JESUS THE HEALER
Opening Prayer
Spirit of God, I am honored that You make Your home in me. Form me to be more like Jesus.
Read Mark 1:29–34
Jesus Heals Many
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
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Reflect
Imagine Jesus coming to meet your family. What would you want Him to do for each one?Although we live in a largely secular society, many people who have no formal religious affiliation will admit to asking for God’s help in times of need.
A survey carried out in 2017 revealed that just over half of British adults pray; family members and healing are among the most frequently prayed subjects. In my work as a hospital chaplain, patients sometimes tell me that they take comfort from the knowledge that others are praying for them. Sometimes patients who are keen to say, ‘I am not religious,’ will then ask for prayer!
In today’s passage, after teaching with authority and demonstrating His power over evil, Jesus confronts sickness and disease. It was natural that, when Jesus came to his house, Simon should tell him about his mother-in-law who was ill (30). Jesus loses no time in healing her, in what seems to be a very gentle way (31).
Word of this healing, and that of the demon-possessed man in the synagogue, spread around Capernaum. Soon, crowds were gathering to ask Jesus for healing. The local people waited until after dark to bring the sick to Jesus because the Sabbath ended at sunset. We will see more of the implications of this over the next few days.
Apply
Can you think of someone who needs a healing today? Physical, relational, emotional? Pray for them today – and reach out to let them know you are praying for them!
Closing prayer
Mighty God, You have won the battle with evil! I need to remember that when I battle against evil in my life and world, I am fighting from victory, not for victory. Thank You for the victory I have in You.
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