Mark 5: Fear vs. Faith, ☧'s Word Stronger than Devils and Death

Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Mark 5. “Do not fear, only believe.” These words of Jesus ☧ summarize the theme of Mark 5. Although these are real-life events being narrated, this perspective on the story highlights the faith-vs-fear dynamic, showing how the Word-of-growth parables of chapter 4 play out in our hearts and minds. The Word remains central: the storm was calmed at ☧’s Word, the mighty legion of demons cower powerlessly before ☧’s Word, and even those who receive the Word second hand come to faith and salvation. When ☧ says “Your faith has made you well,” He means that the Word has borne fruit. Ultimately, ☧’s Word of diagnosis is more powerful than fear and death, to one day raise the Gentiles from their tombs and to bring the Twelve Tribes back to life in the resurrection.