Thinking Biblically

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Tag: healing

Cry Out to Jesus – Mark 10:46-52

November 27, 2023 /

Sermon Text: Mark 10:46-52

Sermon Video

Outline

Our only hope is to cry out to Jesus (46-48)

Jesus responds to those who call upon him (49-52)

Sermon Notes

Our only hope is to cry out to Jesus (46-48)

Verse 46 provides the setting of the story. Jesus ministered in Jericho for an unspecified period of time. Jesus and his disciples are now about 18 miles from Jerusalem. As they left town, they encountered a blind beggar named Bartimaeus.

Bartimaeus woke up that morning just as he did every day. Perhaps he ate a bite of leftover food from the night before and then left his place of shelter to beg beside the road outside the city gate.

We are told four things about Bartimaeus in v. 46:

  1. His name – Bartimaeus. This is the only instance in Matthew, Mark, or Luke that the authors provide the name of a person being healed. Since Mark gives his name, it’s likely that he had become a committed disciple of Jesus (v. 52) and actively involved in the early church.
  2. He was a blind beggar.
  3. He was the son of Timaeus.
  4. He was sitting by the road.

In contrast to the disciples who were jockeying for position (Mark 10:35), Bartimaeus was a blind beggar on a dirt road. He was dirty, unkempt, and hungry. In a word, he was desperate.

By taking the time to serve this lowly man, Jesus was practicing what he had preached in vv. 42-45.

We see in v. 47 that Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by and he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The crowd responds by rebuking him (v. 48). In their minds, Jesus was too important to have time for a lowly beggar. The text tells us how Bartimaeus responded to the rebukes – “he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’”

So, the first thing we see in this text is that our only hope is to cry out to Jesus (vv. 46-48).

Bartimaeus was desperate and he knew there was nothing he himself could do to change his life. There was nothing he could do for himself to cure his blindness. I think we can learn some things from Bartimaeus about crying out to Jesus:

First, Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus in faith. He didn’t just see Jesus as Jesus of Nazareth, but as Jesus, Son of David. Bartimaeus believed that Jesus was the Messiah. The OT pointed to the fact that the Messiah would be a descendant of David.

2 Sam 7:12-16

When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”

Solomon was immediate and partial fulfillment of this prophecy. Jesus would be the final fulfillment.

Notice that Jesus is no longer trying to hide his identity but is willing to be known as the Messiah as he gets ready to head to Jerusalem.

Second, Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus with humility. He didn’t make demands like James and John. Instead, Bartimaeus humbly asked Jesus to have mercy on him. This is how we should approach Jesus – humbly rather than making demands.

In your prayers, do you ever spend time praising God for who he is and thanking him for what he has done? Sometimes we treat God like our butler who is exists to meet our demands. That is, we only spend time with him when we need something from him.

Third, Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus despite opposition. Bartimaeus was not afraid of what others thought of Him. He was desperate because he knew Jesus was his only hope.

Too many people are afraid to live out their faith in front of others. The disciples and the crowd misunderstand Jesus’ love. They rebuked Bartimaeus and told him to be silent. Apparently, the disciples weren’t listening much when Jesus taught them that they should be servants (Mark 10:43-45). The crowd assumed that Jesus was too important or too busy to take the time to care for this blind beggar on the side of the road.

Have you ever thought that God was too busy for you? That He didn’t want to hear you? Jesus was on his way to an excruciating death, and he made time for blind Bartimaeus. Brothers and sisters, Jesus has time for you when you cry out to him.

Fourth, Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus with persistence. Bartimaeus was not dissuaded by the crowd. When the crowd rebuked him, the text says that he cried out all the more. In the midst of the hustle and bustle that can become our lives, we must learn to persistently cry out to Jesus (John 15:1-8).

Maybe you’re not physically blind, but you’re concerned or perhaps even desperate about something as you read this blog:

  • A lost family member
  • The state of our country
  • Your church
  • Your health
  • Someone you love going through a hard time
  • Your job situation

Let’s learn from Bartimaeus and cry out to Jesus in faith, with humility, despite opposition, and with persistence.

Jesus responds to those who call upon Him (49-52)

In v. 49, Jesus hears Bartimaeus and tells the disciples to “Call him.” They go and tell him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”

Bartimaeus had cried out to Jesus in faith. Bartimaeus had cried out to Jesus with humility. Bartimaeus had cried out to Jesus despite opposition. Bartimaeus had cried out to Jesus with persistence.

And Jesus heard his cry. Unlike the crowd, Jesus was not concerned with Bartimaeus’ social status but the spiritual status of his heart.

Jesus is not concerned with our social status but the spiritual status of our heart.

The good news in these verses is that Jesus responds to those who call upon him.

Bartimaeus called. Jesus responded. Let’s look at v. 50. Notice Bartimaeus’ response to Jesus’ call. He was very eager to speak with Jesus, evidenced by his throwing off off his cloak. He sprang up and came to Jesus. It’s probable that his cloak was his only possession, in contrast with rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22).

This is what we should do when Jesus calls us. We should lay aside whatever is keeping us from Jesus and run to him.

Jesus cares for Bartimaeus. He asks in v. 51, “What do you want me to do for you?” Again, Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem where he will be betrayed and killed. On his way, he takes time to talk with Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whom the crowd had rebuked for trying to get Jesus’ attention.

In response to Jesus’ question, Bartimaeus says, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” Bartimaeus asked Jesus to heal his blindness. John and James had asked for extraordinary positions (Mark 10:35). Bartimaeus simply asked for ordinary health.

Finally, Jesus healed Bartimaeus (v. 52). Jesus told Bartimaeus that his faith had made him well. The faith of Bartimaeus was not an abstract faith, but faith specifically in Jesus Christ. Bartimaeus believed that Jesus was the Son of David. He believed that Jesus was the Messiah and that he had the power to heal him.

Many people want Jesus to take care of their needs but few want to follow him with their lives. Most blind people, having their sight restored, would have wanted to live it up, so to speak. Instead, Bartimaeus, as soon as he received his sight, he saw Jesus, and followed him to Jerusalem.

Many people want Jesus to take care of their needs but few want to follow him with their lives.

