVANT DISPLAYS HIS DEITY. v. 1-12

A. The Healing Of The Man With The Withered Hand. v. 1-6

1. He entered the synagogue in Capernaum or some other city of Galilee. v. la
2. The withered right hand is typical of the sinners inability to work for God. v. lb. Luke 6:6, And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
3. As the critics watched Jesus, they also watch believers today. v. 2. They watched to see if He would heal on the Sabbath day. Luke 6:7, And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
4. The sinner must hear and obey the word of the Lord. v. 3
5. A two-pronged question the critics could not answer. v. 4. Matt. 12:11-12, And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Luke 13:15-17, The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
6. His anger at their hardness of heart. v. 5a. Eph. 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. He also found hardness of heart among the common people (John 12:37-40), and among His own disciples (Mark 6:52).
7. Notice the humiliation and faith of this man. v. 5b. Consider the order of the man's healing.

a. Stand forth. v. 3
b. Stretch forth. v. 5.
c. Restored whole. v. 5. The aorist tense indicates immediate healing.

8. The conspiracy to destroy Christ. v. 6. The Pharisees and Herodians were actually enemies, but against Jesus they unite. The Herodians were more of a political party, as they wanted a return of the reign of the Herods.

B. The Healing Of The Multitudes. v. 7-12

1. Jesus withdrew to the sea. v. 7a
2. Multitudes follow because of His mighty works. v. 7b-8
3. Preparation was made for large crowds. v. 9. A number of times Jesus spoke to large crowds from a ship. The water makes a good sounding board.
4. The crowds press in for healing. v . 10
5. The unclean spirits recognize Him. v. 11. I John 4:1, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
6. The unclean spirits charged not to make known who he was. v. 12. The crowds that followed him might make the Roman government to think he was leading a revolution.

II. THE SERVANT ESTABLISHES HIS CHURCH. v. 13-21

A. The Place Of The Calling. v. 13

1. It was in a mountain. v. 13a
2. It was after spending all night in prayer. Luke 6:12, And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
3. It was a sovereign call. v. 13b "whom He would."
4. It was an effectual call. v. 13c "they came unto Him"

B. The Purpose Of The Calling. v. 14-15

1. To ordain twelve apostles. v. 14a
2. That they should be with Him. v. 14b
3. That He might send them forth as missionaries. v. 14c-15

a. They would be sent forth to preach. v . 14d
b. They would have power to heal and cast out devils. v. 15

4. That He might establish His Church. Although it is not stated here, yet the Scriptures proves it. I Cor. 12:28, And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. They were first in the Church, and these same men are later associated with the Jerusalem Church. There are many proofs that the Church was started before Pentecost.
5. This Church would then be able to carry out His work after He went back to the heavenly Father.

C. The People Of The Calling. v. 16-19

1. They were apostles, but they disciples first. Luke 6:13, And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.

a. Disciple means a learner or pupil.
b. Apostle means a messenger, one sent forth with orders.

2. They were all saved except Judas.
3. They were from diverse backgrounds such as fishermen and a tax collector.

D. The Problems Of The Calling. v. 20-21

1. Such a crowd came that there was no place for eating. v. 20
2. Friends misunderstood Him. v. 21

III. THE SERVANT TEACHES DOCTRINE. v. 22-35

A. Jesus Charged With Using Satan's Power. v. 22-30

1. The accusation made. v. 22. Even His enemies could see that He cast out devils. Beelzebub is a different spelling of Baalzebub, which means "lord of flies." II Kings 1:1-3, 6, 16. In v. 22, he is called the prince of devils. Beelzebub mean "lord of the house," which a name of Satan, the prince of evil spirits
2. The answer given. v. 23-27

a. How can Satan cast out Satan? v. 23
b. If Satan was divided against himself, his kingdom could not stand. v. 24-26
c. The strong man is Satan or devils. The house is the poor sinner who is possessed. Christ binds the strong man. v. 27

3. The awesome sin. v. 28-30

a. They committed this unforgivable sin by saying that Jesus did His work by the power of an unclean spirit.
b . They saw His person and His work, yet they believed not.
c . A saved person is sealed and cannot commit it. Eph. 1:13, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Eph. 4:30, And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
d. This passage is not a refuge for the Charismatics, tongues speakers, and snake handlers. They are fakers, false teachers, and heretics and are not doing the work of God at all. It was a sin to attribute the true work of the Holy Spirit to Satan, is it not also a sin of the same magnitude to do Satan's work and then attribute that work to the Holy Spirit?

