Mark 1:21-39
Q.1. Where did Jesus start training His disciples? What impressed the people with His ministry? Why did demons react to Jesus? How is it that He was able to control demons? – (Mk.1:21-28)
After calling the first of His disciples, Jesus took them to the synagogue (Mk.1:21). He came unto His own race who had a commitment to the Scriptures, and He taught them (Mk.1:21 c.f. Jn.1:11). His teaching found a lodging place, because – He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes (Mk.1:22). Jesus had been tempted by the devil and had prevailed (Mk.1:12-13). His presence exposed demons, and on this occasion the unclean spirit reacted – What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God! (Mk.1:24). In the same way as He had prevailed over Satan, Jesus cast out the demon (Mk.1:25-26). The Jews were amazed, and debated – What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him (Mk.127). Jesus was in a league of His own.
Q.2. Was Simon Peter married? What did his mother-in-law do after Jesus healed her? Why was demon possession such an issue in Christ’s day? How did Jesus handle demons? How many people did Jesus fail to heal? – (Mk.1:29-34 c.f. 1 Cor.9:5)
We learn from the New Testament that Simon Peter was a married man (Mk.1:30 c.f. 1 Cor.9:5). Peter had his mother-in-law living at his place, which was in the location of many miraculous healings, including of this lady. As soon as Jesus healed her, she kindly – waited on them (Mk.1:31). It is recorded that many were healed, and none went home disappointed. In Matthew’s record of this time, he reported that – 23 Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. 24 The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them (Mt.4:23-24). Similarly, demons had no power against Jesus, as – He cast out many demons; and He was not permitting them to speak, because they knew who He was (Mk.1:34). He would not accept the testimony of liars and tormentors (c.f. Jn.8:44).
Q.3. What do we learn about Christ’s prayer life? Why were the disciples and the people looking for Jesus? Did Jesus submit to their plans? Why had He come to earth? Where did He minister? – (Mk.1:35-39)
After His demanding ministry the previous day, Jesus rose early while it was still dark – and went to a secluded place and was praying there (Mk.1:35). This was the secret to the power of His ministry. He spent many hours fellowshipping with His Father, especially at crucial times in His life (c.f. Mt.26:40-44; Lk.6:12). Expectant people turned up at Peter’s home early. His disciples searched for Him (Mk.1:36-37). However, Jesus did not come just to heal, but to save. He outlined His mission – Let us go somewhere else to the town nearby, so that I may preach there also: for that is what I came for (Mk.1:38 c.f. Jn.3:16-18). Jesus took His disciples throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues, and setting people free from demons (Mk.1:39). It is important to understand that the reason behind these miracles was to authenticate Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah (Lk.4:17-21 c.f. Isa.35:5-6; 61:1-2). John, in his Gospel, presented the miracles of Jesus as ‘signs’ (see Jn.2:11, 23; 4:54; 6:2, 14, 26, 30; 7:31; 9:16; 10:41; 11:47; 12:18, 37). What were these ‘signs’ about? John highlighted – 30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (Jn.20:30-31). In His own words, Jesus declared – the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (Lk.19:10) and – the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mt.20:28). Our ministry should always focus on the Gospel.