Bartimaeus is the model disciple:

  • He believed Jesus was the Messiah.
  • He appealed to Jesus for mercy.
  • He placed his faith in him.
  • He followed him.

This is what a Christian looks like.

Many people say, “you just have to have faith. It’ll all work out.” Our faith is not in the forces of nature, karma, or good vibes. Our faith must be in God almighty – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We have a heavenly Father that knows what we need before we ask, a Savior that died on the cross for our sins, and the Holy Spirit that lives within us if we are believers.

Conclusion

This morning’s sermon was simple, but a good reminder.

Our only hope is to cry out to Jesus (46-48)

  • In faith
  • With humility
  • Despite opposition
  • With persistence

Jesus responds to those who call upon Him (49-52)

Jesus was passing through Jericho, never to come that way again. If Bartimaeus had not cried out to Jesus, he would never have had another chance. Figuratively, Jesus may be passing by you today. If you died today, where would you spend eternity?

Do you need to cry out to Jesus for salvation?

Without Jesus, Bartimaeus was physically blind. Without Jesus, we are spiritually blind and dead in our sins. We need the grace of God.

Maybe you are a Christian, but you are burdened by something. Cry out to Jesus, and he will respond!

All Things Are Possible Through Jesus – Mark 9:14-29

September 26, 2023 /

Sermon text: Mark 9:14-29

Sermon Video

Outline

BIG IDEA:

To be fruitful disciples of Jesus, we must pray in faith, believing He is able.

Summary

In my last post, I wrote about the transfiguration. Last week’s text left off with Jesus, Peter, James, and John heading back down the mountain. When they got to the bottom of the mountain, they found a crowd gathered and the scribes arguing with the rest of the disciples.

A man had brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. In Jesus’ absence, the disciples had failed to cast it out. No doubt the scribes were using this as an opportunity to mock the disciples and undermine the authority of Jesus.

In vv. 20-24, Jesus interacts with the boy’s father. The boy (likely 10-15 years old) had been possessed “from childhood” (v. 21). Undoubtedly, this man had done everything he could to save his son. He had likely been to doctors, religious leaders, and self-proclaimed miracle workers. However, no one else could help. Jesus was the only hope that this man’s son had. I’m reminded of Mark 5, where Jesus delivered the demoniac and healed the woman with a flow of blood and raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead.

The father asks Jesus for help: “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (v. 22). Jesus’ response should encourage us: “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes” (v. 23). Jesus is not saying that we can receive anything if we enough faith. Jesus is not a genie in a bottle. Rather, Jesus was teaching that anything is possible (not guaranteed) if we trust that nothing is too difficult for God, even when our experience seems to indicate otherwise.

Is there something in your life that has you in a state of desperation? Jesus can fix it. Give it to him (Matt 11:28-30). All things are possible for the one who believes in him. In one of the most honest statements in the Bible, the man says, “I believe; help my unbelief” (v. 24).

This man’s response exemplifies saving faith. We can only truly trust in Christ when we acknowledge that we have nowhere else to turn. We can’t do enough good works or live holy enough lives to earn our salvation. We must trust in Christ and his finished work on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. We respond in repentance (turning away from sin) and put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Finally, Jesus gives his disciples some instruction (vv. 28-29). Jesus had given the disciples authority to cast out demons (Mark 6:13), so why could they not cast this one out? It seems that the disciples, based on their previous experience, assumed that they would be able to heal this boy. Jesus was teaching them that only by prayer could they see the hand of God at work. When we follow Jesus, we must be dependent on him in an ongoing way (John 15:5).

Our prayer life is the truest indicator of our dependence on God. Our prayers must be filled with faith (Heb 11:6). To be filled with faith, fill yourself with God’s Word and hear its promises. Spend time with God in prayer. As you open your heart to Him, your faith will increase.

We must believe that Jesus is able to do the impossible! What do you do when you don’t have faith? Pray like the father of the demon-possessed boy: “I believe, Lord help my unbelief!”

Verses Referenced

John 15:5; Heb 11:6

Jesus Cares for the Desperate – Mark 7:24-37

August 25, 2023 /

Sermon text: Mark 7:24-37

Summary

Jesus and his disciples went to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon for some rest and relaxation and to evade the Jewish leaders, whom Jesus clashed with in Mark 7:1-13. Even in Tyre, Jesus’ fame is known. He is sought out by a humble woman who begged Jesus to exorcise a demon from her daughter.

After leaving Tyre, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Sidon and eventually the region of the Decapolis. There, Jesus healed a man who was deaf and unable to speak well.

The text speaks to the importance of seeking Jesus in desperate times. Seek him humbly and persistently, knowing that he cares for you and he is able to help. When you experience deliverance, the natural response is to proclaim Jesus to others.

Outline

In your time of desperation, seek Jesus (vv. 24-35)

When you experience deliverance, proclaim Jesus (vv. 36-37)

Verses Referenced

Matthew 5:3

Sermon Video

Disciples Advance the Kingdom – Mark 6:7-13

July 17, 2023 /

Sermon Video

We know that as disciples of Jesus we are to seek to advance the kingdom of God (Matt 6:9-10, 33). But how do we do that? So far in Mark, Jesus’ disciples have not had a lot of hands-on action. In today’s text, we see Jesus releasing his disciples for a time of ministry.

Last week, we saw Jesus rejected at Nazareth. The people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus, for they perceived him to be insignificant for God’s kingdom work. In today’s text, we see that Jesus’ disciples should expect rejection as well.

BIG IDEA: Even in the face of rejection or death, disciples of Jesus advance God’s kingdom through word and deed.

Sermon text: Mark 6:7-13

1. Disciples advance the kingdom under the authority of Jesus (v. 7)

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Jesus “gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” I’m going to talk about unclean spirits at the end, but for now I want to say that we go under the authority of Jesus (Matt 28:18). We are ambassadors for Jesus.

2 Cor 5:20

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Jesus was training these men for ministry and thus multiplying himself. In the same way that Jesus knew his earthly ministry would have an end, all our ministries will an end.

Knowing this, pastors should be raising up pastors (2 Tim 2:2). Mature men and women should be teaching the next generation how to live for Christ (Titus 2:1-10).

There are really four steps in discipling someone. For instance, consider Bible study.