B. Jesus Changes Relationships. v. 31-35

1. His mother and half brothers were outside calling Him. v. 31-32. Friends had tried to hinder Him in v. 21 . Now His own fleshly relatives are there to hinder, whether they meant to do so or not,
2. Spiritual relationship is more important than physical relationship. v. 33-35
3. Our duties and responsibilities to Christ and His church are not to be neglected, just to please family members. Many Baptists do not seem to understand this.

—by E. L. Bynum

1. Why were some in the synagogue watching Jesus?
2. How did He respond to their criticism?
3. Why was He angry with them?
4. Why did multitudes follow Him?
5. Why did He ordain the twelve?
6. Why do we believe that at this time He established the Church?
7. Where did the scribes say that He got His power?
8. How did Jesus answer their accusation?
9. Why cannot a saved person commit the unforgivable sin?
10. Who does Jesus say are His mother and brother?
11. Recite the memory verse.

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This parable reveals to us the kind of results we will see when we faithfully sow the word of God in the hearts of men. This should encourage us to know that we will be disappointed in some of the results. The results will not always be good, but there will be some good results in the good ground hearers. We are to faithfully sow the word, and leave the results to the Lord of the harvest.

I. THE PRESENTATION OF THE PARABLE. v. 1-12

A. the Place Where He Taught. v. 1-2

1. The meaning of parables. "1) a placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition, as of ships in battle. 2) metaph. 2a) a comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude 2b) an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated 2c) a narrative, fictitious but agreeable to the laws and usages of human life, by which either the duties of men or the things of God, particularly the nature and history of God's kingdom are figuratively portrayed 2d) a parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning 3) a pithy and instructive saying, involving some likeness or comparison and having perceptive or admonitory force 4) a proverb" In a parable, there is a comparison of something in the natural world, being used to teach spiritual truth.
2. Proverbs were given to an estranged people. They were used in the O.T. in regard to the estrangement of God's people. In the N.T. they are only used in the gospels, and never in the church epistles. The last time a parable is mentioned is in John 10:6.
3. The sea speaks of sinful humanity. Rev. 17:15, And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Rev. 13:1, And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. Rev. 16:3; 20:17; Dan. 7:1-3. It is significant that in the new heaven and the new earth, there will be no more sea. Rev. 21:1, And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
4. He was there to teach. v. 1. This is a ministry that Jesus has committed to his churches, and most churches are failing to do it. Matt. 28:18-20, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
5. He was on the ship to speak, and they were on the shore to listen.
6. He taught them doctrine. v. 2. Many people today do not want doctrine. They want entertainment, excitement, and the things that please the flesh. II Tim. 4:2-4, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
7. Many scriptures reveal the importance of sound doctrine. I Tim. 4:13, Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. I Tim. 4:16, Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. II Tim. 4:3, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. Titus 2:1, But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.

B. The Parables that He Taught. v. 3-12
In this passage we can begin to understand the meaning of parable. He used these common and ordinary experiences in farming, and then he brought along side the spiritual condition of people. Thus He could illustrate the spiritual truth they needed to learn.

