Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter. Mark 1:45b
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 1:35-45, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. My observations from the text using the Sword Bible study method:
- What do we learn about God: Prayer is a priority as v35 shares that the very first thing Jesus does once He rises "very early in the morning, while it was still dark," is prayer. Jesus also prayed by Himself. While corporate and group prayer with our brothers and sisters in Christ is encouraged, Jesus seeks for us to avoid praying like the hypocrites who seek to be seen by others as "religious" - see Matthew 6:5-7. Teaching God's Word is a priority - see v38 where Jesus shares that "this is why I came out." He taught throughout Galilee (v39). Compassion, and love and service for others was also a priority as Jesus continued to both physically and spiritually heal those who came to Him - see vv39-42 (see also Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45). Jesus demonstrated both compassion and understanding of the Old Testament laws that specified only the priests could "pronounce" a leper clean and able to rejoin his community after periods of isolation (see Leviticus 13). Isolation is not good for man and we are designed for community and one another - vv43-44.
- What do we need to obey: Jesus seeks for us to pray - as prayer is how we communicate with God and demonstrate our utter dependence on Him. We claim the promise that prayer is powerful - James 5:16-18. As already mentioned we must follow Jesus' example of prayer. We also must teach the Good News according to our roles - this includes parents and heads of households.
- What do we learn about people: People need Jesus as He promises healing, both physically and spiritually. We must acknowledge that while our physical healing may not occur now, believers know in Heaven all will be healed - see Revelation 21:4. The need for Jesus is desperate as v45 mentions that even in "desolate places...people were coming to [Jesus] from every quarter."
Mark 1:45 stands out this morning as I reflect and attempt to more fully understand where Jesus was in these desolate places and the people He encountered. This article from DesiringGod.com shares an insight how Jesus swaps roles as the leper rejoins his community while Jesus enters desolation. Jesus loves us so much that He takes on our sin and shame - to the point of death on the cross.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion for me - taking on my sin and shame and giving me life to the full now and for eternity. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
