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 1:29-34

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

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 1:32-34, which is the text for the second division for 1:29-34 per the commentary.  Excerpts from the commentary:

• "A distinction is made between those “who were sick and those who were demon-possessed” (v32) and those “who were sick with various diseases” (v34). All disease and sickness is the result of sin, but not all disease and sickness is the result of demonic oppression or activity. Satan and his demons may inflict physical illness, but not all physical afflictions are demonic in origin. The ancients were not as naïve and ignorant as they are sometimes accused of being."  
• "The last phrase of verse 34 is instructive. Men may be confused as to the identity of Jesus, but never so with the demons: “They knew Him” and they feared Him. What a contrast with foolish, fallen, and unbelieving humans!"
• Jesus' instruction to the demons not to speak is referred to in the commentary as the "Messianic Secret", as Jesus sought to "conceal His Messiahship during His ministry."  The commentary offers seven observations on this question: (1) "Jesus wanted to avoid the impression of being a mere miracle worker or a magician. Those who conjure up tricks seek attention for themselves. Jesus is different. He came to defeat the power and effects of sin in the whole world" (2) "Jesus wanted to avoid unhelpful publicity to have more moments of private teaching with His disciples." (3) "Jesus wanted to avoid the people’s misconceptions about the Messiah. His Messiahship was characterized by service and suffering, not sensational displays of miraculous activity that would excite political-Messiah fever." (4) "Jesus wanted to express His humility as the Suffering Servant of the Lord." (5)  "Jesus wanted to inform us that only through the medium of faith, ultimately in a crucified and humiliated Savior, is His messiahship personally apprehended (1 Corinthians 1–2)." (6) "Jesus wanted to avoid recognition from an undesirable source such as the demons and the hypocritical religious leaders." (7) "He wanted His identity concealed to point to the hostility of the religious and political leaders of the day. There was a stark contrast between Jesus’ humble love and the Pharisees’ look-at-me religiosity."
• "[W]e can confidently affirm that the Messianic Secret arose from Jesus Himself. He self-consciously identified with the Suffering Servant of the Lord in Isaiah’s prophecy, and He knew the need to guard His messianic identity from premature and false understandings."    

Indeed, believers are urged to vigorously study scripture to - as fully as possible on this side of Heaven - understand who Jesus is.  While the Old Testament pointed to, sometimes very explicitly, Jesus, when He arrived, many Jews who understood the law did not think He was the Promised One. In contrast to those whom Jesus instructed not to talk about His identity, Jesus makes no such command for believers.  Believers of today are to not only talk about Jesus and to proclaim the Good News, they are do so boldly with Peter as an example in Acts 4:20 where he shares while under arrest: "we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You loved me and saved me while I was still an enemy and hostile to You.  You continue to pour our mercy and grace on a daily basis.  I am SO undeserving.  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 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.