1. The sower is Christ, His apostles, His church, the God called preachers, and every Christian that spreads the gospel. This should encourage us what to expect from different kinds of people, when we sow the word.
2. The wayside hearers. v. 4. The fowls are a symbol of evil.
3. The stony ground hearers. v. 5-6
4. The thorny ground hearers. v. 7
5. The good ground hearers. v. 8
6. The question of the disciples. v. 10
7. The mystery of the kingdom. v. 11-12. Matt. 13:13-15, Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
8. We learn that parables were used to reveal truth to some, and at the same time conceal truth from others. Isa. 6:9-10, And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

II. THE EXPLANATION OF THE PARABLE. v. 13-20

A. The Wayside Hearers. v. 13-15

1. The seed is the Word of God. v. 14. The word must be received in meekness if the soul is to be saved. James 1:21, Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
2. The wayside hearers is the wayward hearts of men.
3. The fowls represent Satan. When a farmer plants his corn, the crows and other birds are there to gobble up the seed that are exposed.
4. Satan takes away the word of God from their hearts. People hear the God's message, but they leave church and go out into the world. Out there the devil will use sports, movies, TV, and the many other things of the world to rob their hearts of the saving gospel.

B. The Stony Ground Hearers. v. 16-17

1. The stony ground hearers have sin hardened hearts. v. 16. Ezek. 33:31-32, And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
2. They hear the word in only a shallow and superficial way. v. 16. Most modern day evangelism is geared to reach this kind of hearer. The use of entertainment, shallow contemporary music, audio visuals, no preaching on sins, and no demand for repentance, will produce the stony ground hearers.
3. With no real roots, they cannot long endure. v. 17
4. They cannot stand affliction and persecution. v. 17
5. These fair weather hearers cannot stand the pressure. v. 17
6. The least little thing will offend them. The stumble easy and are prone to let anything lead them to sin.

C. The Thorny Ground Hearers. v. 18-19

1. They are hindered by the thorns which represent the sinful power of the world. v. 18. Remember that the thorns came about because of sin. Gen. 3:17-19, And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
2. They are hindered by the cares of this world. v. 19a
3. They are hindered by the deceitfulness of riches. v. 19b. I Tim. 6:9-10, But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
4. They are hindered by the lust of other things. v. 19c. Luke 8:14, And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
5. They are hindered by the word being chocked. v. 19d
6. They are hindered from bearing fruit.

D. The Good Ground Hearers. v. 20

1. The good ground is the heart that has been prepared to receive the gospel.
2. They hear and receive the word. Luke 8:15, But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
3. They bear fruit with varying degrees of success.
4. Fruit bearing is concrete proof of one's salvation. John 15:1-8
5. God's children are to bear fruit. Gal. 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Col. 1:10, That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. II Pet, 1:8, For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

—by E. L. Bynum

1. Where did Jesus teach in this lesson?
2. What does the sea symbolize in the Bible?
3. What does the seed symbolize?
4. Who is the sower?
5. Describe the way side hearers.
6. Describe the stony ground hearers.
7. Describe the thorny ground hearers.
8. Describe the good ground hearers.

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I. THE PARABLES. v. 21-34

A. The Parable of the Candle. v. 21-25

1. The purpose of a candle. Psa. 119:130, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
2. It should be placed on a candlestick. v. 21. Matt. 5:15, Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
3. The light of God's truth is not to be hidden.

a. Putting it under a bushel, refers to people letting their money or business interests hide their light.
b. Putting it under a bed speaks of letting comforts and laziness cover the light.

4. The candlestick is where the light is placed, in order to give the most light.
5. New Testament Scriptural churches are represented as being candlesticks. This is where every Christian ought to be that their light would shine. If they are not, then they are hiding their light. Rev. 1:20, The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
6. We are not only to receive light, but we are to impart light. This refers to all Christians, not just the pastor. Matt. 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. I Pet. 4:10, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Eph. 5:8, For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. Phil. 2:15, That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
7. We are not to hide the truth, or to hide sin, for it will be revealed on day. v. 22. I Cor. 4:5, Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. II Cor. 4:2, But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
8. We are to be careful what we hear. v. 24a. We are to hear the truth and apply it to our lives.
9. The measure of our reward, will be according to the measure of our diligent labor for Him. v. 24b. We decide whether God will use a teaspoon or a shovel when He gives us our reward.
10. Our rewards will be adjusted to fit the case. v. 25

