Mark 1:21-28 Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen.

Next, Mark tells us about one of Jesus’ miracles at Capernaum…

“21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:21-22)

Jesus and His disciples made their way along the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, a fishing village with a population of about 1,500 located on the northern shore of the lake. It was in the hometown of Simon, Andrew, James and John that Jesus went to the synagogue, the building where Jews meet for worship and instruction. Because He was a Jew, Jesus was allowed to enter the building and teach those present who noticed His instruction was far superior to that of the Scribes who were well versed in the Scriptures, but often taught according to more prominent rabbis’s instruction.

“23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:23-24)

As He was teaching, Jesus was heckled by a man possessed with a demon who claimed to know that Jesus was a divine being. The man spoke on behalf of other demons as he confronted the Lord who had indeed come to overcome evil.

“25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.” (Mark 1:25-26)

Then, Jesus rebuked the demon and called on him to leave the man’s body, and when he did, the demon cried out as he was leaving a body he had secured as part of Satan’s army.

“27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.” (Mark 1:27-28)

When they witnessed the miraculous exorcism, those present in the synagogue were amazed and they quickly spread the word about the teaching they experienced and the miraculous healing they witnessed, initiating Jesus’ notoriety throughout the region. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre