READING
MARK 1 : 21 - 45
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Jesus Heals Many
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
DEVOTIONAL
by
Jane Postovit
The Narrative in Mark 1:21-40 recounts four miraculous events near the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. The text opens up as Jesus enters the synagogue in Capernaum to declare the Kingdom of God to those present. In the midst of this scene, a man with an unclean spirit cries out and Jesus, without hesitation, silences and casts out the demons in the man, arousing a whole host of questions in the hearts and minds of those present. The demonstration of authority in word and deed inspired the hearts of people to be opened up to the idea of a new way of thinking and living. “What new doctrine is this?”, some asked, while others declared, “With authority He commands the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” This display of word and deed caused a whole community to shift their thinking toward hope, setting the foundation of faith to rise in their hearts. With this hopeful expectation, the whole town gathered at Peter’s home that evening, seeking this man and His miracle working power. The unfolding of events brought even more wonder and hope in the hearts of the people as Jesus healed and delivered so many. The news of these amazing miracles traveled throughout the region.
As the narrative moves forward, we are introduced to a Leper who undoubtedly heard the testimonies of healing and deliverance that had recently taken place. You can imagine the hope that must have risen in his heart as he heard the stories surrounding this miracle worker. To his amazement, I am sure he finds himself in the audience of the Savior.
I love the honesty of the Leper as He candidly speaks to the Lord, and humbly declares, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” As we know, Jesus immediately responds, ” I am willing, be cleansed!” and instantly this man is freed from his disease and shame. How long had this man been hoping and believing for deliverance from this incurable affliction and what was the battle that raged in his mind? What was the season of life he traveled before his encounter with Jesus? Had he been seeking the savior or had the savior sought him out on his journey? These are all questions left to ponder.
Dear child of God, we have all been there. We have heard the testimonies of miraculous provision and knowing it is God’s will to heal, deliver, provide and restore as we wait in His presence for His divine intervention.
Here are some questions to ponder:
What is the season that God has you in right now?
How are you encountering the Father in your day to day life?
What particular truths in His Word are sustaining you as you are believing for His divine intervention?
PRAYER plan
PRESENCE
Our supreme value and mission in life is to host God’s presence, abide in Him, & live aware of who He is.