Characteristic Of Jesus

Jesus Heals: Mk. 1:32-34
The evening being spoken of is Sabbath day’s evening when the sun did st (v.32). This means that the sabbath was over. Old testament regulations forbid carrying loads on the Sabbath (example Jer. 17:21). But now the people may freely bring their loved ones to the feet of Jesus. What desperation the people must feel. Their desperation leads to faith, and faith leads to deliverance. This should cause us to ask ourselves if we have the same kind of outlook today. Do we bring to Jesus the cares and concerns of ourselves and of our loved ones? And when we do, is Jesus our last resort or our first priority? The Faith of the people in v.32 challenges us to refocus our eyes on the Savior and behold His glory for what it truly is: life-changing. While our problems may not instantly vanish before our eyes, we can be rest assured that Jesus hears our prayers. We take hope that He can deliver us out of the depths of despair.
The city in v.33 is Capernaum, located on the northwest shore of the sea of Galilee. The population at this time is somewhere between 1000, and 2,000. This phrase “all the city was gathered” need not signify exactly 100 percent of the population, but just a substantial number. They are eager with expectation to receive their healing and deliverance. And Jesus did not disappoint them. The Bible records that the sick are healed, and demons are cast out from the afflicted (v.34). Jesus is the great Physician. He can heal you today if only you will come to and call on Him.
Jesus Preaches: Mk. 1:38-39
Jesus has a larger vision (global vision), than what His followers may have for Him. Jesus’ goal is not to preach and ministry only to the people of Capernaum, but to go to neighboring villages as well. Sometimes our vision may be clouded by the opinions of others. What are we to do? Consider Jesus’ example. Before Jesus makes the ministry decision. He spent time with His Father in prayer. Are our decisions in life birthed in a context of prayer? Or are we more susceptible to the whims of others? One thing is certain: we must be able to discern God’s will for ourselves. Sometimes we will need to take a stand against the desires of the crowd to pursue the will of God. Jesus therefore, preached in all the synagogues throughout Galilee (v.39). He demonstrated the saving messages of the Gospel in both word and deed.