  • You study your Bible; your disciple observes and asks questions.
  • You study your Bible; your disciple does as well.
  • Your disciple studies his Bible; you study as well.
  • Your disciple studies his Bible, you observe and give feedback.

2. Disciples advance the kingdom as a team (v. 7)

He sent out the twelve “two by two.”

Ministering as a pair was safer and wiser than going alone and it provided much needed fellowship.

Eccl 4:9-10

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

The law required two witnesses to verify a matter.

Deut 19:15

“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.

We need others in the church! God saves people to gather them.

3. Disciples advance the kingdom by committing to the mission (vv. 8-9)

8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.

The disciples were to be totally committed to their mission, not tied down with worldly concerns. We’re told in the text what Jesus permitted them to bring and what he forbade them to bring.

They were to take a staff. A staff was used for protection against robbers and wild animals and for maintaining balance while walking on rough terrain.

They were not to bring a bag. They were not to ask for money. In New Testament times, some Gentile philosophers would live on the streets and beg for money. The approach of the disciples is in stark contrast to the prosperity preachers of our day who beg you to send them money and to send it often.

Jesus wanted the disciples to see that God would provide for them (Phil 4:19). There would be those who were receptive to the message who would give them a place to stay (v. 10).

The disciples were to only bring one tunic. In the ancient world, travelers would often sleep outside and the purpose of the second tunic was to protect them from the weather. Jesus was telling his apostles that the need not worry, for they would be sleeping indoors in receptive homes.[1]R.C. Sproul, Mark, 115.

This seems to be a direct application of Jesus’ teaching in Matt 6:25-34. The disciples were not to worry about what they would eat, drink, or wear, but to seek his kingdom first as they trust God to meet their needs (Matt 6:33).

In summary, the disciples were to travel as light as possible. The minimal provisions were meant to bring about maximum faith.[2]R. Kent Hughes, Mark: Jesus, Servant and Savior, 135.

Interestingly, the four items Jesus told the 12 to take (belt, sandals, staff, tunic) are identical to what God told the Hebrews to take on their flight to Egypt (Exo 12:11).

Like the disciples, we are to travel lightly in this world. The more stuff we own, the more time we spend managing it. The more time we spend on our stuff the less time we have to advance the kingdom of God.

4. Disciples advance the kingdom despite rejection (10-11)

10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”

If you have ever sought to share the message of Jesus, you know that the gospel will be received by some and rejected by others. This is exactly what we see in vv. 10-11.

As they ministered from place to place, they would encounter both hospitality and hostility.

As we minister for Jesus, we will encounter both hospitality and hostility.

In v. 10, Jesus tells the disciples to accept the hospitality that was offered and to stay there until they departed from the area. By doing this, the disciples would not dishonor the home by accepting more comfortable provisions.

What does Jesus mean when he tells the disciples to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who reject the disciples (v. 11)?

In biblical times, proper hospitality included offering water for guests to wash their feet. Thus, the fact that the disciples have dust on their feet shows that they were rejected.

Additionally, sometimes pious Jews would shake the dust from their feet after passing through Gentile cities to show their separation from Gentile influences and practices. Basically, they were leaving the dirt behind as they entered a more holy place.

Jesus was telling his disciples that if they were faithful, there was no blood on their hands. Those who rejected the message made a choice to reject Jesus and the conscience of the disciple is clear. The removal of dust from the feet was an act that was meant to make those who rejected the message to reconsider their decision.

This command of Jesus should remind us as disciples to not be overly discouraged by rejection. We know that we will be rejected by the world (John 15:18).

John 15:18

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

Our job is not to convert people, but to be faithful to Jesus and what he has called us to do, which is to share the gospel with the lost and to baptize and disciple the saved.

When Jesus told the disciples to shake the dust off their feet, he was making it clear that the listeners were responsible for how they responded to the gospel.

Those that reject us, and our message of the gospel have really rejected Jesus.

5. Disciples advance the kingdom by preaching repentance (12)

12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.

When Jesus called the disciples, he told them that they would become fishers of men (Mark 1:17). In v. 12, Jesus told them to “proclaim that people should repent.”

That is what we are called to do as well. We are to proclaim the gospel, the message of the kingdom. We are to call people to repent of their sin—to repent from living their lives for self and apart from God’s authority. We call them to repent of trusting in their own righteousness and to embrace the righteousness of Christ. We call them to trust in the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

If you’re here this morning and you have not trusted in Christ, then repent of your sinful way of living and embrace the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Our message is not simply “come to church” or “live your best life now.” Our message is the gospel of Jesus Christ!

6. Disciples advance the kingdom by meeting physical needs (13)

13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

In other words, we care about the whole person. We don’t just want to see someone saved. We want them to be made whole.

We want them to know Jesus and then we disciple them to follow Jesus. We have to disciple them in all of life so that they can be useful to Jesus. It is hard to advance the kingdom of God when you are worried about paying your bills. So, we may need to help people get their material, physical, and relational lives in order that they may spiritually advance the kingdom of God.

We see in v. 13 that the disciples “cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”

Oil (usually olive oil) was often used in biblical times as a medicine (cf. Luke 10:34), but here the anointing probably serves as a symbol of the presence, grace, and power of God. Anointing the sick is elsewhere prescribed only in Jam 5:14.

Do we as modern-day disciples of Jesus have power to cast out demons and heal the sick? There is a lot of debate on this topic. There are people on both sides of the debate but the main question that is tossed around is this: are miraculous spiritual gifts (tongues, healing, prophecy) still active today?

I for one, as your pastor have never cast out a demon or healed anyone. Nor do I know anyone personally that has claimed to have performed exorcisms or healings.

Of course, charismatics (those in Pentecostals and Assembly of God churches) would argue yes. Most Baptists would say that the miraculous gifts of tongues, prophecy, and healing have ceased. I would put myself in this camp. I still believe that God can and does perform miracles, but I do not believe that anyone has the gift of tongues, prophecy, or healing and can summon them on command.

I don’t have time to exhaust the argument today, but the short version is that the primary purpose of signs and wonders was to give credibility to Jesus and his apostles (John 3:2). As you read Scripture, you’ll see that miracles are clustered at key points redemptive history (the Exodus, Jesus’ ministry, Pentecost). Now that the church has God’s authoritative words in the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16-17), signs and wonders are no longer needed to build up the church.

