Mark 1:29-39
²⁹And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
³⁰Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her.
³¹And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.
³²When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.
³³And the whole city had gathered at the door.
³⁴And 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.
³⁵In 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.
³⁶Simon and his companions searched for Him; ³⁷they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
³⁸He 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.”
³⁹And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.
Peter’s mother-in-law is ill. So Peter was married.
Following Jesus also affected his marriage!
From the way Mark tells it, you get the impression that Peter’s mother-in-law has suddenly become ill. Jesus raises her up with a simple gesture. Luke says that Jesus rebuked the fever (Luke 4:38,39). So here too there is a demon.
It is much like a counter-move from the devil.
He who had to clear the field in the synagogue, tries it again. But Jesus’ authority also radiates from this restoration. Peter’s mother-in-law does not need to recover after her healing, but is immediately able to minister to Jesus!
After the Sabbath it gets really busy in Capernaum. People are pouring in. Jesus appears to be able to handle the variety of ailments as well as the great number of people. Very striking is that He forbids the evil spirits to speak (Mark 1:34). He does not want to be glorified by the devil, but by the people. Let them say Who He is.
Maybe to avoid being seen as just some kind of super healer, Jesus left the city before dawn. Maybe he was expecting another bunch of sick people. This is purely speculation.
He is looking for a place where He can be alone with His Heavenly Father. Perhaps He wanted to discuss with His Father all the misery He has heard and seen, but it is good anyway to have regular contact with the Father.
You fish for people while praying. His disciples expected that He would continue to work in Capernaum for a while. It seems they are irritated by this receding movement. “Everyone is looking for you,” they say.
They do not know how much His prayer benefits the inhabitants of Capernaum. Moreover, the Gospel must also be heard in other places (Mark 1:38,39). Jesus has come to seek everywhere for those that are lost (Luke 15:1-10,24).
Today Jesus uses people to deliver the Good News (Matthew 28:18-20).
Under the direction of the Holy Ghost, they speak the words of God, and they too (like you) must regularly withdraw for prayer.
Meanwhile, Jesus is now praying for us in heaven (Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1,2).
In the congregation, in the meetings Jesus also wants to speak to your heart, and in heaven He also pleads for you!
Like the people of Galilee, we too may submit both our physical and psychological needs to Him. He is our Physician.
Question for self reflection:
▪︎ How loyal are you in praying for the sick, and those who need help?
Prayer suggestion:
▪︎ Thank God that you can come to Him with all your worries!
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