Introduction
One of the realities of the world in which we live today is that of differing opinions. Political correctness is 40-50 years old or so. In its beginning people were put into one of two camps; one being some form of strict political policy and the other camp was seen as wrong and deserving reprimands. This led to a growing separation of conservatives and liberals. To some degree culture wars came to the forefront and someone had to be right or wrong. In the last few years we have seen this develop into sharp and violent acts against people of differing political or racial views. Most recently, since April 2021, cancel culture took its maiden flight. It is a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person. Those who are subject to this ostracism are said to have been “cancelled” because their views or opinions are not acceptable. This idea of two groups facing off against each other is not new. Jesus faced similar challenge and opposition is his day. Jews were opposed to the Gentiles. The Roman Empire caused their to be political unease. Jesus engaged with the Samaritans and the disciples were put out. As harmful as these challenges were, there was something more damaging to one’s life than being politically incorrect or being cancelled out…
The world around us is arguing with each other, complaining about this or that, divided and unable to resolve. I see these broken realities as the fingerprints of Satan trying to lead mankind astray. This morning I want to bring to our attention to the Kingdom of God. I want us to see how important it is that we belong to another kingdom, not of this world.
The Sea of Galilee
Much of Jesus ministry took place in the area of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus began by saying, “The time has come. The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the Good News” (Mark 1:14-15). He called the disciples to follow him on the shore of the sea. In Galilee he preached in synagogues, healed the sick and cast out demons. Eventually he was forced to more rural areas because of his growing popularity. But eventually Jesus would return to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus taught at times sitting in a boat on the sea because of the crowds. He taught the Parable of the Sower by the sea as well. The people received Jesus in several ways. Some were amazed at his teaching in that even the demons obey him. Others were experiencing healings and were coming back for more. Still others were threatened and sought to kill him.
As I was preparing to this message I was confronted by this thought. Those who responded positively to Jesus engaged in faith, while those who were opposed expressed unbelief. Jesus had invited heaven to earth. He spoke of a new kingdom way of living. He demonstrated this kingdom with signs and wonders. And yet some did not believe. Unbelief was an affliction more damaging to the spirit than leprosy to the body, or demons to one’s soul. Unbelief held those in captivity who struggled with demonic oppression or possession. Unbelief kept people bound in the sickness and sins. With a word, Jesus could drive out demons shrieking in terror. But when he encountered unbelief, sicknesses remained, demons sighed in relief, and his authority and power fell on unbelieving eyes and ears.
Two Sides of the Sea of Galilee
This reminds me of the differing views and opinions in our culture today. On one side people believe this or that and on the other side people believe that or this. This is somewhat of the picture I see with Jesus in relation to the Sea of Galilee. On one side of the sea, Jesus ministered with miracles, signs and wonders and people lives were changed by his words and his touch. On the other side, after demonstrating his power over the demonic by casting Legion out of a man possessed, the local leaders sent him away (Mark 5:1-20). They saw no more miracles; Jesus the Healer was gone. But Jesus sent the man set free from demons, back to his family in the Decapolis on the east side of the Jordan River. He told what Jesus had done for him and they were amazed. Back on the faith side, miracles continued; a dead woman is raised to life, a woman who suffered from bleeding for 12 years was healed. What was the difference? The presence or the absence of faith. Jesus is the same on both sides of the sea.
Jesus returns to his Hometown - Nazareth
Jesus left the Sea of Galilee and made his way to Nazareth. One Sabbath he goes to the synagogue and opens the scroll of Isaiah. The elements of this worship service are given in Luke’s gospel. Mark paints the big picture here and missing the point that Jesus taught with unusual authority and the people were astonished. However, his family could only see such behaviour as pompous and proud, after all this is just Joseph and Mary’s son. “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” (Mark 6:2-3). “His own people” were offended by Him. They thought they knew Jesus, but they were mistaken. They chose to not believe the truth as Jesus read from Isa 61:1-2 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
They believed something that wasn’t true, and this amounted to unbelief. We can hear the pain in Jesus’ voice. “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives,
and in his own house” (Mark 6:4). After Jesus gives this strong rebuke his own hometown folk try to kill him by throwing Jesus off a cliff (Luke 4:28-29). The sad ending to his hometown visit was this – “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mark 6:5-6).
