A. Let’s start with a little humor about magic.
1. Did you hear about the magician who did magic with chocolate? I heard he had loads of Twix up his sleeve.
2. Once there was a magician doing a magic show in Mexico. As he was doing a trick he said, “Uno, dos,” and then disappeared without a “trace.”
3. What do you call a magic owl? HOOdini.
4. The best trick a magician can do in his show, is to make your doubts about magic “disappear.”
B. Sadly, we live in a world where there is no wonder – there is no magic anymore.
1. In 1983 when David Copperfield made the Statue of Liberty disappear on live TV, everyone rightly concluded it was just an optical illusion and a manipulation of the TV cameras.
2. When we see the magician pull the rabbit out of the hat, we know it had to somehow come out of the table.
3. With our scientific and rational minds, we have reduced everything to a reasonable process or a reasonable explanation.
C. When Jesus showed up on the scene in 1st Century, Roman occupied Israel, the people of that day tried to do the same thing – they tried to reduce Jesus to some earthly, human, reasonable explanation.
1. But Jesus cannot be put in any human, earthly, reasonable category or box.
2. Jesus was God in the flesh and He was a man of wonder and amazement.
3. In the part of the story from the Gospel of Mark that we want to investigate today, Mark wants us to see that Jesus was a man of wonder and amazement.
4. Twice in this section Mark reports the reaction of the people who witnessed what Jesus was saying and doing, and what were their reactions?
a. Verse 22 says: “They were astonished” and verse 27 says: “They were amazed.”
D. Before we jump into today’s section and learn what it was about Jesus that brought such wonder and amazement, let’s do a brief review.
1. Mark’s Gospel began with the opening statement that it was the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
a. This was the good news about Jesus being the Messiah, and more than that, He was God Himself in the flesh.
2. To back up that claim, Mark immediately offered the fulfillment of prophesy as verification.
a. Before the Messiah was to arrive, first a messenger had to come and prepare the way.
b. That forerunner was John the Baptizer who burst upon the scene preaching and baptizing in the wilderness in the pattern and image of an Old Testament prophet.
3. Mark then reported that after John the Baptizer started his ministry, Jesus showed up and was baptized by John and as that baptism occurred the other members of the Godhead showed up.
a. Heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove and the voice of the Father thundered from heaven saying: “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well-pleased.” (1:10-11)
4. Mark said that the Spirit immediately took Jesus into the wilderness where He overcame the temptations of Satan.
5. Finally, Mark jumped about 6 months to 1 year ahead in the ministry of Jesus when He moved from Judea to Galilee and immediately called the 4 fishermen to be His first disciples, and promised to make them into fishers of people.
a. Those 4 men dropped everything and followed Jesus.
E. With that brief review in mind, we are ready to explore today’s section.
1. Mark continued the story in verse 21: They went into Capernaum…
2. Capernaum was one of the most important towns in Galilee and therefore it was an appropriate place for Jesus to begin His ministry in that region.
a. Capernaum was a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee and was on an important trade route.
b. Capernaum had a thriving fishing industry and had a seawall that ran for half a mile along the shore that was 8 foot wide and had piers extending from it 100 feet out into the lake.
3. Incidentally, this account of Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum bears all the marks of being a personal reminiscence, which supports the evidence that Mark’s source was Peter.
F. The story continues: They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. (vs. 21)
1. If you visit Capernaum today, you can visit the remains of a 2nd century synagogue that sits on the ruins of the 1st century synagogue where Jesus taught.
a. There is also in interesting inscription on a pillar that says that a Roman centurion donated the funds for the construction of that synagogue.
2. Have you ever wondered where synagogues came from, because we don’t find them in the OT?
a. Synagogues came into being in the 6th century BC during the Babylonian exile.
b. Prior to that, all worship and teaching was done in the temple, but after the Babylonians destroyed the temple and took the Jews into exile, they began meeting in small groups.
c. Even later, after the Jews returned to their homeland and rebuilt the temple, they continued to meet in synagogues.
d. The word synagogue simply means “gathering” or “assembly” which is also what the word “church” means.
e. Jewish synagogues were assembly halls where the Torah was read and explained.
f. Sabbath services included only three things: prayer, reading from God’s Word, and explanation of God’s Word – there was no music, singing, or sacrifices.
g. The temple was the place of worship and sacrifice, and the synagogue was the place of reading and instruction.
3. Synagogue services allowed for any qualified man to deliver the exposition of the OT passage that was read that Sabbath.
a. That privilege was often given to a visiting rabbi as it was with Jesus here in this verse.
b. The Apostle Paul also used that privilege as he often began his ministry in a new place by visiting the synagogue and being asked to speak.
G. As Mark tells us about what happened that day in the synagogue, he was not concerned with what Jesus taught, but was concerned about how Jesus taught and the reaction of the people.
