“I Am Willing, Be Clean!” (Mark 1:40–45)

 

“I Am Willing, Be Clean!” (Mark 1:40–45)

Jesus got up early in the morning while it was still dark and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Jesus was always in the Father, and the Father was in the Son (John 17:21). Prayer is like breathing. It is a pathway to communicate with God. It is an honest conversation that acknowledges the Word of God, as demonstrated between God and Adam after the fall in Genesis 3. Prayer is about asking that not my will, but God's will be done. Prayer is also asking God to forgive our enemies.

Daniel prayed to God, asking Him to bring the Israelites back to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity, just as the prophet Jeremiah had spoken. In the same way, believers are called to be coworkers with God through prayer. Jesus always prayed while He was on earth and offered Himself—His very body—to do the work of God the Father, even to the point of death on the cross.

However, while the disciples were pleased that Jesus' fame was spreading, Jesus didn’t follow their desires. He obeyed the will of His Father in heaven and went on to teach in other villages. Jesus came to this world as the suffering servant. Though the disciples initially struggled to accept Him, eventually, they came to receive Him as the Messiah revealed in the Scriptures.

In Mark 1:40–45, Jesus had compassion on a man with leprosy and made him clean.

A man with leprosy comes and begs on his knees

40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. (Mark 1:40–42)

A man with leprosy came and fell on his knees before Jesus and begged Him. Leprosy was a terrifying and incurable disease. It was even called a divine punishment. The flesh would rot, and the body would become deformed—so much so that eventually the person was unrecognizable. Though it has been removed from the official list of diseases by the UN, leprosy was once a fearful illness, requiring isolation from society. In the movie Ben-Hur, there is a heartbreaking scene where Judah’s mother and sister, having contracted leprosy, live in a cave, shunned from the society.

Everything God created has a purpose. All creation reveals His power, glory, and majesty—whether it be the solar system, the earth, the seas, the animals, grain, vegetables, fruit, or even microorganisms like bacteria. Sunlight and rain are sources of energy for all things. Plants like grains and vegetables are essential. Microorganisms, while some cause illness, also benefit the body by aiding digestion, strengthening the immune system, and breaking down harmful substances.

Leprosy is especially mentioned in the Law as a defiling and unclean disease. Those afflicted were to live outside the camp. They had to tear their clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face, and cry out, “Unclean! Unclean!” (Leviticus 13:45–46). Miriam, the sister of Moses, criticized him for marrying a Cushite woman and questioned why God only spoke through Moses (Numbers 12:1–2). The Lord became angry and struck her with leprosy (Numbers 12:10).

In Korea, there’s an island called Sorokdo, where people with leprosy used to live together. When I was in middle school, I went there for a summer retreat. The island was divided into two zones—one for less severe cases and one for more severe cases. Most visitors stayed in the mild zone. I remember there were seven churches on the island. We worshiped on a Wednesday evening in the church located in the more severe patient area. As a teenage boy, I was overwhelmed by the disfigured appearances of the severely ill—missing eyes, collapsed noses, and distorted mouths. I couldn’t even look straight at them. Many of them were blind, so they had memorized large portions of the Bible and hymns. The sound of their singing was powerful and awe-inspiring.

The leper in Mark 1 wasn’t supposed to come near Jesus—it was forbidden by the Law. Yet he approached, knelt, and pleaded for mercy. Jesus did not scold him or send him away for breaking the Law. Instead, He accepted him just as he was. God’s compassion and mercy go far beyond the boundaries of the Law. In the same way, God wants anyone—even a leper—to come before Him and plead just as they are.

Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost

That’s why God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world. Consider the story of Zacchaeus. He was a tax collector, regarded as a public sinner. He couldn’t go to the synagogue and was treated by his fellow Jews as a traitor—worse than a dog. The way to come to God seemed blocked for him. Though he wasn’t physically afflicted with leprosy, spiritually he was like a leper.