Thus, there is no longer a need for apostles and prophets today since we have the apostles’ teaching written in God’s Word. Therefore, since there are no modern-day apostles or prophets, there are no people alive today who have God-given authority to perform miraculous gifts on command.[3]For more, see Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter by Thomas R. Schreiner.

I would argue that miracles are possible, but not normative. Remember, the primary reason that Jesus came was to preach the gospel (Mark 1:15, 38).

We want to see lives changed for eternity. We should be serving nonbelievers and sharing the gospel with them. Like these disciples, if we are ministering in the name of Jesus then we will see God at work.

If we as a church rarely see anyone come to faith to Christ, perhaps it is that we are not sowing broadly the seed of the gospel.

Friends, let’s follow Jesus’ instructions for advancing the kingdom of God!

  • Go in the authority of Jesus.
  • Minister with others.
  • Commit to the mission and trust him to provide for your needs.
  • Expect rejection but keep going.
  • Preach the gospel and call people to faith in Christ!
  • Care for the whole person.

Friends, the church is not a place to sit and learn about Jesus but a people who serve Jesus. As a church, we must raise up disciples who will advance the kingdom for the glory of King Jesus.

When a church loses this focus, and men quit leading, the church is on its way to death. I saw it in my last church and I am seeing it at my current church.

My church (and many others) have plenty of pew sitters and every once in a whilers. But what we really need is disciples who will advance the kingdom of God.

Who is going to help me to win this town for Christ? Who will lead their families?

Who are you this morning?

Are you like Jesus and pray and seek for God’s kingdom to come here on earth?

Are you a disciple who is advancing the kingdom or a religious person checking a religious box?

There is no one emptier than a Christian who is living for him or herself instead of Christ.

References

References
↑1 R.C. Sproul, Mark, 115.
↑2 R. Kent Hughes, Mark: Jesus, Servant and Savior, 135.
↑3 For more, see Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter by Thomas R. Schreiner.

Jesus Has Authority over Disease and Death – Mark 5:21-43

July 3, 2023 /

Sermon Video

Have you ever been desperate? Have you ever been really desperate? Have you ever been life and death desperate? My wife and I recently watched The Titanic. When it was known that the Titanic would sink, all aboard desperately sought to get into lifeboats. They knew that help was hours away and that those in the water would freeze to death before help arrived.

In our text today, we read about two people that from two different walks of life who were as desperate as those who were on the Titanic.

In many ways, they were very different. One was a man; one was a woman. The man was well off; the woman was very poor. The man was a ruler of the synagogue; the woman could not even enter the synagogue because she was unclean.

However, they had something in common. They were both desperate. And in their desperation, they both turned to Jesus.

Last week in Mark 5 we saw that Jesus has authority over the demonic. Today in Mark 5:21-43, we see that Jesus has authority over disease and death. Turn with me to Mark 5.

Sermon text: Mark 5:21-43

There are three scenes in the text. First, we see Jairus pleading with Jesus to save his daughter. Second, we see the woman with a a flow of blood healed by Jesus. Third, we see Jesus healing Jairus’ daughter at Jairus’ house. Mark uses “sandwiches” in his writing from time to time. Mark introduces a story, inserts a another story, and then return to the original story. Scholars call these “Markan sandwiches.”

Scene 1: Jairus pleads with Jesus to heal his daughter (21-24)

21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him.

Jairus was “one of the rulers of the synagogue” (v. 22). As a ruler of the synagogue, Jairus helped prepare the service for each Sabbath day.

Jarius had probably heard Jesus teach in his synagogue (Mark 1:21-22). He may have witnessed Jesus’ healing ability. And so, in his desperation, he fell at Jesus’ feet (v. 22).

Consider how desperate Jairus must be. He is a ruler of the synagogue. He has a good job. Remember who hates Jesus so far – the Pharisees (Mark 3:6). The rulers of the synagogue likely reported to the Pharisees. Jairus’ decision to fall at Jesus’ feet is an act of great desperation that could cost him his livelihood.

Verse 23 explains why he was so desperate. He implored Jesus earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”

Do you feel the sense of desperation?

I cannot imagine anything in life that would cause more anguish than having a child at the point of death. The text says that Jairus “fell” at the feet of Jesus and begged him to come and heal his daughter.

24

Jesus hears the plea of this desperate father, and v. 24 says that he went with him. As Jesus makes his way to Jairus’ house, the text says that a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. As we know so far from our study of Mark, Jesus attracted crowds wherever he went.

As they make their way to Jairus’ house, Jesus is interrupted by a desperate woman.

Scene 2: Jesus heals a woman with a chronic discharge of blood (25-34)

In the crowd of people who gathered around Jesus, we are told of one particular woman. In verses 25-26, we learn about this woman.

25-26

25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.

The woman had a discharge of blood for 12 years. She had suffered much, despite having many different physicians. In modern terms, she had been to the family doctor, urgent care, the emergency room, and multiple specialists.

She had spent all her money seeking relief, but she only grew worse.

Perhaps you can identify with that. Maybe you have a chronic health condition and you’ve spent a lot of money seeking relief for your pain but you only seem to get worse.

Last week we read about a demon-possessed man that had a terrible existence. He was living amongst dead bodies and was a man of filth, loneliness, and terror. He was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. There was no man that was able to subdue that man and no chain that could hold him.

This woman, while not demon-possessed, is in a similar state of despair. She is desperately poor, unclean because of her bloody discharge, and considered an outcast by society. She would have not been able to enter the synagogue or the temple, for she was unclean.

In her condition, sexual intercourse was forbidden. The Pharisaic tradition commonly encouraged divorce if a couple of childbearing age could not produce offspring. Thus, her condition probably had either prevented her marriage or ended it.[1]Craig S. Keener and John H. Walton, eds., NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 1698.

Lev 15:25-27

25 “If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, not at the time of her menstrual impurity, or if she has a discharge beyond the time of her impurity, all the days of the discharge she shall continue in uncleanness. As in the days of her impurity, she shall be unclean. 26 Every bed on which she lies, all the days of her discharge, shall be to her as the bed of her impurity. And everything on which she sits shall be unclean, as in the uncleanness of her menstrual impurity. 27 And whoever touches these things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.