1. Mark wrote: They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes. (vs. 22)
2. This wasn’t so much a criticism of the scribes as it was a contrast in the uniqueness of Jesus.
3. The scribes were the official teachers of the law and as members of certain schools, and having studied under certain masters, they would mostly dispense their scribal traditions.
4. Their teaching went like this: “Rabbi Hillel says…but on the other hand rabbi Gamaliel says…and of course, let’s not forget what rabbi so-in-so said.”
5. That’s not how Jesus taught – when Jesus spoke, He didn’t need any authority beyond Himself, and so He spoke with independence and cited no authorities and quoted no experts.
6. In the Sermon on the Mount, we hear Him saying: “You have heard it said…but I say to you…”
7. Rather than focusing on the traditions of men, Jesus preached God’s Word and explained the Law and the prophets with personal authority directly from God the Father.
8. Can you see why the people in that synagogue were astonished that Jesus taught with such authority in contrast to the way the scribes taught?
H. But if this kind of teaching with new authority wasn’t enough to cause astonishment, Mark immediately reported that a man with an evil spirit interrupted the service.
1. Mark wrote: 23 Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, 24 “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (1:23-24)
2. Demon-possession is a subject that presents many difficulties for our modern minds.
a. Many people of our time try to dismiss this phenomenon as an outgrowth of superstition.
3. There are at least three extremes that we want to avoid as we wrestle with demon-possession.
a. One extreme suggests that demons don’t exist and never existed, but that’s not true.
b. Another extreme suggests they exist, but that we don’t need to pay any attention to them.
c. The third and opposite extreme suggests they exist, and we must be constantly concerned about them.
4. The truth of the matter is that there is a spiritual realm and that there are evil forces at work - Eph. 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
a. But we need not obsess over them and their power, because we can put on the armor of God and the One who is in us if greater than the one who is in the world (1 Jn. 4:4).
5. Mark reveals that Jesus’ power and authority are clearly greater than that of the evil one (s).
a. Mark’s Gospel will reveal over and over again that although God’s kingdom and the dominion of Satan are in conflict, God’s anointed One has power over Satan and has come to set people free from evil and evil spirits.
6. I think it is important to notice that demon-possession seems to be a phenomena associated specifically with the period of our Lord’s presence on earth.
a. There are no recorded instances of demon-possession in the Old Testament.
b. In the book of Acts, there are only 2 instances (Acts 16:16-18; 19:13-16).
c. But in contrast to that, during the ministry of Jesus, literally all hell broke loose.
d. Demonic representatives of Satan seemed to oppress people everywhere Jesus went.
7. But let’s notice what Mark told us about this encounter between Jesus and a demon.
a. Can you imagine how startling it must have been to have Jesus’ presentation interrupted by the cry of a man possessed by a demon.
b. I don’t know what this man sounded like as this demon spoke up through him.
c. I don’t know if it was a loud voice or a raspy, sinister voice that uttered these words: “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God.”
d. James 2:19 tells us that the demons believe and tremble – they don’t believe in God, but they know who God is and they know what God can do.
e. This demon wanted nothing to do with Jesus and he knew what Jesus was there to do.
8. Mark wrote: 25 Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.
a. Jesus wanted to silence that demon because he didn’t want testimony from such an unholy source, even though the demon’s testimony was accurate.
b. Jesus also didn’t want His identity clearly revealed until the right time.
c. And so Jesus just gave the command: “Be silent, and come out of him,” Jesus didn’t touch the man or restrain him, but just uttered the words and it happened.
d. Can you imagine witnessing someone who possessed that kind of power?
e. With one final dramatic protest, the demon caused the man’s body to convulse, and the demon let out a final scream as he departed unwillingly.
f. The demon had no choice but to obey the command of Jesus the Son of God.
9. And what was the result? Mark wrote: 27 They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.
a. The people who witnessed all this were filled with awe and astonishment at the authority with which Jesus taught and with the power of His command.
b. They had never seen anything like this before – He taught like no one they had ever heard and He possessed and used authority and power like no one they had ever seen.
c. Demons recognized Him and were terrified of Him, and the crowds who witnessed Him were amazed and quickly spread the news about Jesus throughout the whole vicinity.
d. We know how quickly bad news can spread, so we shouldn’t be surprised by how quickly this kind of news spread.
I. But, if that wasn’t enough wonder and amazement for one day, Mark had more to share about what happened that day.
1. Mark wrote: 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31 So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.
2. Earlier in this sermon, I mentioned the remains of 2nd century synagogue that can be visited there in Capernaum, well just down the street from the synagogue is the ruins of Peter’s house.
a. So how convenient it was to simply leave the synagogue and walk down the street to Peter’s place – I wonder how many followed Jesus to that home that day.
