Glimpses Of Grace Series

Glimpses of Grace

Mark 1: 29-39

The rapid pace of events continues as we progress through Mark’s Gospel. Jesus and the disciples have left the synagogue and immediately entered the house of Simon Peter and Andrew, his brother. This would not be a leisurely afternoon. Upon arriving Jesus begins attending to present needs within the home. Our text today moves from one event to another, in succession.

As we look at these events, again we find the love, compassion, and commitment of Jesus for the needs of others, as well as His devotion to His Father. I would like to examine these moments individually as we consider: Glimpses of Grace.

I. A Private Moment (29-31) – These verses describe a private moment within the house of Simon Peter. I am thankful for those private moments with our Lord. Consider:

A. The Timing (29) – And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Bear in mind they have just left the synagogue, and are likely going to share a meal together following the service. Jesus had spoken with authority and cast out an unclean spirit. They had experienced a great spiritual moment, and yet the demands of life and ministry continued. There was no time to rest from the work.

B. The Trouble (30) – But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. This doesn’t appear to be a life-threatening illness, but it was certainly an inconvenience. She had probably intended to prepare a meal for them, but was sick and unable to carry out her duties. (The magnitude of this problem didn’t compare to the needs within the synagogue, but it was a problem that had to be addressed. Jesus did not hesitate; He wasn’t reluctant to address the smaller, seemingly insignificant problems. He showed compassion for her need as well.)

C. The Touch (31) – And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. It is possible that the fever would have run its course in a few hours, but Jesus did not neglect her need. He had power over the fever within her body and provided the healing she desired. His touch brought immediate healing and she rose and ministered to them. (There is no problem we face that Jesus can’t handle. Whether they appear big or small, the Lord is concerned with our need and able to provide for us!)

II. A Public Moment (32-34) – Mark records that Jesus went from a private moment, within the home in the afternoon, to a public moment later that evening. Consider:

A. The Momentum (32) – And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. Following the events at the synagogue that morning, the fame of Jesus began to spread throughout the region of Galilee. Word had spread through Capernaum that Jesus had power to heal and cast out unclean spirits. The people began to recognize there was something special about this man, and they came to find Him. (I am thankful for the moment I heard of the power of Jesus and responded by faith. I had witnessed His power in the lives of others and eventually saw my need for His gracious touch!)

B. The Multitude (33) – And all the city was gathered together at the door. This wasn’t a small gathering of friends or well-wishers. The entire city of Capernaum had gathered at the door of Peter’s house. Granted, Capernaum was a small town, but everyone in town had come to see and benefit from the presence of Jesus. Clearly many came because they had need; some likely came out of curiosity, and others came because they felt drawn to Jesus. (I am reminded this was the result of people telling others about Jesus. As His fame spread, people came to see Him. We must be committed to telling others of our wonderful Savior. They might just show up some Sunday morning to see for themselves!)

C. The Miracles (34) – And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. Jesus did not turn the people away, or demand they come back at a more suitable hour. He immediately began to heal the sick and cast out many devils. He met the needs of the vast multitude in a miraculous way. (This reminds us of His compassion toward our individual needs and the awesome power He possesses. Regardless of what we face, whether it be sickness, disease, or the need of salvation, Jesus is able to provide. We may never encounter His miracles in a manner such as this, but I am thankful for His gracious touch and redeeming power in my life!)