What is Faith?

Who is Jesus?

This is the question of the gospel of Mark. We must remember the stories and miracles, the teachings and interactions all point us to an answer.

What does faith look like?

The point of understanding who Jesus is to illicit a faith response in us and the hearers of the Gospel. This is the theme which runs through our text this morning, the issue of faith.

In life there is chaos and evil.

For the Jew the personification of this was the sea. The sea of Galilee is similar to Lake Erie, shallow enough that when a storm comes things are very dangerous, and the water can be moved quickly.

In life there is supernatural & spiritual battles.

The demon possessed is where we see this most. The spiritual possession and oppression was one where he was relegated to being a wild animal.

In life there is disease and despair.

The woman with the bleeding issue highlights this.

In life there is death.

This morning we know this very well. 3 funerals here in a matter of a month. For me personally, Sam’s funeral this afternoon is number 7.

Yet, Jesus is bigger.

Can I get an amen! Jesus is bigger than these things.

Jesus wants to bring about wholeness.

The interaction with the woman bleeding is to help her see who He is and who she is.

Faith need not be perfect.

All characters of our stories today did not have perfect faith. The disciples could have had greater faith but there is a hint Jesus is confident their faith will grow.

Faith is trusting who Jesus is.

Hopefully your picture of Jesus will grow as you walk with Him.

Faith can combat fear and despair.

Jesus gives you life and life as it is meant to live. Jesus is over all the things which can cause harm.

Jesus is above all.

Let your desperation and vulnerability lead you to Jesus. Let Him calm the storms of life if he wants but know that if you are with Jesus in His time and way all things are well.