B. The Parable of the Seed. v. 26-29

1. The seed is the word of God, and the ground is the world of lost men. v. 26. (See v. 14)
2. The seed does not bring forth results immediately. We must wait for the results. v. 27
3. We have no control over the process. v. 28
4. The harvest will come in due time. v. 29
5. Let us notice some important lessons for us.

a. There must be a sower and that is our responsibility.
b. We do not know how the process works, but that is in the hand of God. I Cor. 3:6-9, I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
c. It is through the Holy Spirit that this comes about. John 1:11-13, He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
d. As there is a process that works with the corn, so is there a process as God works in the heart of a man. We must remember that the mighty oak was once an acorn.
f. We must wait for the harvest.

C. The Parable of the Mustard Seed. v. 30-34

This parable must be interpreted very carefully, or we will make it teach error instead of truth. It can best be interpreted in relationship to the prophetic parables of Matthew 13.

(1) In the parable of the sower we see the seed sown with different degrees of success. Matt. 13:3-23. This we can expect in the age of grace.
(2) The tares among the wheat show us that the devil will imitate the work of God with evil seed, which will produce a mixed crop. Matt. 13:24-30
(3) The mustard seed represents the building of a religion that will end up as the one world church of the last days. Matt. 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32
(4) The placing of the leaven in the meal, represents the planting of falsehood among the truth, which of course is what we have in the religious world. Matt. 13:33- 35
(5) The net cast into the sea brings forth two kinds of fish. One is good and the other is evil. This shows the mixing of the lost and the saved in religion which only God can sort out.

1. This parable of the mustard seed also shows the deterioration in kind and quality. It represents professing Christianity, but not the pure things of God.
2. The mustard seed produces a monstrosity that becomes a tree. See Matt. 12:32
3. This is the public manifestation of religion as we see in the great apostasy of our day.
4. The fowls of the air represent Satan and his evil workers who are roosting in false religion of the last days. The fowls represent evil. Rev. 18:2, And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
5. There is a contrast between the seed in the previous parable and the seed in this parable. Corn (v. 38) is a fitting type of Jesus Christ the bread of life. The seed in this parable is mustard seed which cannot represent Christ the bread of life. The mustard plant is no more evil than the leaven, but they are a symbol of evil in this case.
6. There is no harvest, but just a tree full of evil birds. Dan. 4:20-22, The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. The tree in Daniel 4, represented the evil corrupt empire of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. Notice that it is too filled with evil birds.
7. Jesus used many parables to teach the multitude, but when He was alone with His disciples He explained them.

II. THE STILLING OF THE STORM. v. 35-41

A. The Awesome Storm. v. 35-38

1. A strange proposal. v. 35. Jesus certainly knew that a great storm was coming, but He wanted them to see that Christians must face the storms of life.
2. They had just heard the Word of God, and it produces faith. Now they are going to be tested. Rom. 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
3. Jonah was in a storm because of disobedience, but they were in the storm because of obedience. v. 35
4. Reasons why they had nothing to fear.

a. Jesus said they would go to the other side.
b. Jesus Himself was with them and they had seen His miracle working power.
c. Jesus Himself had gone to sleep, revealing that there was nothing to be afraid of. Psa. 4:8, I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

5. Some of His disciples were experienced sailors, but even they were afraid. This happens when we walk by sight and not by faith.
6. God does not exempt is children from the storms of this life. I Pet. 4:12, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.
7. We should make sure that we have the Lord with us, when the storms hit. Psa. 23:4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psa. 46:11, The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Isa 43:2, When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Psa. 27:1, The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

B. The Awesome Calm. v. 39-41

1. The authority of His words. v. 39. Psa. 107:29, He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Jer. 5:22, Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? Psa. 89:9, Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Phil. 4:7, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2. He rebuked them for their lack of faith. v. 40. Matt. 8:26, And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
3. They learned a great lesson about Him. v. 41

—by E. L. Bynum

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This lesson reveals why Jesus traveled through a storm to get to this place. (Mark 4:35-41) It was to help this poor demon possessed man. This shows how Jesus loves the lowest of sinners.

