In The Synagogue – February 22, 2009

In The Synagogue

Mark 1:23

Jim Stephens

02-21-09

 

Scripture:

 

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, (Mark 1:23 NLT)

 

Observation and Application:

 

Jesus began his ministry at church this Sabbath Day.  In the Synagogue at Capernaum, as Jesus was teaching, a demon-possessed man began shouting right in the church service.  Jesus forced the demon out of the man and set him free.

 

After church, Jesus and a few friends went to Peter and Andrew’s house for lunch.  Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever and Jesus healed her – healed her so completely she got up and prepared a meal for them.

 

Word of Jesus’ power spread quickly through the small fishing town and… 32 That evening at sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. 33 And a huge crowd of people from all over Capernaum gathered outside the door to watch. 34 So Jesus healed great numbers of sick people who had many different kinds of diseases, and he ordered many demons to come out of their victims… (Mark 1:32-34 NLT)

 

Jesus’ ministry happened at church, at home, and on the street.  When Jesus encountered a need he took action to meet the need. 

 

It looks to me like this happened because Jesus was filled with God’s Spirit, moved with compassion, and confident in his God-given authority.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, I know that what I’ve written about can be messy and unpredictable.  So I’m not sure just how to pray about it.  I want to be daily filled and led by your Spirit.  I want to be moved to action with compassion for people’s needs.  And I want to speak and act in the authority of Jesus’ name.  Please help me represent you faithfully.  Amen.