In this series, we will spend time exploring three miracles from the Gospel of Mark. Mark tells these stories as a way of revealing the identity of Jesus, but they are more than intellectual proofs of his divinity. These miracles beg for a response. We hope walking in these stories will be more than a learning experience. Our prayer is that we might encounter Jesus in all his creative, restorative love, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the miraculous work of Christ in our lives.
Week 1: Jesus Restores a Man Possessed by Demons
This week, we explored the story of Jesus restoring a man afflicted by a legion of demons. We noticed how the picture being painted by Mark is far deeper and more nuanced than a simple exorcism. How does this story relate to our world and the systems of injustice and oppression? How are we being invited to respond?
Kingdom Practice
This week, let’s continue to walk in the story this week and meditate on what we are hearing from the Spirit. You might read the passage each day, take a walk and reflect on it, or even return to the imaginative prayer practice if you found it helpful.
Week 2: Jesus Stills the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
This week, we explored the story of Jesus calming the storm. Joan invited us to open ourselves to encounter Jesus and allow him to expand our image of God. How is he with us in the storms of life, and how might Jesus bring peace to our souls even in the midst of the storm?
Kingdom Practice
This week, let’s continue to walk in the story this week and meditate on what we are hearing from the Spirit. You might read the passage each day, take a walk and reflect on it, or even return to the imaginative prayer practice if you found it helpful.
Week 3: Jesus Heals a woman and a little girl (Mark 5:21-43)
This week, we explored the story of two miracles. While on his way to ultimately raise a little girl from the dead, Jesus heals a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Nicole invited us to explore this story and consider how we are longing for the healing, restorative power of Jesus to flow into us. Especially as we walk in the in-between of this life.
Kingdom Practice
This week, let’s continue to walk in the story this week and meditate on what we are hearing from the Spirit. You might read the passage each day, take a walk and reflect on it, or even return to the imaginative prayer practice if you found it helpful.
Additional Resources
Books
Story of God Bible Commentary: Mark by Tim Gombis
The New Testament in Color: a Multiethnic Bible Commentary
The Bible Story Handbook by John and Kim Walton
The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser
Supernatural by Michael Heiser
The New Testament in Color: a Multiethnic Bible Commentary
Podcasts
God and Spiritual Beings a Bible Project podcast series
The Defeat of Evil a Tim Keller sermon about Mark 5:1-20
Videos
God and Spiritual Beings a Bible Project video series
If you have a story to share about how you have been encountering God in this season, we would love to hear it!
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