I. HIS CONDITION. v. 1-5

A. What The Devil Did. v. 1-3a

1. He dwelt in the country of the Gadarenes. v. 1. It was located east of the Sea of Galilee and near the south end. Luke 8:26, And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
2. He dwelt among the tombs. v. 2-3. There are a lot of tombs hewn out of the cliff. Now there are stone coffins littering the valley below. Vandals robbed the tombs later on. No doubt it was an active burying place in the days of Jesus. Since the tombs were hewn out ahead of time there would have been empty tombs for this man to dwell in.
3. The devil filled him with unclean spirits. v. 2
4. The devil is a thief. John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Rev. 9:11, And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
5. He had yielded to the temptations of sin, and Satan had literally taken over his life. II Tim. 2:26, And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
6. Satan has great power. I Pet. 5:8-9, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. Eph. 2:1-3, And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

B. What Man Could Not Do. v. 3b-5

1. No man could bind him. v. 3b-4. Mark 9:18-22
2. The weird behavior that we see in the unbelievable acts of men is the work of the devil. Mass murders, sexual perversion against children, and other unbelievable acts today are the work of the devil.
3. Psychiatrists, counselors and the medical profession cannot solve these problems. Prisons cannot reform them.
4. Only God can change them through salvation. Matt. 19:26, But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Gen. 18:14, Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Jer. 32:27, Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Luke 1:37, For with God nothing shall be impossible.
5. Men could not change him or restrain him. v. 4-5
6. He continued in this hopeless condition. v. 5. John 8:44, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
7. He cut and mutilated his on body. v. 5. I Kings. 18:28, And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. This explains all the body piercing that we see in many people today. People with rings in the ear, tongue, eyebrows, nose, and private parts of their bodies, are all indications of the work of the devil today. When people start messing with drugs, they open the door for Satanic oppression and demon possession.

A. The Lord Calls Converted (Changed) Men. v. 15

1. He was sitting at the feet of Jesus. Luke 8:35. He is now at rest. Sitting is the place of learning. Luke 8:35, Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
2. He was clothed. He was now clothed in the righteousness of God. He was also now modest. Nakedness and immodesty is the work of the devil.
3. He was in his right mind. This explains the difference in his behavior. Sinful people are not in their right mind, but in the wrong mind. He now has the mind of Christ. I Cor. 2:16, For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Phil. 2:5, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

B. The Lord Calls Those Who Are Surrendered. v. 18-20

1. He earnestly wanted to be with Jesus. v. 18. People who are converted ought to want to be in the Church for He is there. Matt. 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
2. He heard the command and obeyed. v. 19-20.
3. He became a mighty witness for the Lord.

1. Demons begged Him not to send them to the pit. v. 10
2. Citizens begged Him to leave. v. 17
3. The healed man begged to go with Jesus. v. 18

—by E. L. Bynum

1. Who me the disciples when they got off the ship?
2. What did the man do when he saw Jesus?
3. What was the name of the unclean spirit?
4. What happened to the swine when the spirits entered them?
5. How did the man appear after the unclean spirits had left him?

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The people of Gadara were glad to see Him leave. In our lesson today, the people were glad to see Him coming. Jesus reached out to help the ruler of a synagogue, but first he must help a poor nameless woman. He was not a respecter of persons, but treated them both with love and compassion.

