Commotion In Capernaum Series

Commotion in Capernaum

Mark 2: 1-12

Following a season of ministry within the region of Galilee, Jesus has returned to Capernaum. Likely He is in the home of Simon Peter once again and it doesn’t take long for the crowds to begin gathering. The people in Capernaum were astonished at Jesus’ teaching and amazed at His power. Multitudes of people had been healed, and yet there were more.

While it is understandable, it is apparent that the people seemed more interested in the miracles Jesus performed than in His message and the Gospel. We may tend to criticize, but that is human nature. Even within the church, if we aren’t careful, we will focus more on physical needs than the eternal, spiritual needs of humanity. While Jesus was faithful to meet the physical needs of the man in the text, He also addressed the great spiritual need of the man. Our Lord is not limited in power. He is more than able to provide physical healing, and He is also able to save from sin. We must bring our needs before Him in order to receive the touch we desperately need.

Let’s consider the events revealed in the text as we think on: Commotion in Capernaum.

I. A Time of Excitement (1-2) – It didn’t take long for word to spread that Jesus had returned to Capernaum. This news generated a sense of great excitement among the people. Consider:

A. Jesus’ Presence (1) – And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. Can you imagine the excitement that filled the streets of Capernaum? No doubt many had desired to see Him and were anxiously awaiting His return. Some sought Him for healing; some came out of curiosity, and some maybe desired to hear His teaching. Whatever their desire, word quickly spread that Jesus had returned. People from all walks of life, with varied needs began to gather at the house. They sought Jesus, desiring to be in His presence.

I am thankful that our Lord continues to meet with those who seek Him. He is available for all who have a desire to be in His presence. Whatever your need may be, Jesus is in the house and desires to meet with you!

B. Jesus’ Preaching (2) – And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. The house quickly filled with those seeking the Lord, and there wasn’t room for anyone else. A great multitude gathered at the door, seeking a glimpse of Jesus. No doubt the majority of those present desired some sort of healing. However, it is interesting to note that Jesus didn’t immediately begin to heal the sick. We find He preached the word unto them. That was His purpose for coming – to reveal Himself as the Christ and provide for our redemption. He wanted them to see Him as the Messiah, not just one who worked great miracles.

There can be no doubt that Jesus is concerned with whatever need we may have, but He is most concerned about the spiritual needs within the hearts of people. Hungry multitudes would seek another meal. The lame and diseased would grow old and face other infirmities. However, a heart touched in salvation is forever changed! Jesus came to redeem from sin and save by His marvelous grace!

II. A Time of Commitment (3-4) – Here we discover the commitment of a few regarding the need of their friend. Consider:

A. Their Devotion (3) – And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. The text doesn’t reveal much about these men, but apparently they had encountered the Lord. At the very least they believed in His power to heal, and their friend needed healing. Their faith compelled them to get to Jesus and they were devoted to their friend.

Many of us are here today because of the devotion and persistence of a friend or loved one. They had met the Lord and experienced His power in their lives and were committed to getting us to Jesus. I am thankful for those who shared their faith and prayed for my salvation. We need the same burden for those who have yet to come to Christ!

B. Their Determination (4) – And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. As the men arrived at the house where Jesus was, they were unable to get in because of the crowd. It would have been easy to have given up, assuming they had done their best, but these men were determined to get their friend to Jesus. They carried him to the top of the house, broke up the ceiling, and lowered him down to Jesus.