Num 5:1-4

5 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead. 3 You shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.” 4 And the people of Israel did so, and put them outside the camp; as the Lord said to Moses, so the people of Israel did.

This lady has not been able to go to they synagogue or the temple for 12 years! She is considered the lowest of the low in society.

We see a stark contrast between the status of this woman and that of Jairus. While she is poor, unclean, and an outcast, Jairus is a “ruler” of the synagogue. It is quite possible that Jairus had kept this woman from entering the synagogue. I can just imagine Jairus seeing the woman and thinking, “Oh no, not this woman again.” But Jesus doesn’t respond that way.

While there is a contrast between Jairus and this poor woman, they also have something in common. Both people need a miracle from Jesus. They both need Jesus’ healing touch.

I love that about Jesus. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost – poor, rich, Jew, Gentile, black, white, male, female. Jesus came for every person.

Jesus is not partial to the rich and the famous. Are we like Jesus? Are we as Christians willing to love like Jesus? Are we willing to love the people that society has given up on and spit upon? Are we willing to be interrupted in order to help someone that is hurting?

27-28

27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”

Verse 27 says that the woman had heard about Jesus. She pushes through the crowd and touched his garment, for she said in v. 28, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”

This woman exhibits great faith! She has heard the stories. Perhaps she had heard about how Jesus cleansed the leper or the paralytic or the man with the withered hand. She believed that Jesus had the power to heal and she was willing to do whatever it took to get to Him.

What happens? Look at vv. 29-32.

29-32

29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it.

Verse 29 tells us that as soon as the woman touched Jesus, she was healed! The text says that immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.

Twelve years of suffering. Twelve years of doctor’s visits. Twelve years of paying medical bills. And in an instant, she is well because of her faith in Jesus.

In the same way, it doesn’t matter what your past 12 years or 20 years, or 50 years have been like. You may think you’re beyond fixing, but the truth is we are all broken and need Jesus. You can be made new because of Christ.

Notice how Jesus responds: he asks, “Who touched my garments?” His disciples respond sarcastically. They wonder, “Jesus, you have a huge crowd around you and you’re wondering who touched you?”

Here we see the love and compassion of Jesus. Jesus is surrounded by the crowd but he sees and cares about the individual person.

From this encounter with the woman, we see that Jesus cares about our suffering (24, 30-34, 41-43). Jesus wanted to give this woman assurance of her healing. He wanted to address her as a person.

33-34

33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

The woman, hearing Jesus’ question, came and fell down before him in fear and trembling. She explained to him her situation and told Him that she was the one who had touched Him.

She fell down before Jesus. Have you noticed the pattern in Mark 5? The demon-possessed man fell down before Jesus (Mark 5:6). Jairus fell down before Jesus (Mark 5:22). And now, we see this woman fall down before Jesus.

I want us to see that both Jairus and this woman approached Jesus with humble faith. They were both in agony, and they both desperately needed Jesus. In this passage, we see that

In times of suffering, we should approach Jesus with humble faith (22-23, 27-28, 33-34).

In times of suffering, we should approach Jesus with humble faith.

There are televangelists and word of faith people that tell you, “If you just have enough faith and you send me a check in the mail then everything will work out for you.” That is not how you come to Jesus! Jesus is Lord of all! You don’t get to manipulate Jesus. It doesn’t matter how rich you are or your status in life. The way that you should approach Jesus is to fall in your face in humility and beg him for help.

When we are in anguish and desperate for help, like these two people, we should approach Jesus with humble faith. We cry out to Him, knowing He has the power to deliver us.

Jesus tells the woman, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Jesus tells her that she is not unclean anymore. She can go back to her family and can worship in the synagogue and the temple.

Scene 3: Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead (35-43)

35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

35

Jesus is not even done speaking to the woman and someone comes from Jairus’ house and tells him that his daughter is dead.

36

But notice how Jesus responds. Jesus says, “Do not fear, only believe.”

What a statement! What if we lived like this?

“Do not fear, only believe!”

There is an inverse relationship between fear and faith. The more faith you have, the less fear you will have. The more fear you have, the less faith you will have.

What are you dealing with today that is causing you desperation?

Is it your health? Finances? A lost family member? Infertility? Marriage trouble? The health of a loved one?

Jesus says, “Do not fear, only believe.”

This is the challenge before Jairus and everyone who meets Jesus. Will we look at the desperation of our circumstances or believe in the God who makes all things possible?[2]James R. Edwards, The Gospel according to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos, 2002), 166.

37-40

Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, go to Jairus’ house. The text says that it was quite a scene, with people weeping and wailing loudly. In New Testament times, professional mourners would gather to grieve with the family and the community. As Jesus entered the house, he asked the mourners and those present, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”

Verse 40 says that they laughed at him. Jesus then goes into to see the girl. Verse 41 says that he took her by the hand and said, “Little girl, arise.” And immediately, v. 42 says, she got up and began walking. Those present were “overcome with amazement.”

Can you imagine the joy and the relief of the parents? Can you imagine the reaction of Peter, James, and John?

In our passage, we see that in times of desperation, we must turn to Jesus, who has authority over disease and death.

Big Idea: In your desperation, turn to Jesus, who has authority over disease and death.

When Jesus raises this little girl from the dead, he is pointing forward to the time when God will raise all who are in Christ from the dead.

But it’s important to note that just a few decades later, both this lady and Jairus’ daughter died a physical death. Even when Jesus miraculously healed the sick and raised the dead, those people still died. What is most needed for all of us is not physical healing, but spiritual healing.

What is most needed for all of us is not physical healing, but spiritual healing.

The demon-possessed man, the lady with the flow of blood, and Jairus daughter all transferred their uncleanness to Jesus, and Jesus cleansed each one of them.

Isaiah 53:5-6

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

    he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

    and with his wounds we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

    we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

    the iniquity of us all.

The only way that Jesus could save us from our sin was that he himself was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. By his wounds we are healed. By Jesus words, he healed physically, but by his death, he made a sacrifice so that we could have a healing that lasts forever.