I. THE WOMAN AND DISEASE. v. 21-34

A. The Man With A Dying Daughter. v. 21-24

1. Jairus was one the important officers of the synagogue. Along with others he ordered the affairs of that particular synagogue. v. 22
2. He made an emotional plea for Jesus to heal his daughter. v.23. Luke 8:42, For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. Matt. 11:28, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
3. Only the touch of Jesus would be needed. v.23
4. The crowd pressed in around Jesus as they traveled. v. 24

B. The Woman And A Deadly Disease. v. 25-34

1. This woman had been plagued with an incurable disease for the past 12 years. v. 25. Luke 8:43, And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any.
2. She had spent all of her money with doctors and had gotten worse. v. 26. She was ceremonially unclean, which restricted her religious and social life. Lev. 15:19, And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
3. She had faith to believe that Jesus could heal her if she could only touch His clothes. v.27-28. Mark 3:10, For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. Mark 6:56, And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

a. She could have said that Jarius was with an important man and I dare not bother Jesus.
b. She could have said that she had tried everything else, why bother any more.
c. Her faith was weak, but it was strong enough to believe.

4. The healing that many physicians could not bring, was accomplished instantly. v. 29
5. The "virtue" was the "dunamis" or "power" flowing forth from Jesus to the woman. v. 30. Rom. 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power (dunamis) of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
6. Many people were touching Him, but only the woman was touching Him in faith. v.31
7. He turned and talked with her, because she not only needed healing for her body, but she needed the healing for her soul. v. 32.
8. She was willing to kneel in faith and confess what she had done. v.33. Psa. 107:2, Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Psa. 107:20-21, He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9. Jesus pronounced that her faith had saved her, which seems to indicate that her soul was healed as well. v. 34

A. The Devastating News. v. 35-39

1. The news of her death and a plea to give up any hope of healing. v. 35
2. Jesus encouraged his faith, and quieted his fears. v. 36. Heb. 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Psa. 37:5, Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Prov. 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
3. Arriving at the house Jesus was greeted with a pitiful scene of weeping and wailing. v. 38
4. The girl was dead as for as the people were concerned, but to Jesus she was only sleeping. v.39. John 11:11-14, These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. I Cor. 15:51, Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. I Thess. 4:13, But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

a. In death the spirit leaves the body. If the person is a Christian the soul and spirit go to be with God. James 2:26, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Phil. 1:20-23, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
b. The body does sleep until the resurrection. I Cor. 15:51-58, Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
c. Christians should realize that death is only for a little while. I Thess. 4:13-18, But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

B. The Glorious Command To Arise. v.40-43

1. Because of their unbelief, only five people were allowed to witness this miracle. v. 40. The witnesses were father, mother, Peter, James and John.

a. Only two or three witnesses were required under the law. Deut. 17:6, At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. Deut. 19:15, One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
b. Unbelief laughs at the word of God, but faith lays hold and believes.

2. Here was the touch of life and the voice of authority over death. v.41-42. Matt. 9:25, But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. He is the resurrection and the life. John 11:25, Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
3. She arose, walked and ate, certainly proved that a miracle had taken place. v.43

—by E. L. Bynum

1. What did the man request of Jesus? What was Jesus' answer? (v. 18, 19)
2. Why did Jairus come to Jesus? (v. 22, 23)
3. What did Jesus do? (v. 24)
4. What did faith do for the woman in the crowd? (v. 25-29)
5. What did Jesus say to her? (v. 34)
6. Can poverty or weariness keep the believer from the help of the Lord? (See Ps. 34:6)
7. What reward did the faith of the father of the girl bring him? (vv. 41, 42)
8. What did Jesus command the people to do after He had healed the girl? (v. 43)

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I. THE SERVANT RETURNS TO HIS OWN CITY. V. 1-6

A. His Rejection. v. 1-3

1. His own country was Nazareth. v. 1. Luke 4:16, And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Though born in Bethlehem and now residing in Capernaum, He was always Jesus of Nazareth.
2. He taught in the synagogue. v. 2a
3. Their astonished three part question. v. 2b

a. They question the source of these things.
b. They question the source of His wisdom.
c. They question how His hands could do such works.

