Pastor Matthew Trott - Oct 12, 2025

Dr. Barclays Bible Study - The Gospel of Mark Part 15

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - WHY BELIEVE?

WHY BELIEVE?

There is virtually no dispute as to whether or not Jesus lived as a real man on earth during the first century AD. The question always comes up as to whether on not He was who He claimed to be: the Son of God. So why should we accept His claim to be just that - God’s Son.

There are two main reasons to believe in Him being who people claim Him to be. First, by His words. In many places in the Bible, Jesus implied, if not stated directly, that He was indeed God in the form of a human. Additionally, the way He spoke, taught, and gave instruction really showed that He was indeed more than human. In Matthew chapters 5-7, He taught with so much insight and wisdom that those listening were essentially spell bound. Thus…

…when Jesus had ended these sayings, 

the people were astonished at His teaching,

for He taught them as one having authority,

and not as the scribes. 

(Matthew 7:28,29)

Secondly, with His actions, Jesus showed that He had command and control over all aspects of life. It was evident that He could command the elements as when He controlled the wind and sea.

And suddenly a great tempest areas on the sea, 

so that the boat was covered with the waves. 

But He was asleep.

…Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the sea, 

and there was a great calm. 

(Matthew 8:24,26)

It was also evident, through His ability to heal disease and restore imperfect bodies, that that He could change physical bodies. Again this was reported in many places and times in the Scripture. For example,

…they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted 

with various diseases and torments…epileptics, and paraplegics; 

and He healed them.

(Matthew 4:24)

And behold, a leper came and worshipped Him, saying, 

“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 

Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying 

“I am willing; be cleansed.” 

Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

(Matthew 8:2,3)

And when He came near the gate of the city [Nain]…

a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother…

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her…

Then He came and touched the open coffin…

And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 

So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. 

(Luke 7:12-15)

Finally, it was also evident that He had control over the spiritual world as well for we read in Matthew again that:

 

…they brought to Him

…those who were demon-possessed

…and He healed them.

(Matthew 4:24)

And when He came in contact with a demon-possessed man…

 

…the demons begged Him, saying, 

“If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” 

And He said to them, “Go.” 

…[and so] they went into the herd of swine. 

(Matthew 8:31-32)

All this fully indicates that Jesus was truly not just human but also the true Son of God. Something further to think about.

Pastor Jasmine Trott Oct 5, 2025

Dr. Barclays Bible Study - The Gospel of Mark Part 14