“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, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.” - Mark 1:32-34
Reflection by Jean Davis
In this passage, Mark is trying to present Jesus as the Christ, the chosen one through the miracles He performs. The miracles are meant to authenticate who Jesus is. Jesus tells the leper not to say anything to anyone but the leper ignores this and goes out and spreads the word. Many people come to seek out Jesus for selfish and impure reasons, forcing Him to leave the town and stay out in the country. To seek Jesus for His ability to heal is simply not adequate. Jesus commands the people not to tell anyone who He is; perhaps He didn’t want to be viewed merely as a miracle-worker.
Why are you following Jesus? Are you in it to get something from Him, or are you in it for Him alone? How often do we fervently turn to God and beg Him to heal a sick loved one or offer up promises to be good or do better if only He will help us? Do we treat Jesus like a sample table? Only seeking Him out when we need Him and simply discarding Him when we don’t?
I believe this passage is designed to authenticate the true identity of Jesus and thus persuade you to embrace Him. Jesus desires for us to do more than merely seek Him out for our own selfish purpose. He wants us to consume, to purchase, to entirely buy in. Do you treat Jesus like a sample table?
