Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 156: Jesus Casts Out Demons (2025)
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Host: Ascension
Guest: Jeff Cavins (occasional appearances)

Overview

In Day 156 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound narratives of Jesus casting out demons as presented in the Gospel of Mark, chapters five and six. This episode not only recounts the biblical events but also offers deep theological insights and practical applications for listeners. Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike connects these stories to the overarching theme of salvation history, emphasizing the spiritual warfare inherent in the Christian journey.

Scripture Readings

• Gospel of Mark Chapters 5 & 6: Detailing Jesus' exorcisms, the healing of Jairus' daughter, the healing of the woman with hemorrhage, the rejection in Nazareth, sending out the twelve apostles, the death of John the Baptist, feeding the 5,000, and Jesus walking on water.

• Psalm 21: A prayer of thanksgiving for victory, highlighting God's strength and blessings.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Exorcism and Spiritual Warfare

   • Jesus' Authority: Fr. Mike emphasizes that Jesus' multiple exorcisms demonstrate His authority over evil spirits, reinforcing His role as the Messiah who combats the dominion of Satan. He references Mark 5:9 where the possessed man identifies himself as "Legion," indicating the multitude of demons under his control.
   • Biblical Worldview: The discussion underscores a spiritual dimension to the world, where believers are engaged in an ongoing battle against evil forces. Fr. Mike connects this to the necessity of understanding Scripture through a spiritual lens to discern and combat these forces effectively.

2. Value of Humanity Over Material Wealth

   • Worth of a Soul: Highlighting Mark 5:12, where Jesus allows the demons to enter 2,000 swine, Fr. Mike contrasts the value of a single human soul against material possessions. He underscores Jesus' teaching that a single person holds infinite value in God's eyes, surpassing even large numbers of "unclean" animals.

3. Faith and Healing

   • Woman with Hemorrhage: In discussing Mark 5:34, Fr. Mike reflects on the woman's faith in touching Jesus' garment, which led to her healing. He draws parallels to the modern believer's faith journey, emphasizing trust in God's power despite circumstances.
   • Jairus' Daughter: The resurrection of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:41) serves as a testament to Jesus' authority over life and death, offering hope and assurance of God's power to restore.

4. Rejection and Unbelief

   • Nazareth Incident: Fr. Mike explores Jesus' rejection in His hometown (Mark 6:1-6), illustrating the challenges of unbelief even among those who know Him personally. He discusses the importance of steadfast faith amidst skepticism and opposition.
   • Hardening of Hearts: The narrative highlights how unbelief can lead to a hardening of the heart, preventing individuals from recognizing and accepting God's miracles.

5. Sending Out the Twelve Apostles

   • Authority and Dependence: In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends out the apostles with authority over unclean spirits, instructing them to rely on God for provision ("Do not take anything for the journey..."). Fr. Mike emphasizes the balance between divine authority and human dependence on God's provision.
   • Trust in God's Provision: The feeding of the 5,000 (Mark 6:30-44) reinforces the principle of trusting God with limited resources, illustrating how God's blessings multiply when placed in His hands.

6. Death of John the Baptist

   • Martyrdom and Sacrifice: The episode recounts the tragic beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29), highlighting themes of sacrifice, political intrigue, and the cost of discipleship. Fr. Mike reflects on John's unwavering commitment to righteousness despite persecution.

7. Miracles as Testimonies

   • Healing the Sick in Gennesaret: Jesus' continuous miracles (Mark 6:53-56) serve as powerful testimonies to His divine mission, drawing large crowds and validating His teachings.

Notable Quotes

• Introduction & Contextualization:

  • "Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story." [00:04]

• On the Value of Humanity:

  • "One human being is worth vastly more, vastly more than 2,000 pigs. Even if pigs were valuable. I mean, even if it was 2,000 sheep, one human being…" [Transcript near 00:XX]

• On Spiritual Warfare:

  • "The biblical worldview is after the fall, the world is under the dominion of Satan. It's under the dominion of the evil one." [Transcript near 00:XX]

• On Faith and Provision:

  • "Lord, I don't have enough. You're right. Give me what you do have. He receives it, he blesses it, and he gives it back to us, and then we just distribute it." [Transcript near 00:XX]

• Reassurance Amidst Fear:

  • "Only in today's readings alone, Jesus twice says, do not be afraid." [Transcript near 00:XX]

Note: Specific timestamps for each quote can be inserted based on the actual transcript's timing.

Reflections and Applications

Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages listeners to internalize the lessons from Jesus' actions and teachings:

• Embrace Faith Over Fear: In moments of uncertainty or scarcity, believers are called to trust in God's provision and authority, just as the apostles did during the feeding of the 5,000.

• Recognize Spiritual Realities: Understanding the existence of a spiritual realm and the ongoing battle against evil empowers believers to live out their faith with greater awareness and intentionality.

• Value Every Soul: The episode reinforces the intrinsic worth of every individual, urging listeners to prioritize relationships and spiritual well-being over material gains.

• Active Participation in God's Mission: Just as the apostles were sent out with authority and minimal resources, believers are encouraged to contribute what they have to God's work, trusting that He will multiply their efforts.

Conclusion

Day 156 of The Bible in a Year offers a comprehensive exploration of Jesus' authority over evil, the paramount value of human life, and the indispensable role of faith and trust in God's provision. Through rich storytelling and theological reflection, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners to a deeper understanding of Scripture and its application in daily life. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people and the transformative power of living through the lens of His Word.

Prayer from Psalm 21: The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer emphasizing God's strength, love, and the believer's reliance on His redemption and grace, encapsulating the themes discussed and offering a moment of personal reflection and connection with the Divine.

Looking Ahead: Fr. Mike invites listeners to continue their journey through the Bible, promising further insights and encouragement in the coming episodes. He emphasizes the importance of community and prayer, fostering a supportive environment for spiritual growth.

For more resources and to follow the Bible in a Year reading plan, visit Ascension Press. Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform to stay updated with daily episodes.