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A Day in the Life of King Jesus (Mark 1:21-38)

by Wayne Davies
9/27/2014 / Bible Studies

Have you ever wondered what life was like for Jesus Christ? Reading the four gospels gives us a clear answer to this question. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell us in great detail how Jesus lived his life he spent three years of public ministry serving others by teaching the Word, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, healing all manner of physical illness, and driving out demons.

Mark paints this picture quite well. From Mark 1:14 to Mark 10:52 you'll see that Jesus immersed himself in a life of meeting the physical and spiritual needs of people, day after day. And when we come to the end of chapter ten, Jesus tells us the purpose of his time on earth "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45).

I find Mark 1:21-38 a fascinating passage in this regard, because here we find Mark's account of how Jesus spent one particular 24 hour period. You could call this passage "A Day in the Life of King Jesus". Yes, Jesus was King -- "Christ" means "Messiah", the Anointed One, the much anticipated King of Israel. But Jesus was no ordinary King, for he was a King who put the needs of his subjects first.

Teaching in the synagogue.
Jesus and his four disciples (Peter, Andrew, James and John) are in Capernaum, which became the Messiah's ministry headquarters in Galilee for several months. It is the Sabbath (Saturday), the Jewish day of rest. The day begins by going to the synagogue for the weekly worship service, a common practice for first century Jews. But Jesus doesn't get much rest on this Sabbath, because he is the guest speaker for the service. He begins to teach the people, and he teaches like no one has ever taught.

The people are dumbfounded by the teaching ability of Jesus. "The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law" (Mark 1:22).

Driving out a demon.
During Jesus' sermon, a demon-possessed man rudely interrupts by screaming, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are the Holy One of God!"

Jesus takes control of the situation, telling the demon to shut up and then casting him out of the man. While meeting the spiritual needs of these people by teaching the Word of God, he then meets both the physical and spiritual needs of this man by driving out the demon.

This is no ordinary guest speaker! The people are amazed -- again. Not only does Jesus teach like no other, he has the power to compel the obedience of an unclean spirit.

Healing the sick.
After the synagogue service is over, Jesus and the disciples head to Peter's house. Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a fever, and Jesus heals her. And he does it with a wonderful display of compassion and tenderness, as "he went to her, took her hand and helped her up" (Mark 1:31). Note the personal of touch of Jesus and the detail with which Mark describes his display of love for this woman.

Remember that this is the Sabbath, a day of rest. So far Jesus has preached a sermon, cast out a demon, and healed Peter's mother-in-law. Perhaps Jesus did have some down time in the afternoon, but things would change soon. "That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons" (Mark 1:32-34).

Why did the people wait until sundown to bring the sick to Jesus? Because it was the Sabbath, and these devout Jews would have viewed healing as "work" and therefore a violation of the Sabbath. But as soon as the day was officially over, the people converged on Jesus in droves. This healing session could have lasted for hours.

Alone time.
Jesus gave of himself unselfishly all day long. He taught, he displayed his power, he healed, he loved. After a few hours sleep, he woke up before dawn and got away by himself "to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35). In the midst of these busy days, Jesus made sure he spent time alone with his Father. Mark's description of this particular day was no doubt typical of how Jesus spent every day. He went to bed exhausted, but when he arose, his first priority was to connect with God.

Back to work.
Jesus' prayer time is interrupted by Peter and the disciples, who come and find him. They tell him, "Everyone is looking for you!" (Mark 1:37). So much for having some time by himself! Jesus' response is brilliant he simply acknowledges that it is time to move on. "Let us go somewhere else to the nearby villages so I can preach there also. That is why I have come" (Mark 1:38). This statement is significant, for we see the priority that Jesus placed on his preaching ministry. God only had one Son, and he was a preacher.

Jesus gave himself selflessly in the service of others. For three years he preached the gospel and taught the Word, all the while demonstrating his deity by healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons. The end result was the ultimate act of service for he served us most importantly when he died "to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).

The King of kings laid down his life on the cross to meet our most critical need forgiveness of sins and salvation from the penalty of sin. Only the death of a perfect Servant could satisfy God's holy wrath against our sin and rescue us from the punishment we deserve for that sin (eternity in hell).

As we reflect on the ministry of Jesus, may we respond with repentance, faith and humble adoration of the divine King and suffering Servant.

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