Bible Reading
Mark 1:21-45 “And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, '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.' But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silent, and come out of him!' And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 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.' And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 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. And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, 'Everyone is looking for you.' And he said to them, 'Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came.' And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, 'If you will, you can make me clean.' Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, 'See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.' But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.”
[04:08]Mark 1:38 “And he said to them, 'Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came.”
[06:13]Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
[23:32]Observation questions
- What reactions do the people in the synagogue have to Jesus’ teaching and to his command over the unclean spirit? [04:11]
- What does Jesus do for Simon’s mother-in-law after learning that she is sick, and how does she respond afterward? [18:39]
- What details in the leper’s encounter show both his confidence in Jesus and Jesus’ compassion toward him? [20:42]
- What does Jesus do before the disciples find him, and what reason does he give for going on to other towns? [30:54]
Interpretation questions
- Why does Mark place Jesus’ preaching before the accounts of healings and deliverance? What does this show about the main purpose of Jesus’ ministry? [13:20]
- Jesus speaks with authority unlike the scribes. What is the difference between borrowed authority and Jesus’ own authority, and why does that difference matter for how people receive his words? [10:05]
- Why is Jesus’ touch of the leper such an important picture of the kingdom of God? What does it show about Jesus’ holiness in the presence of sin, suffering, and uncleanness? [21:25]
- The healed leper appears grateful, yet he does not follow Jesus’ clear instruction. How can a person genuinely value Jesus’ grace while still resisting his authority in a particular area of life? [28:25]
Application questions
- Jesus has authority over every area of life, not just the areas that feel spiritual. Where is it easiest to place personal preferences, emotions, habits, or opinions above what Jesus says in Scripture? What would submission to him look like there this week? [12:40]
- Jesus’ miracles show that the kingdom is breaking into a world still marked by sickness, grief, evil, and death. Where do you most need the hope that Christ will one day make all things new? How can that future hope shape the way you face present pain? [22:43]
- The leper’s good motive did not remove the need for obedience. Is there a command of Jesus that you are tempted to explain away because disobedience feels understandable or justified—perhaps forgiveness, purity, honesty, generosity, or reconciliation? [28:37]
- Simon’s mother-in-law responds to Jesus’ help by serving. In light of the grace Jesus has shown you, what is one practical way you could serve someone in your home, church, workplace, or neighborhood this week? [29:41]
- Jesus withdrew from urgent crowds to spend time with the Father. When you pray, do you mainly come to God for help with needs, or also to enjoy fellowship with him? What small, realistic change could help you seek God himself in prayer this week? [31:50]
- The crowds were drawn to Jesus because of what he could do for them. What good gift or desired outcome are you most likely to want from Jesus right now? How can you ask for that need honestly while also saying, “Jesus, you are better than this gift”? [34:32]
