Jesus Heals

June 5, 2022

Randy Hageman

If we’ve lived any time as a Christian, we’ve probably wondered why some people seem to be miraculously and physically

while others aren’t.

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath [Jesus] entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. —Mark 1:21-22 (ESV)

Jesus’ priority is to

, and he enters the “synagogue” to do so.

…Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” —Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” —Mark 1:23-24 (ESV)

An “unclean spirit” is a

way of speaking of a demon, a spirit-being opposed to God, a fallen angel who serves Satan and his purposes.

Demon possession as shown in many movies

happen to a true Christian, because that person has the Spirit of Christ living in him and the Kingdom of God has begun to manifest itself in that person, and evil

Reveal Answer

exist in God’s presence and kingdom.

The powers of evil can work against people, and sometimes use real

to compound the mental/emotional/spiritual struggle a person is going through.

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. —Mark 1:25-26 (ESV)

Jesus didn’t need any magical incantations or special objects – he simply

the evil spirit to leave the man on his own authority and it did!

And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. —Mark 1:27-28 (ESV)

And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. —Mark 1:29-30 (ESV)

And [Jesus] came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. —Mark 1:31 (ESV)

The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law doesn’t involve a command but simply the

of Jesus and she’s well, showing that the cure happening instantaneously.

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. —Mark 1:32-34 (ESV)

Mark distinguishes between some who were healed of “diseases” and some who had demons “cast out,” showing that these are two

issues.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. —Mark 1:35-39 (ESV)

The people want miracles, and it’s really about fulfilling

desires versus seeking Jesus for what he really has to give to them, and Jesus sees this.

and

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is the focus of Jesus’ calling and ministry.

Jesus came preaching the coming of the Kingdom of God, knowing that it won’t come

here on earth until he dies for our sins, is resurrected, ascends to heaven, and one day returns to bring the victory of the kingdom to all who have chosen to follow him.

Healings are signs of the Kingdom of God, for their ultimate purpose isn’t simply the physical healing of the individual, but, instead, what that healing

us to – the ultimate and spiritual healing that comes to all who enter the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ and live with him forever.

Spiritual healing is open to

, and you can begin to experience its effects

Reveal Answer

.

Freedom Prayer Ministry

Jesus: … “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” —Mark 1:15 (ESV)

Jesus is showing us that we can get caught up in the short-term miracles and miss the big picture of

with him.

Peter: “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” —Acts 2:21 (NIV)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” —Revelation 21:1-7 (NLT)

Next Week – Jesus Brings Joy (Mark 2:18-28 - read ahead)