Monday, April 28 – Matthew 8, Mark 4

1. What do Jesus’ miracles teach us about His power, and how does this impact our faith? (Matthew 8:1-17, Mark 4:35-41)

2. How do the parables in Mark 4 encourage us to trust in God’s kingdom? (Mark 4:1-34)

3. What does Jesus’ call to discipleship teach us about commitment to Him? (Matthew 8:18-22)

4. How do the disciples react to the storm, and what can we learn from Jesus’ response? (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41)

We find these key themes in today’s chapters:

1. Jesus’ authority over sickness and the supernatural (Matthew 8:1-17, Mark 4:35-41): Jesus heals the leper, the centurion’s servant, and Peter’s mother-in-law, demonstrating His power over disease. He also calms the storm and casts out demons, proving His authority over all realms. These miracles reveal that He is Lord over every challenge we face. Ellen White writes, “The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, ‘Wilt thou be made whole?’” (The Desire of Ages, p. 203).

2. The cost and commitment of discipleship (Matthew 8:18-22, Mark 4:10-12, 33-34): Jesus challenges His followers to a life of full surrender. In Matthew 8:18-22, He warns that discipleship requires sacrifice. In Mark 4, through parables, He teaches that the kingdom of God is understood only by those open to spiritual truth. “No halfhearted service will do. Christ asks for an undivided heart” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 50).

3. The growth of God’s Kingdom (Mark 4:1-34): Jesus’ parables illustrate how the kingdom of God grows. The parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) shows that while some reject God’s Word, those who receive it bear fruit. The mustard seed (Mark 4:30-32) teaches that even small beginnings in faith can grow beyond expectation. “Day by day God labors for man’s sanctification” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 65).

4. Faith in the storm (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41): As a storm threatens to sink their boat, the disciples panic, but Jesus, undisturbed, rebukes the wind and the waves. His words, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40), challenge us to trust Him in uncertainty. “Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good” (Education, p. 253).

Matthew 8 and Mark 4 reveal the vastness of Jesus’ power. His miracles show His ability to heal and His authority over nature and the spiritual realm.

In Matthew 8, Jesus touches a leper, heals a Roman centurion’s servant from afar, and restores Peter’s mother-in-law. These moments highlight His compassion and power. The centurion’s faith stands out; he trusts Jesus’ word alone, leading Jesus to declare, “I have not found such great faith” (Matthew 8:10). This reminds us that faith is not about proximity but trust in His word.

Mark 4 emphasizes the power of God’s Word. The parable of the sower reveals that some will reject it, but those who receive it will bear fruit. The mustard seed parable reassures us that even small beginnings in faith can grow mightily under God’s care. These parables remind us to sow seeds of faith and trust God for the increase.

The climax of these chapters comes as Jesus and His disciples face a violent storm. The disciples panic, but Jesus remains undisturbed asleep in the boat. When awakened, He rebukes the wind and asks, “Why are you afraid?” (Mark 4:40). His presence should have been enough for their peace. This scene teaches that faith is not the absence of storms but trusting Jesus in them. Ellen White writes, “Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 17).

Life’s storms, illness, uncertainty, loss, can overwhelm us. But just as Jesus stilled the waves, He can bring peace to our hearts when we trust Him. Faith means keeping our eyes on Christ, not the storm.

My prayer for today: Lord, help us trust You in every storm. Strengthen our faith to rest in Your promises. May we sow the seed of Your Word faithfully and follow You with full commitment. Teach us to walk in confidence, knowing You are always in control. Amen.