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.
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Question 1
What do we see as the priorities in Jesus’ life?
Question 2
In what ways do the things Jesus does show us who he is?
Already in his book of good news about Jesus Christ, Mark has shown us that there is something very different about Jesus. He had special authority and power. In this history we see that this King’s authority to help people was not only spiritual, but also able to heal them of illness. After he healed a member of Simon’s family, the whole town heard. As soon as the Sabbath had finished a queue formed outside the house of people who needed help.
It becomes clear that while this is very important work, there are other things lest count as more important.
Although no doubt he has been up late healing and casting out demons, he starts the day getting up before anyone can come to him and going and praying. He makes sure he has time to talk to his Father. Then, when his followers come looking for him to tell him that more people want to see him, he says that the most important work he has to do is to preach. He knew that the people had a bigger problem than physical health. So the most important thing Jesus could do for them was to pray and preach. That was his priority. What about us?
Question 3
Looking at what Simon’s mother-in-law did, what does this suggest our response should be?
Question 4
Do we see that the most important thing we can do for people is to pray and talk to them about the goodness of Christ?
Pray:
for strength to arrange a regular time to speak to God in prayer. Ask for opportunities to share with people who Jesus Christ is and why He matters.