Two in-sights into the Kingdom
Two views of Jesus, one of faith and one of unbelief. Faith is the language of heaven and unbelief is the foreign language of a fallen world. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and the master of unbelief. While Jesus is the author of our faith (Hebrews 11:2). We have just read through the Gospel of Mark and here are a few insights into faith and unbelief.
· Faith can be seen in the man filled with leprosy. Mark 1:40 - A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” What is impossible for man if possible for God who can…
· When Jesus saw their faith… (Mark 2:5). Faith is something that can be seen in the natural (and in the spiritual). Their actions agree with their faith in Jesus to heal their friend.
· We all have a measure of faith (Rom 12:3). But faith is also something we can grow into. Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat when a storm came down the lake. The disciples are freaking out and wake Jesus up. They had a measure of faith that was growing in regards to healing and deliverance, but they did not have the capacity of faith associated with miracles over creation. Jesus calls them out, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? (Mark 4:40-41). There response is priceless… “Even the wind and the waves obey him”.
· The woman who suffered from bleeding for 12 years, by faith and in faith, reached out and touched Jesus, believing that she would be healed. Jesus discerned that power had gone out from him and sought her out. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” (Mark 5:34). Knowing that you know Jesus will come through in your situation is faith. Reaching out and touching Jesus is faith. Falling at the feet of Jesus when caught is faith…
· Jarius’s daughter had fallen ill and died. Unbelieving people said not to bother Jesus. Jesus is not bothered by our troubles… He ignores the people and tells the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). One aspect of growing in our capacity of faith is ignoring the nay-sayers, putting your fears and worries into the hands of Jesus and believing.
· We are told in Mark 6:1-5 that Jesus returns to his hometown. We looked at this story moments ago. We are reminded that Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. These were his family and relatives and those who knew Jesus growing up. This hindered their ability to believe. This phrase comes to mind, “familiarity breeds contempt.” We see the people taking up an offense, and refusing to give honour where honour is due.
· “O unbelieving generation…” (Mark 9:19). Jesus is once again bringing Good News to the people by healing a boy with an evil spirit. Jesus is exasperated with the people, including the disciples who could not deal effectively with the deliverance. Jesus responds by saying, “Everything is possible for him who believes” (Mark 9:23). Jesus lets them know a secret – prayer and faith go hand in hand…
· The story of blind Bartimaeus is powerful. He calls out to Jesus for mercy putting his faith into action. Bartimaeus simple states, “I want to see”. Jesus responds by saying, “Go… your faith has healed you” (Mark 10:51-52).
· Another powerful passage on faith is found in Mark 11:29-25 - In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Have God faith… Have the faith of God… Have faith in God… Doubt actually refers to making a decision, just make a faith-full decision by lay aside all misgivings, doubts, worries and fears. Again we see prayer and faith joining hands together. Flower bed of faith does not grow when unforgiveness is present. Take time to forgive and release people into the hands of Jesus.
· There is an interesting interaction with Jesus and his disciples after his resurrection. For some reason, the disciples choose not to believe, and Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith and stubborn refusal to believe (Mark 16:13-14).
· Jesus leaves the disciples with the Great Commission… “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” (Mark 16:15-18). Faith plays a role in all aspects of our following Jesus, especially when it comes to sharing our faith.
In Conclusion
The language of heaven is one of faith and trust in God. This is the secret to seeing answers to our prayers. As followers of Jesus we must to learn to communicate with God in ways that he understands and accepts. It may look strange that God who can do the impossible would limit himself to accomplish things through human beings needing to believe. Impossible things for men are possible with God. With faith as small as a mustard seed you can move mountains. All things are possible to him who believes. Nothing is too difficult for God. We must learn to confess our agreement with God and his Word; we express our belief. We must grow in our capacity to relate intimately with Holy Spirit, who brings the Word to life. Believing is health to our bones. Believing is safety to our lives. Believing sets the promises and power of God in motion. Believing overcomes fears.
Let’s Pray…