Advent Day 8

Chapter 8 involves Jesus traveling through the land of Israel, teaching about the Kingdom of God. He taught about the spread of the Gospel and the four different responses that would result. He then demonstrates His power over nature by calming the storm that frightened professional fisherman! The Greek wording implies that Jesus spoke to the storm itself and told it to "be quiet" - and nature listened!

Jesus continued to cast out demons, proving that He was not doing His miracles by the power of Satan, which He was accused of (“a house divided against itself cannot stand"). Lastly, Jesus heals a woman who had been ill for 12 years after just touching the hem of His garment (which would have been His prayer shawl). Jesus also raised another person from the dead, Jarius’ daughter.

Questions for Reflection:
Throughout His whole life and ministry, Jesus only traveled about 30 miles away from His hometown of Bethlehem. Since He is the Messiah, the Savior of the world, why do you think He didn’t travel further, or more often?