Mark 1:29-45   Mark gives us a series of snapshots in the rest of this chapter, showing the compassion and power of Jesus.. healing many "who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; .. " 

Leaving the synagogue, Jesus and his disciples went to Simon and Andrew's house.  Simon's mother-in-law was very sick with a fever. When they spoke to Jesus about her He went to her and raised her up, "taking her by the hand, and the fever left her.."  By nightfall the word had spread and everyone began to come "bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed."  

Can we see ourselves in this snapshot of Jesus.. coming to Him on behalf of our loved ones?  Pulling them along into His presence.. that He might take them by the hand and raise them up?  There is no disease that Jesus cannot heal.  There is no demon that He cannot cast out! Hallelujah!  Lord, forgive us for not bringing them to You.. forgetting or not believing that You have compassion enough for our own family.. or power enough to conquer their demons. 

After a long night of ministering to the crowds.. Jesus rose up early in the morning "while it was still dark.. and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there." (v35)   Picture this.. Jesus, alone, in the dark.. in prayer.  There is no more precious, wonderful, blessed picture than this!  And.. what is more is that He is still praying.. our Mediator, making intercession for us at the right hand of the Father!

Jesus was interrupted in His solitary prayer time by His disciples.. they hunted for Him and found Him.. anxious because the crowds were back again.. looking for Him.  But.. Jesus told them that it was time to go.." to the towns nearby, in order that I may preach there also; for that is what I came out for." (v38)  He came to preach the Good News.   He went to many towns, going into the synagogues and preaching "and casting out the demons."   The preaching of the Gospel.. was His priority..  the good news that the Kingdom of God was near.. caused the demons to be in an uproar... even in the synagogues.. or maybe especially in the synagogues.. and Jesus cast them out.  As I think about this.. I wonder how many of today's churches.. those who have stopped preaching the Gospel, who have stopped teaching about the true Kingdom of God... are now filled with those same demons?  Oh may the gospel of Jesus Christ be preached and the demons made to flee!

One more picture in this chapter.  A leper came to Jesus and "falling on his knees before Him, and saying to Him, 'If you are willing, You can make me clean." (v40)  Jesus was willing and He was "moved with compassion".  He reached out and touched this "unclean" man and he was immediately "cleansed".  This is also a precious snapshot of Jesus.. who touches the untouchable.. who cleanses those who will come to Him.. who is "willing" to cleanse any who will come to Him and ask.  Picture His hand reaching out to touch you... O Jesus, Jesus.. precious Jesus.. touch me too!

Father in heaven, thank You. All praise to You.. Holy, holy, holy.. our Lord God Almighty! Fill us with the love of Christ and help us to love You more!  Our desire is to know You more, Jesus.. to know You as our Healer.. as our Mediator.. and as our  Sanctifier who cleanses us through and through!  We come to You, Father..  and ask for Your Kingdom to come.. that the demons will flee.. and that we will  know the touch of Your hand..  In the Name of Jesus we come.. Amen.