Healing Ministry – Mk 1:14-28
It is fairly easy to claim that you are Messiah. Authoritative teaching and power over demoniacs is an impressive start but a true saviour should be able to deliver from the struggles of everyday life.
29 And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her.(NASB®)
What’s so pressing?
Marks frequent use of “immediately” gives a fast paced, staccato feel to his depiction of the life of Jesus. While it is tempting to romanticize the events, we quickly see that Jesus lived in the reality of the every day, such as; getting lunch after church or having to deal with family issues in the presence of visitors.
It is likely that Simon’s wife’s mother had been sick long enough and seriously enough to cause her to be bed ridden. These disciples are increasingly aware of Jesus’ capabilities so do not hesitate to cast their careson Him.
Does Jesus have a place in all parts of my life?
Is my “immediate” reaction to go to Jesus?
31 And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them. (NASB®)
What is the key to healing?
Jesus responds to their concerns with His presence. No words or elaborate prayers need be spoken. Jesus demonstrates His authority over the physical realm by healing instantaneously, completely resulting in full restoration.
Do I trust Jesus can heal?
32 When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city had gathered at the door. 34 And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
35 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. 36 Simon and his companions searched for Him; 37 they found Him, and *said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” (NASB®)
What can be a problem with seeking healing?
Word of Jesus’ ability certainly spread but not with enough conviction to cause an “immediate” response. People remained slaves to a legalistic system while trapped by their need. Jesus, not reluctant to meet their physical issues, refuses to allow the demons to declare what the crowd overlooked. From the “Holy One of God”, they could receive much more than temporary relief.
Amid pressing need, it is easy to lose focus but Jesus remains committed to His Father’s will by making prayer a priority.
Do I desire Jesus for His presence or what He can do?
Is prayer a priority in my life?
38 He said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.” 39 And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.(NASB®)
Why did Jesus come?
Jesus did not come to be a healer or miracle worker. His purpose remained the public proclamation of the coming of the Kingdom of God. Healing and casting out demons provided manifest evidence of the authority He claimed.
Is God’s Kingdom first and foremost in my life?
40 And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 44 and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” (NASB®)
How did people view Jesus?
During that time, leprosy was a devastating disease causing the individual to be an outcast, untouchable and suffer unspeakable mental anguish. Against all protocol this leper not only approaches, not only breaks through the crowd to gain an audience but recognizes something more in Jesus than ability. The leper is confident that Sovereign choice is the determinant factor not just in healing but complete purification. Jesus is significantly “moved with compassion” to the point of indignation at both the state of a fallen world and the lack of understanding. God’s nature is distinctive of a “willingness” toward restoration not just a healer of convenience. Jesus demonstrates His desire by grabbing hold of the leper and with a simple command, he is instantly made clean. Now, with an opportunity to be an incontrovertible witness to the religious leaders, he is firmly and clearly told to avoid celebrating until he has properly presented himself to them.
Am I confident in Jesus?
Am I willing to listen to what Jesus says?
45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere. (NASB®)
What is the consequence of disobedience?
The strong desire to be healed is understandable but at what cost? Is temporary physical health more important than eternal spiritual wholeness? Is it better to talk about life or the Life that God promises in Jesus Christ? Consistent with His mission, Jesus substitutes His place with the leper and is relegated to the desolate places like an outcast. The need remains overwhelming but the access reduced.
Do I consider obedience a necessary part of my faith?
Do I enhance or obstruct the work of Jesus?
Worship
Lord I Need You: Matt Maher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvfMDhTyMA
All I Need – Lecrae: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5gcX3sIoUs
All I Need – Hillsong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV63_Vmf-74