Mark 1:29-39 - Jesus’ Preaching and Healing Tour

Mark 1:29) As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30) Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, they told him about her at once. 31) He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32) That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33) And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34) And he cured 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. 35) In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36) And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37) When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38) He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 39) And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Context: Today’s text follows immediately on Jesus’ preaching in the synagogue and his restoring of the demon possessed man. This is part two of Jesus’ entry into public ministry in Capernaum. The fact that today’s incident occurred immediately is born out by archeology. Recent excavations indicate that Simon Peter’s house was situated immediately south of the synagogue, with its northern wall right under the synagogue balcony. The house was a large complex of clan dwellings with three shared courtyards, surrounded by a common exterior wall with a single entrance. It is possible that Andrew had his own dwelling in that complex as well. To the east of the house, just outside the entrance, was a large open area where a crowd could assemble, as suggested by verse 33. (Anchor Bible Dictionary)

Healing in the Bible
In the Bible healing is understood holistically. There are a number of different words in Greek that we translate as heal or healing. Each has a slightly different meaning. Three of the most common words are therapeuo, iaomai and sozo. Therapeuo forms the base of our English word, therapy. It had a variety of meanings including to heal or cure, to render service in worship (therefore to do for God by doing for others) or even to cultivate a garden. Iaomi (from which we get the Greek word for physician) implies the restoration of health. Sozo (also the word we translate as ‘saved’) means to be made well or whole in every arena of life. Jesus often uses sozo, especially when the person healed is the one who reaches out for help (see Mark 5:24). The word used in our text today is a form of therapeuo and carries the meaning of being made well as a service to God and for service to God. Healing includes all aspects of a person’s mind, body, relationships and spirit. Likewise any disturbance of wholeness of mind, body, relationships or spirit is the subject of God’s healing. Healing can take place in each of these arenas. Sometimes when we pray for physical healing that is what we get, remembering that all physical healing is temporary since we will each eventually die. Sometimes, however we get healing of spirit, mind or relationships that allow us to come to terms with physical ailments or death. Sometimes healing comes only in the new life after death. One of the most important Biblical areas of healing occurs in the forgiveness of sin and the healing of our broken relationship with God. It is important to remember that God’s will for us is wholeness. One of the problems that many people have is that healing seems to be capricious, one person is healed and the next is not. Prayers for healing may be answered by complete cure, gradual improvement and/or the grace and strength to cope. It is my belief that if the healing we ask for does not occur, then that, by definition, is the most loving option, even if we do not understand.

Word Study
Vs. 29 – as soon as – Mark uses this word often to express urgency. In this instance it probably also bespoke of the nearness of Simon’s house
Vs. 30 – Simon’s mother-in-law – Mark did not record this woman’s name. He rarely records the names of women. Even when Jesus’ mother is first introduced he doesn’t use her name. By the way, that makes his use of the names of the women who witnessed to the resurrection that much more surprising.
Fever – in Jesus’ day fevers were often fatal.
Vs. 31 – took her hand – Jesus does not approach her in the typical manner of physicians or exorcists of his day. He does no incantations or secret rites. He actually doesn’t speak at all. He just takes her hand and that is enough for his healing power to enter her. This word spread rapidly and later people regard even his clothing as carrying power (Mark 5).
Serve them – the woman’s cure was immediate and complete and she then resumed her regular duties of hospitality and service to her guests.
Vs. 32 – after sunset – this marked the end of Sabbath so people were free to come to him for help.
Vs 33 – the whole city – an expression for a large crowd
Vs. 34 – would not permit the demons to speak – Much speculation among scholars exists around Jesus’ urging of silence in Mark’s gospel. Many believe that this “Messianic Secret” was needed so that Jesus would have to time teach and help people come to terms with the radically unexpected Messiah that he was.
Vs. 35 – he prayed – Jesus was very clear where his power came from.
Vs. 38 – for that is what I came out to do – Jesus reiterates his mission: to preach the good news of the kingdom of God.

Questions for Personal Reflection
1. This passage demonstrates an important New Testament theme: healing and wholeness are for the purpose of serving. Have you ever found that service itself had a healing effect? When? How?
2. When you go to God in prayer for yourself and others, how do you feel inside when you ask for healing? Do you expect an immediate result? Can you identify a time when you experienced healing? Can you identify a time when healing came in an unexpected way with a result you did not imagine?
3. Who are the people that most need healing in your life? What people or situations most need healing in our community and world? Take a moment to bring these concerns to Jesus for his powerful touch.