People brought the sick …

Mark 1:29-34

²⁹ As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. ³⁰ Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. ³¹ So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

³² That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴ 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.

Jesus’ ministry was commencing in a powerful way, through healing and deliverance of many people. News of him was spreading rapidly, so much so, that the “whole town” of Capernaum was gathered at the door. The need for physical wellness was great in those times. Society did not have the medicines, or the practitioner skills we have today. I imagine even a broken ankle would have been incredibly debilitating for life for a person. 

But what I am drawn to, is that it was the people that brought to Jesus the sick and demon possessed. I admire this sense of care within the community that is demonstrated here, and reminds me also of the account of the crippled man lowered through the roof by his friends. 

These abled friends and family were showing care and love for their sick ones, and made the effort to bring them to Jesus. Remember this was not during the day, but at night after sunset.  I imagine there were many on stretches, too incapacitated to walk, and only by the love of their friends, were able to be present to experience the healing power of Jesus. 

What do I take from this? The importance of strong community, one that is deeply caring and with a willingness to do the hard yards. I thank God that the community of our church is like this, and I am challenged that I need to be prepared to go the extra mile for those in other areas of my life community, such as neighbors, work etc. 

Father, I thank you for the gift of community around me, and I ask that my eyes will be opened wider to see the needs around me, and that I would have true compassion to go the extra mile for others. Amen. 

Written by Steve Fell