This passage from Mark's gospel delves into the significance of the events surrounding John the Baptist's death and its implications for Jesus. The narrative contrasts Herod's extravagant party leading to death with the forthcoming mass feeding of 5000 people by Jesus. It emphasizes the danger Jesus faces from powerful figures and the inevitability of his triumph.

Micah reflects on his challenging experience at a Lutheran seminary in Philadelphia, resonating with Jesus' struggle when returning to his hometown. He draws three valuable lessons from this, emphasizing the importance of not feeling alone in such struggles, remaining grounded in oneself, and being open to seeing the authentic selves of others.

This text presents two miraculous healing stories from the gospel of Mark: the desperate plea of a synagogue leader for his dying daughter and the 12-year plight of a woman with a chronic condition. The narrative highlights Jesus' attention to individual suffering, breaking down societal barriers and offering hope to all. It challenges the notion of suffering as a competition and emphasizes God's universal care for humanity.

The synoptic Gospels depict Jesus and his disciples on a boat, facing a fierce storm. Mark uniquely mentions multiple boats, reflecting a broader circle of disciples. The disciples' plea reflects a deep sense of impending doom. Jesus calms the storm, prompting reflection on faith and God's active presence in small, personal storms.

So, three things to start. The first is that Jesus is talking to an unspecified crowd in this moment. In 4:10, it says, “When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables.” We don’t know if these are some of the people he’s healed. We don’t know if they’re religious leaders. We don’t know if they are followers who have been around him a while or are brand new to the following. And maybe that helps us to feel more represented in this mix. We can just be part of this small gathering. And that’s what makes this next part so brilliant in Mark’s crafting. The second starting point is that we have jumped over a really important part. It’s the part where Jesus says why he’s speaking in parables. And as I mentioned in my commentary last week, in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus says, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven (4:11-12).’” Mark is indicating that the parables are not necessarily for greater understanding. In fact, quite the opposite. They are here for confusion.

What most commentators LOVE to talk about with this pericope is that it is one of Mark’s intercalations (a sandwiched story for teaching). Sure, that’s true and it’s a neat writing style BUT, this is really (at least) a double decker sandwich. This story is more meaningful when we see that Jesus has just selected the twelve in the previous section. And he has specifically called the twelve to be “with him” (3:14). This is in contrast with the word that is translated as “family” in 3:21. In the Greek, οἱ παρ᾽ αὐτοῦ is literally, “the ones beside him.” This is often seen as familial but could be more inclusive than just immediate family (also friends and other relatives). But even before we get to the intercalation, we’re already being connected to the passage before. And immediately, we are dealing with a larger theme of who is “in” and who is “out.”