Mark 1:29-39

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Our Lord Healed at Sunset and Prayed at Sunrise

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There is a distinction between physical sickness and demon possession

  2. The Lord Jesus placed a priority on preaching.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. We are healed in order to serve.

  2. Let's find a place and make time to pray.

  3. Sometimes we must say, "No," because of priorities.

QUESTIONS

  1. Was Jesus trying to impress people by healing them and by casting out demons?

  2. Is sickness and sin caused by demon possession? Explain.

  3. On which ministry did our Lord Jesus place priority?

  4. Why does the Lord heal people?

  5. When confronted with a need, I am obligated to respond, regardless of a busy schedule. Right?

ANSWERS

  1. Jesus healed many, and He cast out demons, but He wanted people to come by faith in Him, not on the basis of testimonies by demons.

  2. Problems may be caused by demon possession, or they may not. There is a tendency for some Christians to go to one extreme or another, saying that all sickness is because of demons, or they may deny the existence of demons altogether. As for sin, many blame Satan -- "The devil made me do it," instead of blaming their own vulnerability and weakness.

  3. Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons, but He placed a priority on preaching. "For this purpose I have come..." (See Mark 1:38).

  4. To serve Him. Peter's mother-in-law was raised up, and immediately she began to serve. See Mark 1:31.

  5. The Lord said that He must fulfill His purpose (Mark 1:38). There were many pressing needs, and Jesus had concern and great compassion, but His priorities were intact. We may have to say, "No," at times even in areas of ministry. It's not that we are hard-hearted or unconcerned, but we must keep our priorities in order to give our best to the Lord's work.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Give serious thought to your priorities. Are you over-extending? Are you avoiding some service that you could render?

  2. Assess the activities in your life, even numbering them. Prioritize. As you assess, re-evaluate your activities and commitments in light of eternity. "Only what's done for Christ will last."

CHALLENGE

  1. Pray about your priorities, and set them in order, but don't be afraid to change them.

KEY VERSES

  • "In the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, Jesus went out and departed to a solitary place, and there He prayed." (Mark 1:35)

Mark, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMark 1:29-39