Mark continues writing his fast-paced account and concise words from Jesus. He shows Jesus on the move with a mission. Matthew wrote about Jesus’ compassionate sermons, parables and dinners with sinners. Mark gives us a glimpse of the man who had a single, divine purpose for being here. Even the demons recognized who Jesus was and why he was here.
Mark 1:21-28 ~ Jesus in Capernaum
Jesus went into Capernaum and right away He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. They were astonished at His teaching because, unlike the scribes, He was teaching them as one having authority.
Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, “What do You have to do with us, Jesus – Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God!”
But Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit convulsed him, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him. Then they were all amazed and began to argue with one another saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” His fame then spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.
From there Jesus went to Peter’s house where he healed Peter’s mother-in-law. By the evening, the whole town was at his door. Jesus healed many, but he would not permit the demons to speak. The demons wanted to destroy his ministry. They knew the truth but rejected it. And by early morning, Jesus had gone out to a deserted place to pray. The disciples found him and said, “Everyone’s looking for you!”
Mark 1:38-39 ~ Jesus in Galilee
And Jesus said to disciples, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.” So He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Everything Jesus did had a purpose and a reason. His healing was immediate. His confirmation of people’s faith was immediate. He didn’t require the people do certain rituals first or show their extensive knowledge of the Torah. Jesus came to serve mankind, to teach them about life, and ultimately lay down his life as a sacrifice. And Mark is telling us: Exciting things are happening fast!
