Mark’s gospel doesn’t waste any time getting into what Jesus came to do. There are a couple of interesting observations we can make in this reading. Were you surprised at how Jesus spoke to the demons when they recognized who he was? It seems Jesus didn’t want everyone to know his true identity all at once.
What have we seen Jesus do so far? Teach, heal, and pray. Getting to know Jesus through the eyes of Scripture is so helpful because we see God in motion. It never gets old reading about how Jesus walked among us and interacted with the world God loved so much.
Jesus brought an authority other religious leaders lacked. That speaks volumes to us, but we understand why. I imagine that Jesus’ sermons were full of passion and overflowing with great content. The religious leaders, on the other hand, had great content, too, but they would have been so focused on he law.
The miracles of healing that Jesus performed would certainly draw attention. The number of people touched by Jesus can’t even be quantified in this reading. For each healing, lives were being changed. Can you imagine having an affliction one minute and being healed the next? Even Peter’s own mother-in-law was up immediately on her feet, serving food to show her gratitude.
It’s hard to know why Jesus healed certain people and wanted them to keep it quiet. I suppose because Jesus knew that news of his healings and miraculous works might detract from his mission.
Jesus can have that effect on us, too. When we think about the people we were before we met Jesus and who we are today. Even for those who have known about Jesus their whole life, they can’t deny how Jesus moves them, either. We all need a regular touch from Jesus. And rather than keep it to ourselves, we should be like the leper who did this: “But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened.” Who can you tell about Jesus?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you are welcome in my life, and I treasure each moment I spend reading and reflecting on your wisdom and truth. Getting to know you through the pages of Scripture is fantastic. Thank you for guiding me and helping me understand you more each day. I love spending time with you and living my life to honor you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