By Jesus words, he healed physically, but by his death, he made a sacrifice so that we could have a healing that lasts forever.

That’s the hope we have in Jesus. Even if we do not experience physical healing, we have the hope that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and that if we are in Christ we will live with God forever in the new heavens and the new earth.

If you are not a Christian, then you need Jesus more than Jairus’ daughter and this woman with a flow of blood.

You need to be cleansed of your sin and that only happens through repentance of sin and faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Conclusion

To summarize today’s text:

There are times of desperation in life that only Jesus can fix.

We should approach Jesus with a humble faith.

We should approach Jesus in humble faith for two reasons: (1) he cares about our suffering and (2) he has the authority to alleviate our suffering.

Physical healing is not ultimate. Our greatest need is not physical but spiritual healing. To have a healthy body without a new heart is a temporary solution.

Those healed of physical conditions will still go to hell without Jesus. Those who have repented and believed in the atoning work of Christ will live forever in a new body.

In your desperation, turn to Jesus.

References

References
↑1 Craig S. Keener and John H. Walton, eds., NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 1698
↑2 James R. Edwards, The Gospel according to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos, 2002), 166.

Desperate People Desperately Need Jesus – Mark 2:1-12

March 19, 2023 /

Sermon Video

Desperate times call for desperate measures. What do you do in times of desperation? Where do you turn? In our text today we see a man that was desperate. In his desperation, he and his friends resorted to desperate measures.

As I’ve said previously, Mark is building the case for his readers that Jesus has authority. Jesus is the authoritative Son of God.

  • 1:14-15 – Jesus preaches that the kingdom of God has come near.
  • 1:16-20 – Jesus calls his first disciples.
  • 1:21-28 – Jesus teaches with authority.
  • 1:29-34 – Jesus heals the sick and delivers the demonized.
  • 1:35-39 – Jesus was sent to preach by the Father.
  • 1:40-45 – Jesus cleanses a leper without being made unclean.

Mark 2 begins a section of five controversies between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders (Mark 2:1-3:6).

Sermon Text: Mark 2:1-12

1

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.

Jesus is back in Capernaum after preaching throughout the region of Galilee (1:39). See this map.

2

And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.

The house was filled to capacity. The crowd gathered around Jesus like Black Friday shoppers trying to get in Walmart. They were gathered because Jesus was “preaching the word to them.” As I mentioned last week, Jesus came to preach the gospel (Mark 1:38, 15). While Jesus healed the sick and exorcised demons, his primary purpose was to save people from their sins through his preaching and his death on the cross.

Luke 19:10

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man came…to give his life as a ransom for many.

Jesus’ miracles served as evidence that he had authority to forgive sin, as we will see in v. 10. In other words, Jesus’ miracles were not the focus of his ministry. Rather, they reinforced his preaching ministry.

Jesus’ miracles were not the focus of his ministry. Rather, they reinforced his preaching ministry.

So, Jesus is in the house preaching the word and people are hanging on every word.

3-4

And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

Four men show up carrying a paralytic so that the man can be healed by Jesus, but they cannot enter through the door (v. 2). So, they climb up on the roof by using the stairs on the side of the house. The roof was made from wood beams and cross laid with branches and packed with a thick layer of grass, mud, and clay. Such roofs were stable enough for walking, but one could break through them by digging. These men literally dug through the roof and showered those under the hole with dirt and sticks. Then they lowered him through the roof.

This man was desperate. The paralytic was desperate because he recognized the seriousness of his physical condition.

Many people today recognize have physical conditions and they are often defined by them (paralysis, blindness, deafness, cancer, chronic pain).

Oftentimes, however, people fail to recognize the seriousness of their spiritual condition. While physical problems are not to be minimized or ignored, our biggest problem is that in our natural condition our hearts are desperately wicked, and we are spiritually dead. We are all sinfully sick and we need heart surgery; what we need most is a new heart.

In verse 5, Jesus addresses the paralytic’s greatest need.

5

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

When Jesus saw the faith of the paralytic and his friends, he forgave the paralytic’s sin. This man needed physical healing, but Jesus saw the bigger need – spiritual healing. As I’ve already said, Jesus came first and foremost to preach the gospel and to forgive sin. That was his primary mission (Mark 1:15, 38).

As you read this, if you’re not a Christian, that is, you’re not a follower of Jesus, then any physical condition that you have doesn’t come close to your grim spiritual condition. While your physical condition may bother you the rest of your life, your spiritual condition will affect you for eternity.

Physical maladies are not as important as spiritual ones. Physical maladies make for a difficult life. An unrepentant heart makes for a difficult eternity in hell.

When Jesus said, “your sins are forgiven,” this would’ve shocked his listeners. And we see that in vv. 6-7.

The religious leaders knew that only God could forgive sin (6-7)

6-7

Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

The scribes (Mark 2:16) are of course right that only God can forgive sins. We know this because when we sin it’s God’s law that we’ve broken. We have violated his perfect standard. Even when we do something that hurts another person, ultimately, it’s God we’ve sinned against. It is his law that has been transgressed.

In Psalm 51, David penned a psalm of repentance after his adultery with Bathsheba and subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. He wrote in Psalm 51:4, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” Of course, David had sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah, but this verse shows us that sin is first and foremost against God.

Mark 2:7 is a verse to remember when considering the Catholic idea of  the priesthood. Priests have no authority to forgive sin. Only God can do that, and he does it based on what Christ has done for us on the cross and our response to Christ’s atoning work.

The scribes assert that Jesus is guilty of blasphemy, which was punishable by death (Lev 24:16). They are correct when they said that only God could forgive sin, but they are in error when they assert that Jesus is blaspheming. Of course, if Jesus wasn’t God, then they would be correct. But, as they did not realize yet, Jesus is God and thus has  the authority to forgive sins.

John 5:27

And he [the Father] has given him [Jesus] authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.

Jesus demonstrated his authority to forgive sin (8-11)

8

And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts?

Jesus knows the thoughts of the scribes (v. 6) and asked them why they are questioning these things in their hearts. To know someone’s thoughts is itself an act of God. I rarely know what my wife is thinking much less a total stranger. Friends, this is a frightening thought—that God knows our hearts. God doesn’t just know what we do or say. God knows our very thoughts and we will be judged for them. You can fool your spouse and family. You can fool the preacher. But you will not fool God. If you have not trusted in Jesus and submitted to his authority, then you need to do that.

