Mark 1 — Part 7
Where we left off last week, Jesus was in Capernaum, teaching in the synagogue, and He went to Simon’s home. Before we move on, let’s note some facts concerning Capernaum.
Facts about Capernaum
During the time of Jesus, approximately 1,500 people lived in Capernaum. It was a fishing village and, during the earthly life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, He used Capernaum as His ministry base. Capernaum was the home of Simon, Andrew, James, and John. It was also the home of Matthew.
Scripture:
[Matthew 4:13-16 NKJV] 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, [By] the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those…
Jesus considered Capernaum to be His home and city.
[Matthew 9:1 NKJV] 1 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city.”
[John 6:24 NKJV] 24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
[Mark 1:32-34 NKJV] 32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Why Wait Until Evening?
Verse 32 says, “At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.”
Question: Why did the people wait until evening? The Pharisees taught that it was illegal to heal on the Sabbath.
So this raises another question: did Jesus violate the law when He healed the demon-possessed man? No — Jesus’ action was consistent with the original intent of the Sabbath law, which was to give the people rest and to turn their hearts toward God. Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath demonstrated God’s goodness and revealed the hardness of the Pharisees’ hearts. Their man-made traditions made healing unlawful, but Jesus’ actions revealed the true heart of God. Healing on the Sabbath was a picture of the complete healing from sin that would be accomplished through His sacrifice on the cross.
Recorded Sabbath Healings
- Simon Peter’s mother-in-law in Peter’s home (Mark 1:29–31)
- A man with a withered hand in the synagogue (Mark 3:1–6)
- A man born blind in Jerusalem (John 9:1–16)
- A crippled woman in a synagogue (Luke 13:10–17)
- A man with dropsy at a Pharisee’s house (Luke 14:1–6)
- A demon-possessed man in Capernaum (Mark 1:21–28)
- A lame man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–18)
Verse 34 says, “Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.”
Greek Note: The word “many” is Polys (Pol oos’), meaning a great number — large or much.
[Matthew 8:16-17 NKJV] 16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all – Pas -who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore [our] sicknesses.”
Why Did Jesus Silence the Demons?
Some suggest Jesus silenced the demons because He didn’t want His identity made known by untrustworthy sources. That theory is weak because the Father, the authority of the Word, and His miracles testified to His Messiahship. Jesus silenced them for the same reason Paul silenced the demon-possessed girl in Acts 16 — He did not want demonic testimony associated with divine truth.
[Acts 16:17-18 NKJV] 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
Jesus’ witness came from the Father, the Word, and His works:
[John 8:12-20 NKJV] … [John 14:9-11 NKJV] … [John 10:24-31 NKJV]
Mark 1:35–39 — Jesus Prays and Preaches
[Mark 1:35-39 NKJV] 35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Fellowship with the Father: Jesus shows us the importance of prayer before ministry.
[Mark 1:36-39 NKJV] … Jesus continued preaching throughout Galilee, casting out demons.
Mark 1:40–45 — Jesus Cleanses the Leper
[Mark 1:40-45 NKJV] The leper approached Jesus in faith, kneeling and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
This man, isolated and untouchable, represents all who suffer from loneliness. Yet Jesus, moved with compassion, reached out and touched him. His holiness made the unclean clean. Jesus still does this for us — cleansing us from sin and restoring us to life, community, and worship.
Jesus commanded the man to show himself to the priest, fulfilling the Law and serving as a testimony to them. The healed man disobeyed and spread the news, yet God’s purpose still prevailed.
Application and Hope
This story reminds us that Jesus sees and touches what the world rejects. His compassion is real and holy. He restores not only health but also belonging — to God’s family, the Church, and eternal life.
[John 1:9-13 NKJV] … [Romans 8:14-18 NKJV] … [1 John 3:1-2 NKJV]
Next week: We will continue through Mark chapter 2 and explore how opposition to Jesus begins to shape His ministry and teaching.
Tags: Mark 1 Bible Study, Jesus heals leper, Gospel of Mark, Capernaum, Jesus compassion, Sabbath healing, Christian discipleship, Word of God, Prayer life of Jesus, Faith and healing
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