Scripture

So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases and he cast out many demons. But, because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.

Observation
Simon’s mother-in-law is sick with high fever, so Jesus goes to her bedside and He heals her.

That evening many sick and demonised people are brought to Jesus and He heals them.

The next morning Jesus rises before daybreak to go to a lonely place to pray. Then He sets off travelling throughout Galilee preaching and casting out demons.

Application
Jesus was a man of action and not just theory. He preached, “The Kingdom of God is here” and demonstrated it with healing and casting out demons.

In the midst of the ministry, Jesus always took time out for prayer. In this passage He goes off before dawn to commune with the Father. At other times we read of Jesus drawing away to pray or spending whole nights in prayer.

I am sure that the two biggest reasons that we see so few healings in Australia are lack of faith and lack of prayer. By and large we don’t seek the Father enough. And we don’t believe that He will heal us or our friends who need healing.

Prayer
Lord I believe; help my unbelief. Build in me the faith in you that moves mountains, heals the sick and raises the dead. Amen.

Scripture

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching- and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”

Observation
The disciples go to Capernaum where Jesus goes to the synagogue to teach. The people are amazed because He teaches with authority.

A demonised man cries out “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” Jesus commands the demon to be silent and then to come out of him.

The people are amazed by His authority over demons as well as His authority in teaching.

Application
Jesus, the Son of God, has authority to teach. He is the Truth, and His words carry the truth about God. Because He is the Truth, there is no lie, deception or error in His words.

Jesus also has authority in His deeds. He is the Creator and sustains all things. The winds and the waves obey Him, as do the evil spirits- they are all a part of His creation.

Jesus gives us the same authority. To the extent that we surrender ourselves to Him, we also can cast out demons and speak truthfully about God.

Prayer
Lord Jesus you alone are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Please help me to align my thoughts with your authority. Amen.

Scripture

“I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”

Observation
Isaiah the prophet wrote, “I will send my messenger to prepare the way.” Mark tells us this messenger was John.

John appeared, baptising in the wilderness and preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins. Everyone came out to confess their sins and be baptised.

John told them that someone more powerful and more praiseworthy than him was coming. While John baptised with water, the Messiah would baptise with the Holy Spirit.

Application
John was the one who prepared the way for Jesus to come in. He prepared the hearts of the people for a new move of God.

John was not the main player. He pointed people to Jesus who would baptise with the Holy Spirit.

We are not required to convert people, but just to point them to Jesus. It takes a Saviour and the Holy Spirit to bring a person to salvation. All we can do is show the way.

Prayer
Thank you Lord for John the Baptist whose role was to prepare people for what was to come. Help me to likewise show the people around me that they need Jesus. Amen.

Scripture

“What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch’”

Observation

Following the distress of the present age, signs will occur in the heavens. The Son of Man will come in power and glory.

Just as we tell the natural seasons from observation of the signs around us, we need to be tuned in to the spiritual seasons.

Nobody knows when these yhings will happen, but we need to be ready. Just as servants of a man who goes away are alert for his return, so we need to be ready for Christ’s return.

Application

We are in the last days. In fact the last days have been continuing since the Day of Pentecost.

While this passage is about the actual return of Jesus, I think there is also something else being spoken of here.

We are to be constantly aware of the possibility of Jesus’ return at any minute. In other words, our concerns must be for the kingdom of God, not just our own self-interest. We need to learn to live with that sense of expectancy that Jesus could come back today or tomorrow, but not with an obsession about end-time scenarios.

Will Jesus find me doing His will? Will Jesus find me living a life of faith and obedience?

Prayer

Lord please help me to walk in your ways, to live a life of faith and to be prepared for your coming. Amen.