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Following Jesus · Part Three · Message Thirty-Five
Who Is This?
Jesus reveals sovereign authority over chaotic creation and a multitude of unclean spirits, confronting fearful disciples with his identity and commissioning a restored outsider to tell the mercy of the Lord.
Part Three · The Kingdom Revealed
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Lesson overview
Mark carries Jesus and the disciples from a day of kingdom parables into two encounters that expose who Jesus is.
On the Sea of Galilee, a violent squall overwhelms experienced fishermen while Jesus sleeps. His command silences the wind and sea, and the disciples’ fear shifts from the storm to the person in their boat: "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
On the Gentile side of the lake, Jesus meets a man whose life has been overtaken by a legion of unclean spirits. Human chains could not restrain him, but the spirits cannot resist Jesus’ authority. The man is restored—clothed, in his right mind, and ready to follow—and Jesus sends him home as a witness to the Lord’s mercy. The two scenes belong together: the King whose word rules creation also invades the most hopeless human bondage and restores a person to community and calling.
Jesus reveals sovereign authority over chaotic creation and a multitude of unclean spirits, confronting fearful disciples with his identity and commissioning a restored outsider to tell the mercy of the Lord.
To the other side
That evening Jesus initiates a crossing of the lake, with other boats accompanying them.
A furious squall threatens the boat while Jesus sleeps; the disciples wake him with a fearful accusation.
The kingdom truths they have heard now confront them with the question of whether they will trust the King.
They were very afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Mark 4:41
Among the tombs
Jesus stills the storm with a word, asks about their fear and faith, and leaves them awed by his identity.
On the eastern shore Jesus is met by a deeply tormented man living in isolation among the dead.
The spirits recognize Jesus and submit to his command; no destructive power is his equal.
Tell what the Lord has done
The man’s visible restoration provokes fear in the local people, who ask Jesus to leave.
Jesus sends the restored man home, and he becomes a witness throughout the Decapolis to Jesus’ mercy.
Read, trace, and live the teaching.
This lesson belongs within the whole Gospel story. Read the principal passage slowly, follow the supporting texts in their own contexts, and notice how the words and works of Jesus reveal the kingdom he brings.
Read the passage
Mark 4:33–5:20
Trace the promise
Psalm 89:8–9; Psalm 107:23–30
See the Gospel connection
Mark 1:21–28; Mark 3:22–27; James 2:19
Follow the truth
Colossians 1:15–17
Scripture guide
Read the whole teaching in context.
These are the principal passages developed in this message and the texts that clarify its place within the mission of Jesus.
The passage in context
Psalm 89:8–9; Psalm 107:23–30
Promise and preparation
Mark 1:21–28
The Gospel’s witness
Mark 3:22–27; James 2:19
Life under the King
Colossians 1:15–17