One day, he wanted to see who Jesus was. But because he was short and there was a crowd, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see Him (Luke 19:2–3). Jesus looked up at him and said, “Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Because Jews did not associate with tax collectors, the crowd muttered, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner” (Luke 19:7). But Jesus’ gracious mercy and love became glory and joy to Zacchaeus, who had lived in loneliness and despair like a leper. In this way, Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9–10)

In Adam, all people are like lepers—defiled by sin. As a result, the path to the Holy God is blocked. We are under the power of sin and death, living in ignorance and darkness. People groan in loneliness and alienation under the heavy burden of guilt and oppression.

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. (Romans 1:21–23)

The Hope of Humanity Is in Christ Jesus Alone

Yet, even in all these hopeless situations, there is hope. That hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ. News about Jesus teaching in the synagogues, healing the sick, and driving out demons had reached this man with leprosy. A ray of hope shone into his soul. In the midst of misery, a spark of faith and expectation began to grow in him—faith in Jesus’ power and authority to heal. Moreover, Jesus was known as the one who did not turn anyone away but received and cared for those who came to him. He is full of compassion and mercy.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost—just like this man with leprosy. God shines the light of salvation brightly into the world through Jesus Christ. For this purpose, Jesus opened his mouth and went from village to village teaching the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. He healed people with various diseases and drove out impure spirits with his word. Just like that, God seeks those who are hiding from his presence and calls out, “Where are you?” (cf. Gen. 3:9).

The man with leprosy was drawn by the loving hand of God. He came and fell on his knees before Jesus and begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40). Though he had leprosy, he believed that if Jesus was willing, he could make him clean. He sought mercy, just as he was. He came to Jesus with nothing to offer, just as he was.

“I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”

Jesus accepted him just as he was and was filled with compassion for him (cf. Korean Bible, NET, ESV). The word translated “had compassion” carries the idea of deeply identifying with another’s pain. However, the NIV translates it: “Jesus was indignant” (Mark 1:41). This does not mean Jesus was angry at the man, but rather angry at the situation—that someone made in God’s image was bound under the curse of sin.

God is a God of compassion and mercy. Throughout the Law, we are repeatedly told to care for the widow and the orphan (Deuteronomy 14:29; 26:12; Isaiah 1:17). This reflects God’s heart of mercy. It’s like the urgency a parent feels when a child is in danger.

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” (Mark 1:41). Jesus could have healed him with a word alone, but instead, he touched him. God does not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. He is rich in mercy and compassion (cf. Isaiah 42:3). Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed (Mark 1:42). This is God’s heart. God desires to set free those who groan under the power of sin and death and to give them true life. This heart of God remains the same yesterday and today and forever.

No matter what our condition or circumstance, if we come before God just as we are and ask for mercy, he will cleanse us with his love.

God forgave and cleansed King David even after his double sin. That’s because David came before the Lord with a broken and contrite heart and asked for mercy (Psalm 51:17). Jesus had compassion on the woman caught in adultery and did not condemn her but made her clean (John 8:11). In the same way, God had such great compassion for us that he gave his Son Jesus Christ—even to death on the cross (Romans 5:8).

There is no other way to be cleansed from sin except through the blood of Jesus Christ. Without the forgiveness of sins, there is no life—only trouble and affliction. Therefore, God was pleased to crush his Son as a guilt offering (Isaiah 53:10). Through his Son Jesus Christ, God clearly showed and proved his compassionate love to the whole world.

The apostle Paul describes how powerful and sovereign God’s love is. No evil or lying spirit in this world can separate us from God’s love, and no hardship or pain or trouble can overcome it.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39)

“Show yourself to the priest”

Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” (Mark 1:43–44)

Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. (Mark 1:45)

Jesus strictly warned the man who had been cleansed not to tell anyone. This was because people might misunderstand and think Jesus came only to heal physical diseases. But Jesus’ healing ministry was closely connected to the forgiveness of sins—something that can only happen through his blood. The healing of the leper was a picture of how Jesus, through his blood, cleanses people who have been rejected, trapped in sin, and unable to enter God’s grace—and leads them into the kingdom of heaven.

Instead, Jesus told him to show himself to the priest and offer the gifts Moses commanded as a testimony. Leviticus 14 describes the offerings and procedures required after a person with leprosy is cleansed. In the Old Testament, the only recorded case of healing from leprosy was that of Naaman, a Syrian army commander (2 Kings 5). If this man had gone to the priest, it would have been the first time the Mosaic Law was applied to someone healed of leprosy. It would have served as a witness to the priests that the Messiah sent by God was among them.

However, the man disobeyed Jesus’ command and spread the news widely. Because of this, Jesus could no longer enter towns openly but stayed in lonely places. Even so, people came to him from every direction.

After being made clean, we must continue to live in obedience to Jesus’ words. That is how we rightly receive and live out God’s grace.

Our Lord Jesus Christ earnestly desires that, no matter what desperate situation we may be in, we come before him and be made clean and whole.

Amen!

July 27, 2025
Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place (Mark 1:35–39)

 Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place (Mark 1:35–39)

Jesus had been teaching in the synagogue, revealing the secrets of the kingdom of heaven—the gospel of the kingdom. These secrets point the way for fallen people to return to heaven. And the only way is through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, through which we receive the forgiveness of sins.

People suffer and groan under the burden of sickness. From something as mild as a cold to something as serious as cancer, disease causes pain. On top of that, the devil—the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning—tries to destroy life in every way possible. But Jesus healed every kind of disease for those who came to Him, and He drove out demons.

Jesus could heal any disease, but He didn’t heal every single person. Sickness can come again. People can fall into temptation again and make mistakes. That’s why Jesus’ healing was a sign pointing to the greater grace of forgiveness. There is no greater gift or glory than the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ blood. His blood has the power to cover sins—past, present, and future.

No one is completely free from illness, pressure, or stress. It’s part of the human condition. But it’s not a curse—it’s part of God’s prescription for restoration after Adam’s fall. Without God, we can do nothing. But in His love, we find life. The grace of Jesus’ forgiveness remains effective, even in pain and suffering. That’s why, with faith, we look toward our heavenly hope and endure today’s trials.

In Mark 1:35–39, Jesus went to a solitary place very early in the morning, while it was still dark, and prayed there. When the disciples came looking for Him and found Him, He said, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." (Mark 1:35)

Jesus waking up while it was still dark to pray in a quiet place is a powerful example. As the Son of God, He didn’t need to pray—yet He did. He showed us the way. And if Jesus prayed, how much more should we, as His followers?

So what is prayer? Well, let’s first talk about what it’s not. Prayer isn’t about meaningless repetition or chanting--babbling. Jesus warned us not to pray like that:

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." (Matthew 6:7)

Prayer isn’t about being seen by others either. That kind of public performance is not true prayer—it’s hypocrisy. And Jesus said those people already received their reward:

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others... Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full." (Matthew 6:5)

Jesus told us instead:

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:6)

We don’t need to tell God over and over again as if He didn’t already know:

"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8)

That might make you wonder—if God already knows everything, why pray at all? That’s why it’s important to understand what prayer really is.

Let’s go back to the beginning. In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve sinned by eating from the tree, they hid from God. But God called out:

“Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)

This wasn’t about their physical location. God was inviting them to reflect on what had happened—on their fall. He knew everything already. But He asked questions like, “Who told you that you were naked?”, “Have you eaten from the tree…?”

Even then, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Both said that they ate. But in this short conversation, we learn that prayer is being honest before God. It’s not about telling Him what He doesn’t know. It’s about returning to Him with open hearts.

King David learned this, too. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband Uriah, God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him. David didn’t make excuses. He came to God in prayer with a broken and repentant heart. In Psalm 51, he wrote:

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16–17)

Also, prayer is also about asking God’s will to be done, not our own. For that, we must know God’s heart and His Word. Daniel is a good example. He read Jeremiah’s prophecy and understood that the exile would last seventy years. So what did he do? He prayed for his people’s return.

In Daniel 9, he prayed:

“Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name... We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” (Daniel 9:18-19)

Now someone might ask: if God already said the exile would last seventy years, why did Daniel need to pray? That’s the mystery and glory of prayer. God chooses to work through the prayers of His people. He invites us to partner with Him in His heavenly work. What a privilege and blessing.

