To Heal
Mark 5:24b-34
An intimate healing encounter, God’s power comes through human touch

Current Series:
Power of God...
The Power of God is in the name of Jesus

Study & Share Insert:
...#3 When Jesus says “your faith has made you well (v34)” he doesn’t mean the woman caused her own healing by some inward power of her own. Her faith is that which trusts in Jesus to receive his good gifts. How is her faith like your own- especially as you consider the sacraments?  See Small Catechism: Baptism, Office of the Keys, Lord’s Supper; SC available bookofconcord.org

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Storm vs. Calm
Mark 4:35-41
Perhaps we speak too soon when asking, “Hey God! Don’t you care?”

Current Series:
A Contrasting Kingdom
The Kingdom of God stands whole; it is not divided into parts

Study & Share Insert:
...#2 What would changing the first reading to Jonah 1:1--2:1 add to (or subtract from) your insights about the Gospel reading? What happens if you compare throwing Jonah overboard to Jesus’ death (cf. Matthew 12:38-41)? What about using Proverbs 30:1-5? See also Psalms 104:3, 135:7

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Faith vs. Sight
Mark 4:26-34
We can’t see over the end, but we know what awaits us.

Current Series:
A Contrasting Kingdom
The Kingdom of God stands whole; it is not divided into parts

Study & Share Insert:
...#1 Compare & contrast the Ezekiel (17:22-24) lesson & the Gospel. What connections make the Ezekiel lesson a good fit as a model or prototype for the Gospel lesson? Hint: in Ezekiel the tree symbolizes a particular person/role & the birds likely signify other nations. 

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United in Battle & Triumph
Mark 3:20-35
God’s kingdom is united by Jesus himself against “momentary afflictions” like Satan & evil powers.

Current Series:
A Contrasting Kingdom
The Kingdom of God stands whole; it is not divided into parts

Study & Share Insert:
...#1 How does this story connect with the OT reading? With these later episodes (Mark 6:1-6; 13:9-13; also Matthew 10:16-38; Luke 12:49-53) & with John 8:31-59 (also 5:17-46)? 

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