3. But before we get into the details of what took place, I want to make an important point about the fine art of going from church to home.
a. What we learn and profess, and how we behave in church, ought to be carried home.
b. Jesus didn’t change when He left the place of worship and went “home.”
c. We should expect that Jesus would possess and profess the same spiritual truths and power wherever He went – And as we will see, He certainly did.
d. The same should be true of us – our spiritual life in church should be the same as our spiritual life at home.
e. We shouldn’t leave God behind in the auditorium the way we leave the songbooks.
f. People shouldn’t see us being two different people – one being so spiritual in church and one being so unspiritual at home – when that happens, it is so disillusioning to our families, especially our children.
g. We must bring the closeness, truth, love, and power of God into our daily lives that we experience in worship.
4. Now, back to our story, when Jesus and the group came to Peter’s house, Jesus discovers that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick.
a. Obviously, if Peter has a mother-in-law, then he must be married.
b. When Jesus found out that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick, He didn’t say, “That’s too bad, I hope she gets better soon, or I will pray for her.”
c. No, what Jesus did was heal her immediately – this was going to become the new normal for the disciples of Jesus, but for the moment it was very new in their experience.
5. I love the fact that Jesus didn’t require a great audience or a lot of pomp and circumstance to do His work, all He needed was a soul in need.
a. It doesn’t appear that Jesus said a word, but only took her by the hand and helped her up.
b. The physical touch of Jesus was so powerful.
c. The fever left her immediately and she was completely cured and able to serve them.
d. Normally the recovery from a fever related illness might take a day or two to regain our strength. Right?
e. But the miracles of Jesus were immediate and complete – full use and strength replaced disease or affliction.
f. The healings Jesus performed were intended to confirm His divinity and Messianic role.
J. The things that Jesus had done in Capernaum that day could not be concealed.
1. The emergence of so great a power and authority could not be kept a secret.
2. And so by the end of the day, Peter’s house was besieged with crowds seeking Jesus’ healing touch and who could blame them – I certainly would have sought out Jesus – how about you?
3. Mark reports: 32 When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town was assembled at the door, 34 and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. (1:32-34)
4. Can you imagine the scene? Can you imagine hundreds or thousands of people showing up outside of your house to see Jesus?
a. People came from every corner of the city, and perhaps from the outlying areas as well.
b. Can you imagine the hope that must have been in the air that day?
c. Perhaps this prophet can give sight to my blind friend.
d. Perhaps He can heal our mother who is dying.
e. Perhaps He can make our little girl be able to walk.
5. Because it was the Sabbath, the people had to wait until evening to come, but then they rushed to Him with all their afflicted ones.
6. Notice that the passage makes a distinction between those who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.
a. We should not conclude that all illness was or should be related to the work of demons.
7. But what we are given here is an unforgettable picture of Jesus and His love.
a. It had already been a long and tiring day, and can you imagine how long it must have taken to minister to each person?
b. Jesus didn’t refuse them, rather His divine love and compassion was made available to those in need.
c. How many times have you and I been too tired or selfish to meet someone’s need? Probably too many times, but Jesus never did.
d. Our Jesus is truly amazing and wonderful – the words of His mouth and the touch of His hand were stronger than life and death, illness and demons!
8. Notice one final thing – Mark again emphasized that Jesus didn’t permit the demons to speak, because they knew who He was and it wasn’t time for everyone to know who He was.
a. Jesus caused wonder and amazement because He had complete authority and power over demons and disease.
K. Who is Jesus, this man who caused such wonder and amazement?
1. The demon identified Him as “The Holy One of God.”
2. This title “The Holy One of God” is found in only one other place in the NT.
a. In John 6, when some of Jesus’ disciples were turning away from Jesus because of some of His hard teaching, Jesus asked His apostles if they also wanted to leave.
b. The Bible says: Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (Jn. 6:68-69)
3. I hope that all of us here today have come to the same conclusion as Simon Peter.
a. I hope that all of us have come to believe that only Jesus has the words of eternal life – that Jesus is in fact the way and the truth and the life.
b. I hope that all of us believe and know that Jesus is the “Holy One of God.”
c. And as the Holy One of God, He is the spotless Lamb of God, the One who takes away the sins of the world.
4. We must put all our faith in Christ and we must determine to live our whole lives for Him.
a. There is no One more worthy to receive our adoration and dedication than Jesus.
5. We must continue to live in awe and wonder of who He is and what He continues to do in us and through us.
a. It is so exciting and so rewarding to know Jesus, to love Jesus, to walk with Jesus, and to serve Jesus!
b. Jesus is so wonderful and amazing, so let’s seek Him, find Him, and trust Him!
Resources:
• Truth for Today Commentary: Mark 1-8 and 9-16, Martel Pace, Resources Communications.
• Jesus the King, Timothy Keller, Riverhead Books
• A Day in the Life of Jesus, Part 1, Sermon by Nate Shinn, ashlandbiblechurch.com
• Jesus – A Man of Amazement and Wonder, Sermon by David Owens