Jesus affirmed this when He told Peter:

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

And in the prayer Jesus taught us, He said:

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

God Answers Without Delay

Another example is the prayer of a widow. In the Bible, a widow—often paired with orphans—represents vulnerability and weakness. This story teaches us the importance of always praying and not giving up. “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1)

The implication here is that without continual prayer, we’re likely to lose heart. The unjust judge gave in to the widow’s plea just to get her off his back, but God responds without delay. “I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.” (Luke 18:8)

Now, sometimes people misunderstand what “quickly” means. They think it means their pain, stress, or pressure will suddenly vanish. But the reality is, pain and pressure are often ongoing in everyday life. So what does “without delay” really mean?

It’s like how a parent responds to their child—always alert and ready to help, but not always giving what the child asks for. A parent doesn’t hand out candy every time the child asks, even if they love them dearly.

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8)

That’s why God doesn’t always remove the stress or pressure right away—because He already knows what we truly need. That’s the proof that He answers without delay. The problem is that we often don’t recognize this and start complaining.

The Prayer of Moses

Let’s look at Moses’ prayer. He went up Mount Sinai and spent forty days and forty nights with God, receiving the two stone tablets of the covenant law. But while he was on the mountain, the people pushed Aaron into making a golden calf idol. They claimed it was the god who brought them out of Egypt, and they started eating, drinking, and dancing around it (Exodus 32:4–6).

God was angered by their stubbornness and said He would destroy them (Exodus 32:9–10).
But Moses interceded—not for his own sake, but for God’s name and righteousness. He pleaded with God to turn from His fierce anger and not bring disaster on His people:

“But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.”’” (Exodus 32:11–13)

And then:

“Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.” (Exodus 32:14)

Moses’ prayer reminds us of the way our Lord Jesus Christ prayed as He hung on the cross. He committed no sin—nothing deserving of death. Yet He bore the sins of the world, lifted high in pain, shame, and humiliation. And while being mocked, ridiculed, and condemned to die, He still prayed for those who wronged Him.

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” (Luke 23:34)

God the Father heard His Son’s prayer. He accepted it. And because of that, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

God withheld His judgment that we rightly deserved. Instead, He poured it out on Jesus. And by the blood of Christ, we have been redeemed, cleansed, and declared righteous. Amen!

Jesus Prayed All the Time

Jesus would go to quiet places early in the morning to pray to His Father. Prayer, like breathing, is how we stay spiritually alive in God. Jesus always tuned His ears to the Father’s voice and responded with sensitivity and obedience.

“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
(John 5:19)

Let’s Go to the Nearby Villages

“Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.” (Mark 1:36–39)

Early in the morning, crowds were already gathering to find Jesus. The disciples rushed to inform Him. But Jesus said, “Let’s go to the nearby villages,” emphasizing His purpose to preach the good news in other places too.

The disciples were excited by Jesus’ growing fame. They had high hopes that He would soon rise as the promised Messiah. But Jesus didn’t come just to heal or cast out demons—those miracles pointed to something much greater: His mission to redeem humanity and lead them into God’s Kingdom.

At that time, the disciples didn’t yet understand the mystery of the cross. Their eyes were on His fame, not His suffering. But Jesus gently redirected them toward His true mission—a suffering Messiah who brings salvation. He continued preaching in synagogues across Galilee, casting out demons, and revealing the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. This is so that those who hear and see may believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

He came to open His mouth and speak the good news first—and through His healing and deliverance, to bless people with the forgiveness of sins. Amen!

July 20, 2025
Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

Jesus Healed Many Who Were Sick (Mark 1:29–34)

 Jesus Healed Many Who Were Sick (Mark 1:29–34)

In Mark 1:21–28, Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, and the people were amazed at His authority and power. That’s because He, as the Son of God, was revealing the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. His authority in speaking came from the Father, who gave it to Him because of His obedience—even to death on a cross. As foretold long ago by the Law and the Prophets, Jesus came as the Messiah, fully submitting to the Father’s will, even unto death. He carried the sins of this world, though He had no sin of His own, and suffered greatly, shedding His blood on the cross.