The scribes believe Jesus is guilty of blasphemy and Jesus knows what they are thinking. Look at verses 9-11.

9-11

Jesus said to the scribes:

Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

To prove he has authority, Jesus asks the scribes, “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? He then proves his divinity and thus his authority to forgive sins by showing his authority over paralysis and disease. He tells the paralytic to “rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

Jesus is showing the scribes that because he can do the visible miracle of healing the paralytics that this is evidence that he also has the power to do the invisible miracle of forgiving sins.

Jesus is showing the scribes that because he can do the visible miracle of healing the paralytics that this is evidence that he also has the power to do the invisible miracle of forgiving sins.

Also notice a phrase in v. 10. Jesus says that he has authority “on earth” to forgive sins. When we believe in Jesus, we have forgiveness here and now. Our forgiveness is based on what Jesus accomplished through his death and resurrection. There is nothing for us to do to earn our salvation. We don’t have to be anxious about losing our salvation. Jesus’ death on the cross and our faith in his completed work is all that is necessary for salvation. Yes, should take up our crosses and follow Christ, but that is a result of salvation, not the cause. If you have trusted in the person and work of Jesus, then you can have full assurance this morning.[1]Robin Sydserff, Teaching Mark: From Text to Message, 158.

In verse 12, we see the response of those present.

12

And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

“We never saw anything like this.”

That’s because there was never anyone like Jesus before and there hasn’t been anyone like him since. Jesus is the Son of God who came in the flesh, lived a perfect life of obedience to God’s commands, and died a substitutionary death on the cross. We respond by repenting of our sin and trusting in the finished work of Christ (John 19:30).

Conclusion

In Mark 1, we saw Jesus’ authority in his teaching, Jesus’ authority over demons, and Jesus’ authority over disease. In our passage today, we have seen we see Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Soon, we’ll see Jesus’ authority over nature (Mark 4:35-41).

We should do four things in response to our text today:

  1. We should recognize that only Jesus has the authority to forgive sin (Mark 2:5).
  2. We should submit to Jesus’ authority in all of life.
  3. We should seek to bring desperate people to Jesus who can forgive their sins and make them clean (Mark 2:5; 1:41).
  4. We should bring people to Jesus in faith, believing he can make them clean. (Mark 2:3-5).

BIG IDEA: In your desperation, trust in Jesus, the one who has authority to forgive your sins.

References

References
↑1 Robin Sydserff, Teaching Mark: From Text to Message, 158.

Jesus has Authority – Mark 1:21-34

March 7, 2023 /

Sermon Video

Last week, we looked at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Jesus called his first four disciples in Mark 1:16-20. In our text today we will see that Jesus has authority. The world rebels against authority. Before following Jesus, I enjoyed listening to rock music (I still do, but there are many songs I won’t listen to anymore).

Rage Against the Machine was a band that railed against government authority. Metallica had a song called, “Don’t Tread on Me.” I certainly would love it if the federal government would be less obtrusive. The point I’m trying to make is that in our natural state, we rebel against authority–especially God’s authority.

As we turn to our text, I want you to think about what source of authority is loudest in your life. Some people live according to reason. They base their thinking on their own knowledge and value scientific, observable evidence. Others live according to their feelings–if it feels good, do it. Still others live according to tradition (this is what I’ve always done). Followers of Jesus should live according to God’s special revelation given in God’s Word.

As we look at Mark 1:21-34 I want you to consider these two questions:

Why should Jesus have absolute authority in your life?

Are you submitted to Jesus’ authority in your life?

Sermon Text: Mark 1:21-34

The first thing we see in this text is that Jesus has authority in his teaching.

Jesus has authority in his teaching (21-22, 27)

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

After calling his disciples while they were fishing, Jesus and his four disciples go back to Capernaum. Capernaum was a fishing town with a population between 1,000-2,000 people.[1]Craig S. Keener and John H. Walton, eds., NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 1685.

Jesus taught in the synagogue on the sabbath (v. 21). The synagogue was a local place of worship for the Jews. Synagogues began to be used after Solomon’s temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Communities of all sizes had synagogues as long as there were 10 Jewish men in the area.

Synagogues had to be located close enough for faithful Jews to attend without breaking the sabbath by exceeding the distance the rabbis allowed one to walk on the sabbath day. Jesus regularly taught in synagogues, and he often encountered opposition. The modern-day equivalent of a synagogue would be a local church building.

The text says that Jesus taught on the sabbath. The sabbath was the day when all work ceased. It was a time for sacred assembly and the worship of God. The fourth commandment is to keep the sabbath holy (Exod 20:8-11). The sabbath took place from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday.

As Jesus taught, those present were “astonished” at his teaching, for he taught as one who had authority, in contrast to the scribes (v. 22).

Scribes were men trained in writing skills. They recorded events and decisions. Eventually, scribes became the experts in God’s written word, copying, preserving, and teaching it. Most scribes became Pharisees (Mark 2:16) and interpreted the law, taught it to disciples, and were experts in cases where people were accused of breaking the law of Moses.

While scribes relied on the work of previous scribes, Jesus, as the authoritative son of God, had no reason to do this. Jesus had authority in his teaching. His words confronted the congregation with the absolute claim of God upon their lives.

It’s important that you are very careful about what kind of teaching you place yourself under. There are many false teachers within the church today. Jesus told us how to identify false teachers in Matthew 7:15-20 – by evaluating the fruit of their words and the fruit of their lives. If you think that every person that is a preacher is speaking the truth, then you are disillusioned. We should make sure that every person’s teaching that we listen to lines up with Scripture (Acts 17:11).

So, Jesus has authority in his teaching. Second, he has authority over demons.

Jesus has authority over demons (23-28, 32-34)

In vv. 23-28, Mark refers to demons as unclean spirits. In vv. 32-34 he uses the word demon. So, what is a demon (or unclean spirit)? They are fallen angels that joined Satan in his rebellion. They have some authority and work to promote disunity, disseminate false doctrine, inflict disease, and  hinder Christian growth. They may oppress (but cannot possess) Christians.[2]Daniel Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Mark, 27.