4. Their fatal mistake. v. 3

a. They saw Him only as the carpenter and His human relationships. These brothers and sisters were His half-brothers and half-sisters which were born to Joseph and Mary. This destroys Catholic doctrine.
b. They were offended at Him. "Offended" is from the Greek "SCANDALIZO" which is similar to our scandalized. They both have to do with a snare, trap, or stumbling block. They snared themselves. These poor souls thought they knew Jesus, but they knew Him not at all.
c. To them He was a stone of stumbling. Isa. 8:13-14, Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I Pet. 2:7-8, Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. Rom. 9:32-33.

B. His Response. v. 4-6

1. A true statement. v. 4. It has been said, "familiarity often breeds contempt," but this only with contemptible things and contemptible persons.
2. His work there limited. v. 5

a. He could do no mighty works there because of their unbelief. This was not because of any defect in His power, but because their unbelief caused Him to purpose to do no great works there. Unbelief hinders the work of God. Remember the purpose of miracles. John 20:30-31, And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
b. Out of compassion He did heal a few sick folk.

3. Two times Jesus marvelled.

a. He marvelled at the faith of the Centurion. Matt. 8:10-12
b. He marvelled at the unbelief of those of Nazareth. v. 6.
c. Beware of unbelief. This was the sin of Eve and it is one of the oldest and deadliest sins. Heb. 3:12, Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. "Believe" and "faith" come from the very same Greek word and mean the same thing. "Unbelief" means there is no belief and no faith.

A. Herod's Troubled Conscience. v. 14-16

1. This was Herod Antipas son of Herod the Great who ruled Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39. His incestuous marriage to his niece Herodias, former wife of his half-brother Philip, resulted in the murder of John the Baptist. Lev. 18:16, Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness. Lev. 20:21, And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.
2. Herod thought that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. v. 14
3. Some had other opinions. v. 15
4. Herod was convinced it was John. v. 16. John had nothing but the truth, but that truth continued to work on the conscience of Herod.

B. Herod's Terrible Crisis. v. 17-20

1. John imprisoned for Herodias' sake. v. 17
2. John's bold preaching. v. 18. How different from the compromise preaching today on divorce and remarriage.
3. Herodias' desire to kill. v. 19
4. Herod's high opinion of John the Baptist. Feared him but did not obey him. Did not fear God. We ought to highly esteem this man John the Baptist because:

a. His ministry was the beginning of the gospel. Mark 1:1-4
b. He was a man sent from God. John 1:6, There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
c. No greater man was ever born of woman. Matt. 11:11, Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
d. He was the first Baptist and the first baptizer.
e. He baptized Christ and all the apostles, the material from which Christ established His church. Acts 1:21-22, Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
f. He was the forerunner of Christ.
g. He was the end of and era and the beginning of a new era. Luke 16:16, The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

C. John's Head On A Charger. v. 21-29

1. Herod's birthday supper. v. 21
2. Herod's stepdaughter arouses his carnal desires through the dance. v. 22a. The Jews would have forbidden a woman to dance before a group of men.
3. His amorous and foolish promise. v. 22b-23. Lusting in this manner is prohibited by God. Matt. 5:28, But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Job 31:1, I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? Prov. 6:25, Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. James 1:14-15, But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
4. Herodias' wicked proposal. v. 24
5. Salome's request. v. 25. The charger was a platter used to serve food.
6. The king's foul predicament. v. 26
7. John beheaded. v. 27
8. John's head on a charger. v. 28
9. John's disciples bury him. v. 29 In this incident we see the cost of being faithful to God and the little reward that some of God's choice servants receive in this world. Nevertheless John was not the loser!

FOOTNOTE: In A.D. 39, Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:1), nephew of Herod Antipas, denounced his uncle to the Roman emperor and Antipas was deposed and sent into exile. Mark 8:36

—by E. L. Bynum

1. What was the name of Jesus' own country?
2. What was the reaction to His teaching here?
3. Repeat the reply of Jesus.
4. Who are these who are called his brothers and sisters?
5. Explain the meaning of offended as used here.
6. How did Jesus send forth His church?
7. What were they to take and what were they not to take?
8. Where were they to stay, and what were they to do where they were not received?
9. What doctrine did they preach?
10. Who was this Herod and give the background of his marriage?
11. Who did Herod think that Jesus was?
12. Relate how John the Baptist lost his head.
13. Repeat the memory verse.

