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.
We need that type of determination today as well. No doubt we all have friends and loved ones who need the Lord. We maybe have shared the Gospel and invited them to our services, but as of yet they haven’t responded. We cannot abandon our efforts. We must remain committed and determined to get them to Jesus, by any means necessary. We must continue to pray for them, encourage them, and remain persistent in inviting them to come. We must be willing to overcome the obstacles we face to get them to Jesus.
III. A Time of Resentment (6-7) – As was typically the case, all were not pleased with the work and ministry of Jesus. Within the crowd, there were those who resented the Lord’s efforts. Notice:
A. Their Attendance (6) – But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts. The text reveals these men were not there to show their support for the Lord or to gain anything from Him. They were there to scrutinize His work and bring accusation. Almost everywhere Jesus went, He faced opposition by someone within the crowd. They were always present to observe and hinder His work.
While we don’t enjoy it, we too are faced with continual opposition. If you are committed to serving the Lord, and being engaged in the work of ministry, the enemy will always be present to oppose and hinder your efforts!
B. Their Accusation (7) – Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only? The scribes were not there because they believed in Jesus or desired to receive anything from Him. They were there to examine His work and message, accusing Him of blasphemy. Jesus had spoken of forgiveness of sin, and they were enraged at such a comment.
Unfortunately, many continue to reject the deity of Christ and refuse to respond to Him in salvation. He is still despised and rejected of men. Those who serve the Lord face the same scorn and accusation. The enemy will do everything within his power to discredit our efforts and bring accusation upon those who are committed to serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel.
IV. A Time of Astonishment (5, 8-12) – These verses reveal the astonishment of those who were present that day. While there were skeptics, many acknowledged the Lord and the miraculous event that had taken place. We discover:
A. The Lord’s Provision (5, 11) – Jesus was compassionate regarding the needs of this man and faithful to provide for him. He stands ready to provide for us today as well. There are two aspects of the Lord’s provision we need to consider:
1. He Honors Faith (5a) – When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. The faith of these men played a significant part in their friends healing. They came in faith, believing, and Jesus honored their faith. That ought to encourage us to keep praying and telling others of Jesus. If we as God’s people will be faithful, He will honor our faith.
2. He Offers Forgiveness (5b, 11) – he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. [11] I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. This man came in faith that Jesus would heal him. It’s interesting that Jesus spoke of forgiveness before physical healing.
The Lord is well able to do both, but our spiritual needs are far more important than our physical ones. You may need one or both today. Jesus is well able to provide for you. He wants to heal and forgive!
B. The Man’s Transformation (12a) – And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all. When Jesus spoke to the man he was immediately healed. He came crippled on a bed, but left walking on his own. We don’t know how long he had been this way, but can you imagine the joy he felt?
I remember a time when I was crippled by sin. Then one wonderful day I met the Master. At the very moment I trusted in Him, I was made whole. At that moment I was completely and eternally saved. There are no 12 step programs or phases of salvation. A repentant and accepting heart is immediately saved! If you need salvation, Jesus can do that in an instant. You can leave here completely transformed and fully whole in Jesus!
C. The Multitude’s Admission (12b) – insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. The crowd that was gathered experienced a great miracle and praised God. They saw a crippled man rise and walk.
Many people doubt the power of God to save, but I have seen too many changed lives. I’ve seen those gripped by alcohol, drugs, and infidelity get saved and walk away from a life of sin. When Jesus touches a life it is forever changed. It will be evident for all to see. Lives once dominated by sin have changed; something is different. The difference is Jesus.
Conclusion: This is a wonderful account that brings hope to all who read its familiar words. We have gathered today to study the Word at the house of the Lord. Jesus is in the house and ready to meet whatever need you may have. We must do as those who came that day, come to Jesus in faith, trusting Him to do the impossible in our lives. If there are needs, come to Jesus today. He has the power to heal, save, and transform lives!
