This is a turning point in the book of Mark – finally the disciples understand who Jesus is!
Jesus here encounters more faith among the Gentiles than he did among his own disciples.
Jesus knows that religious rules cannot make us clean, because our uncleanness comes from the evil in our hearts.
Jesus calls us to follow him alone instead of following the expectations of others.
Jesus has power over evil and chaotic forces like storms, demons, illness and death.
Disciples of Jesus are called to follow him, learn from him and lead others to meet him also.
As Jesus reveals his identity and his power he faces opposition from religious people who do not believe in him.
We need to be thinking of church as a ‘life boat’ rather than a ‘cruise liner’. In a life boat everyone is working together to rescue people…