23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

In v. 23, we read that a man with an unclean spirit was in the synagogue. Of all places, the demon-possessed man was in a synagogue! We don’t think of demon-possessed people in church, but there he was. We know that Satan and his demons will always seek to thwart the church’s mission of making disciples (1 Pet 5:8).

In Jesus’ early ministry, the demons recognized Jesus before anyone else. They knew who he was (vv. 24, 34). The demon recognized both Jesus’ humanity (“of Nazareth”) and Jesus’ deity (“the Holy One of God”). The demon recognized that Jesus was a threat to his authority and power.

Some people are like this demon-possessed man. They attend church, but they don’t want Jesus to have any authority in their lives.

Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian. Demon-possessed people can attend a worship service and even affirm who Jesus is. You can come to church every week and look good. You might even smell good if you wear perfume and brush your teeth. You can even know who Jesus is. But if you do not live in submission to the authority of Jesus then you are not living like a disciple. You are living like a demon.

If you do not live in submission to the authority of Jesus then you are not living like a disciple. You are living like a demon.

There is a difference between someone who merely professes faith in Jesus and someone who actually possesses faith in Jesus. The difference is one of authority. Those who merely profess faith never really submit to Jesus’ authority. In contrast, those who truly possess true faith gladly submit to Jesus as the supreme authority of their lives.

Do you want to know if you are really a Christian? If you are truly in Christ, your life will not just be marked by a profession of faith, but a faith that is willing to obey Christ in every area of your life for the rest of your life.

Do you want to know if you are really a Christian? If you are truly in Christ, your life will not just be marked by a profession of faith, but a faith that is willing to obey Christ in every area of your life for the rest of your life.

A simple test for judging your faith: how do you respond when shown that you are living in disobedience to the Word of God? Do you conform to God’s Word or rebel against it? A child of the devil consistently rebels against God’s Word (John 8:31-47). In contrast, a child of God obeys God’s Word (Rom 12:1-2).

Interestingly, though demons hate Jesus, they must submit to Jesus’ authority when commanded to do so (vv. 25-26, 34). In biblical times, people often tried to expel demons through incantations or strong odors. In contrast, Jesus spoke and the demon came out. Just as God spoke creation into existence in Genesis 1, Jesus spoke and the demon had to obey. This was extraordinary and invited amazement (v. 27).

David Garland writes, “Jesus’ healing miracles do not simply remedy human physical maladies; they represent a war against demonic forces.”[3]David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 71. Jesus’ exorcisms were proof of the truth in Mark 1:15 – that indeed the kingdom of God had come near. Jesus’ authority over the demon reinforced the authority of his teaching (vv. 27-28).

Jesus has authority in his teaching. He has authority over demons. Third, he has authority over sickness and disease.

Jesus has authority over sickness and disease (29-34)

29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

We see in vv. 29-31 a couple of things. First, contrary to the prosperity gospel, even Jesus’ disciples are affected by sickness (vv. 29-30). Peter has just committed to following Jesus. He just got home from church. And we see that his mother-in-law was “ill with a fever.” This was probably a severe fever, perhaps even life-threatening. Following Jesus does not mean that our lives will be without trouble.

Following Jesus does not mean that our lives will be without trouble.

Second, we see the appropriate response to Jesus’ grace (v. 31). Peter’s mother-in-law did nothing to earn Jesus’ healing. Out of gratitude for what he had done she went about serving him. In the same way, we did nothing to earn our salvation, but out of gratitude for the salvation we have because of Christ, we serve him in loving obedience!

We see that Jesus cares for the sick. Notice that a distinction is made between those who were sick and those who were demon possessed (v. 32). All sickness and disease is a result of sin as a consequence of the Fall in Genesis 3, but not all disease and sickness is the result of a demonic attack or someone’s sin (John 9:1-2).

We see in this text that Jesus is not detached and distant. Jesus is willing to love the unlovables and touch the untouchables in society. We have a tendency to build privacy fences and seal ourselves off from the world. It is much more comfortable for us to quarantine ourselves from the world rather than engaging the darkness as Jesus did.

I want to wrap up with a few words on healings. I want us to notice some things about Jesus’ healings:

  • Jesus did not ask for money.
  • Jesus did not have to promote himself – people came to him.
  • Jesus did not do the miracles in a showlike atmosphere. No tickets were sold.
  • Jesus was not seeking selfish gain.
  • Jesus’ power was not thwarted because of anyone’s lack of faith (this does not undermine the importance of faith).

Contrast Jesus’ techniques with modern-day “faith healers”[4]See God, Greed, and the Prosperity Gospel by Costi Hinn.:

  • Faith healers ask for money.
  • Faith healers advertise and promote their events.
  • Faith healers “perform miracles” to make money.
  • Faith healers seek selfish gain.
  • When faith healers are questioned because the miracle failed, they blame the victim’s lack of faith.

Conclusion

In our text today, we have seen that:

  • Jesus has authority in his teaching.
  • Jesus has authority over demons.
  • Jesus has authority over sickness and disease.

Together, these three manifestations of Jesus’ authority provide a glimpse of Jesus’ absolute authority over all of creation.

Every person that was healed during Jesus’ ministry is now physically dead. Sickness, disease, and death remind us of our own mortality and our need to seek healing that will last beyond our time here on earth.

Like those who were diseased and demonized, our only hope is to come to Jesus.

As you read this, you have a choice. You can continue to live as if you are your own authority. If you do, you will incur God’s wrath for all of eternity (John 3:36). Or, you can acknowledge that Jesus is who he says he is – the perfect Son of God that came to give his life so that we could be reconciled to God and spend eternity with Him.

To be reconciled with God, you must turn from your sins and place your faith in Jesus and his death, burial, and resurrection and follow him as Lord. For more, click here.

For those of us who have trusted in Jesus, I also want to ask you a question: Is there an area(s) of your life are you not willing to submit to Jesus?

If so, repent and give this area of your life to Jesus.

References

References
↑1 Craig S. Keener and John H. Walton, eds., NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 1685.
↑2 Daniel Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Mark, 27.
↑3 David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 71.
↑4 See God, Greed, and the Prosperity Gospel by Costi Hinn.

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