Scripture: Mark 1:29-34
Sermon notes
The incident in the synagogue when the Saviour delivered the devil-possessed man from the power of the unclean spirit prompted an intense regional discussion of His message and ministry—especially of His power, v27-28.
The record in these verses reveal the public and private labours of the Lord Jesus.
In terms of His public ministry He becomes famous instantly because of the evidence of Divine power in His preaching and miracles. Crowds begin to seek after Him. Yet He is also seen to minister in the home and to individuals in private. True Christianity and discipleship is not just a public matter. As we consider these verses we should make it our desire that the Lord will work in our public assembly and in our homes, personal lives and family circumstances.
It is perhaps important to pause and consider the nature of the Saviour’s miracles.
- They were real displays of power, effecting an immediate change.
- This power was not indiscriminate but sovereignly exercised. He did not heal all.
- The purpose of every miracle was to support the message He declared. Each period of development in Divine revelation was marked by such miracles. The physical miracle was an illustration of a spiritual/gospel message.
- The display of miracle power is not necessary today given the completed nature of revelation. Yet the Saviour still has the power to heal physically and is still the author of life and health. The miraculous spiritual changes His word effects, continue.
I PETER’S WIFE’S MOTHER HEALED.
Given what the church of Rome claims about Peter and her teaching on celibacy as a requirement for her priests, this is a striking piece of information. Cp 1Cor 9:6.
- Bringing the blessing of Christ’s ministry home. What others could only talk about excitedly, the disciples of Christ experienced at home with their family members. The presence and power of Christ was their portion away from the arena of public ministry. On the Sabbath evening they took the Saviour home. It is easy to lose this aspect of the blessing of worship. Cp 2Sam 6:20ff. Our homes should be places of fellowship with Christ and His disciples.
- This woman’s need brought to Christ. Cp Luke 4:38. Clearly she was so ill that she could not come to Him, nor had she been able to attend the place of worship.
- His healing touch. He came to her! Personally, directly and gently He healed this woman. Lifted up = ‘to collect, to rouse/waken’. Again, He displays the power of His word, Luke 4:39—He rebuked the fever. There is an immediate deliverance.
- She ministered to Christ and His servants. This is the right use of health and strength given and/or restored by the Saviour. We must recognize His mercy in our well-being and yield ourselves to His service. She had a role in preparing for what followed and so enabling the work of Christ to go forward.
II MULTITUDES HEALED IN CAPERNAUM.
This house becomes a focal point. The town is affected as a result of Christ being present and welcome in one home, v33. Multitudes are drawn to the door. Christ is known to be there and the needy of the city come to find Him.
Many experience the power of Christ there. His power is seen in delivering from two aspects of the working of sin:
- Physical disease, v32, 34. Sickness is an evidence of the working of sin. It is a general/systemic evidence of the death sentence that came on mankind at the fall. Cp Gen 2:17, Rom 5:12. The Saviour is able to deliver from such sickness. He gave a limited and temporary relief from the physical effects of that sentence of death in these people—they would all later die!
- Devilish control, v32, 34. Many were delivered from the indwelling power of the devil. Again it is noted that He silenced the devils to avoid confusion in the minds of the people.
- Such deliverances were not necessarily saving. Cp Matt 12:43-45. Many of those blessed by the Saviour’s power in this way would also have believed on Him for salvation. Cp Jn 5:13-14, 9:35-38.
As the sun set. The evening has come and the Saviour is still busy. He worked tirelessly to advance the gospel. This is how He spent the Sabbath!