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I. THE SERVANT SUPPLIES THE FOOD. v. 30-44

A. The Disciples Need Of Rest. v. 30-34

1. The apostles return from their mission trip. v. 30. See v. 7-13

a. They gathered themselves unto Jesus. v. 30a. They set a good example.
b. They rehearsed all they had done and taught. v. 30b. The servants of the Lord still need to return to the Lord in prayer and report. They are answerable to Him.

2. The apostles told to withdraw and rest. v. 31. Four possible reasons for this withdrawal. The opposition of Herod and of the Jewish rulers. The fanaticism of the people and the need for rest.

a. Few Christians need to be constrained to rest as most are lazy in Christian work. Few need the bridle, most need the spur.
b. Obedient servants of the Lord do need to come apart and rest. If you don't come apart and rest, you may come apart.
c. We can be thankful that Christ needs no rest today. Heb. 7:25, Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

3. The private departure. v. 32
4. The anticipation of the people. v. 33. They anticipated where he was going and simply walked around the shore arriving first.
5. The compassion of the Saviour. v. 34. Though tired and weary He was their condition. Their greatest need was truth.

B. The Multitudes Need Of Refreshment. v. 35-44

1. The impatient disciples. v. 35-36

a. They had come for rest and found none.
b. They were in an uninhabited desert place.
c. They wanted to send the people away to buy food.
d. They are a good example of some committees. As individuals they can do nothing, and as a committee, they decide nothing can be done.

2. The impossible command. v. 37. They had no bread to give, and the cost would have been about $35.00 if there had been a place to buy, and it is doubtful if they had the money.
3. The insufficient supply located. v. 8. John 6:9, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
4. The imparted command for orderliness. v. 39-40. I Cor. 14:40, Let all things be done decently and in order. Psa. 23:2, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
5. The implemented plan. v. 41 . The impossible command of v.37 is now made possible by the miracle of the Lord. God gives us seemingly impossible tasks, but with the Lord's help they can be done. We must believe this miracle just as it is stated. Because Christ was God, He could do this!
6. The immediate need more than satisfied. v. 42, 44
7. The immense supply. v. 43. It is a sin to waste good food and this they did not do. No doubt they ate of this in the days following. (According to John 6, this time was the highwater mark of the popularity of Christ.)
8. It was after this miracle that Jesus gave His sermon on the bread of life. John 6:35, And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (See John 6:22-51)

A. The Saviour Recognized. v. 53-54

1. Gennesaret was an area on the northwest side of Galilee. v. 53
2. The Saviour immediately recognized. v. 54

B. The Saviour's Healing Power Revealed. v. 55-56

1. The news of His presence spread like a flame. v. 55
2. He continued by land to Capernaum. v. 56. Compare John 6:24, On the way many were healed. Evidently they had heard of the healing of the woman in Mark 5:28. In comparing John 6, we find that it was this very day that multitudes turned away from Him. They were looking for a healing and feeding Messiah, and when He preached His great spiritual claims on them (John 6:26-71), they departed from Him. It is the same today. Many want a Christ, a religion, and a church that will feed them. Many want a Christ, a religion, and a church that will heal them or perform miracles for their entertainment. This explains the popularity of the social gospel and the charismatic gospel.

—by E. L. Bynum

1. What did the apostles do when they returned from their mission trip?
2. What did Jesus then tell them to do?
3. Who did they meet when they set foot on the shore?
4. What did Jesus do for those He met and why?
5. What did the disciples want Him to do with the people and why?
6. What did the Saviour instruct the disciples to do about food?
7. How much food did they find and where?
8. After Christ fed the crowd, what did they want to do with Him?
9. What was His twofold response?
10. Why did the Saviour come walking on the water?
11. What is the meaning of "it is I ."?
12. Recite the memory verse.

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