Opening Question
What is the most spontaneous thing you can remember doing?
Introduction
Our lesson this week takes on Mark 1:16-45. These verses cover a range of topics including the call of the first disciples, and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. He preaches, prays, heals, casts out demons (a highlighted and oft-repeated miracle in Mark’s gospel), and speaks with authority.
Mark 1:16-20
Jesus calls his disciples and they immediately leave their nets, and they follow Him. Perhaps they had heard his initial preaching about repentance, and the arrival of the Kingdom of God. This would have stoked much messianic fervor in their hearts.
Jesus’ call of the first disciples seems rather abrupt, and their response somewhat spontaneous. Would you have immediately left everything behind to follow? Why or why not? What do you glean from the passage that warrants their unhesitant response?
Mark 1:21-28
Jesus is described in vss. 21-22 as having authority and not like the scribes. We do not have the exact words of Jesus’ audience, but was have much of the written code of the 1st-century Jews contained in the Talmud and the Mishna. Jesus was different, because rather than relying on his own loopholes around the Torah and prophetic writings, Jesus applied the law with personal force to everyday matters, and the unregenerate heart (as seen especially in the Gospel of Matthew chs. 5-7).
When Jesus enters the synagogue on the Sabbath and casts out the unclean spirit (vss. 23-27), Jesus commands the Spirit not to continue speaking when it begins to identify Jesus as the “Holy One of God.” Throughout the gospel of Mark, Jesus constantly asks people to keep silent about him. This is called “the messianic secret,” and although present in the other Synoptic gospels, it is far more prevalent in Mark.
Why would Jesus ask people not to speak about Him publicly, or announce His miracles broadly? In spite of Jesus’ desire to keep his work more private, vs. 28 shows that \was impossible.
Mark 1:29-38
We learn that Peter is married, and that his mother-in-law is sick with a fever. Jesus is urged to come, and with just a touch—taking her by the hand—the fever leaves her. Throughout the book of Mark, Jesus touches people, even those who should defile him according to Jewish purity laws. Rather than her sickness being contagious, Jesus’ health is contagious. People catch health everywhere He goes. And when she feels better, she immediately begins to serve Jesus.
Apparently, it did not take long for others to hear about Jesus’ power; and throughout the long Sabbath and into the evening, Jesus heals all kinds of diseases, casts out demons, and tells them to be quiet! Mark’s fast beginning also quickly establishes Jesus’ power. He has power over both the Spirit world and the biological world of humanity.
What made 1st century Israel so liable to demon possession? Do we have trouble with this spiritual matter today? Or should we just diagnose demon possession as mental health ailments and let the psychiatry, social work and psychology deal with it rather than spiritual leaders?
Jesus’ example (vss. 35-38) of quiet prayer is noteworthy. Jesus spent time with the crowds, but also recharged alone. Perhaps He was equal parts introvert and extrovert. But both of these need time with God alone!
Mark 1:39-45
The healing of the leprous man, probably a strain of Hansen’s disease, again involves touch and orders not to say anything. Touch was an intentional act by Jesus, and it would have made anyone else unclean. But not Jesus; He is pictured here as the very source of health.
What effect does proper and caring touch have on people? What happens if we lack touch as children, adolescents, middle-aged, or the elderly? Who are the people today we’re afraid to approach because we consider them “unclean”? How might an appropriate, loving touch bring healing to them?
Closing Comments
Jesus’ ministry begins to grow, so much so that he was prevented from coming into the places that might have needed Him most—the populated areas. They still need Him today!