Jesus' authority in His words is rooted in His love for this world—shown by His willingness to die on the cross. It is through His blood that the sickness of sin is healed, and we are able to come boldly to the throne of grace.

He also cast out demons that entered and tormented people with lies, threats, and violence. Demons are created beings who rebelled against God and now live under a curse, refusing to obey. Their days are numbered, and they will be judged and thrown into eternal fire. But until that day, they prowl around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Still, we are told not to fear them but to resist—because they cannot help but submit to the authority of Jesus’ word.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

In Mark 1:29–34, Jesus healed many who were sick and drove out many demons. He wouldn’t let the demons speak because they knew who He was.

Jesus Reveals the Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven

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. (Mark 1:29–31)

Jesus taught the secrets of the kingdom in the synagogue, cast out unclean spirits, and made the man whole. These secrets are about the path to salvation. Why do we need salvation? Because this world is under sin. That’s why the forgiveness of sins is the most urgent need. Sin separates us from union with God. Human beings cannot live apart from Him. Salvation is essential. We must return to God, our Creator. And that path of return is the secret of the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus came to save the world from sin. To do that, He first taught the gospel of the kingdom. His teachings fulfilled what the Law and Prophets had foretold. For example, He went into the synagogue, opened the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, and declared that the Scripture was fulfilled in their hearing:

18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18–21)

He also freed people from the cruel and oppressive bondage of demons. As the Son of God, Jesus rules over all things with divine power and authority. His authority comes through His word. He created all things by God’s word and drove out demons with that same word.

Jesus Heals People’s Diseases Through His Blood

Jesus healed all kinds of diseases. Illnesses may come from viruses, bacteria, and a wide range of other causes—from the common cold to cancer. They bring physical pain, emotional anxiety, discouragement, and fear. Imagine a teeth pain moment! The human body is exposed to disease throughout life and gradually ages according to the second law of thermodynamics.

But the cause of physical suffering can sometimes come from the heart. Stress and pressure from work and life can even lead to cancer. That’s why we often speak of “sickness of the heart.” Human relationships can feel like ticking time bombs. Even if conditions seem perfect, no one is completely free from stress and pressure.

Yet, even in physical sickness, we can find rest and peace. Even in the midst of stress, we can be free from worry and anxiety. That is the secret of the kingdom of heaven: coming to Jesus Christ and following the way of the cross that He bore. Then our heavenly Father gives us true rest and peace. There is no disease in any form Jesus cannot heal.

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28–30)

So, Jesus healed to bring about the forgiveness of sins and to confirm that He is truly the Son of God, just as He promised. He gives grace and salvation to those who come to Him and believe. This is God’s promise. Sickness, pain, and hardship often serve as the road that turns us back to our Creator. There’s a saying: “He gives the sickness and the cure.” In the same way, God in His mercy leads us into grace through suffering and pressure.

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day." (John 6:44)

Even when healing doesn’t happen right away, those who come to Jesus in faith and prayer receive abundant grace from heaven. Just look at Job. Or think of Abraham, Moses, and David. They all endured suffering, yet through faith and obedience, they received their reward from heaven. If someone claims that a believer in Christ will never face hardship, illness, or suffering, that is completely false.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Jesus Heals Simon’s Mother-in-law from a Fever

Jesus left the synagogue and went with His disciples to the home of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and when Jesus came into the house, someone told Him about her. So He went to her, took her hand, and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them (Mark 1:29–31).

In Jesus Christ, healing and restoration are complete—nothing is lacking.

According to the Talmud, when people in that region were suffering from a fever, they tried to cure it in this way:

They would tie a knife made entirely of iron to a thorn bush using a braid of hair. Then on consecutive days, they would recite Exodus 3:2–3, then 3:4, and finally 3:5. After that, they would say a magical formula, believing that healing would take place.

But Jesus, as the Creator God, didn’t follow any of those procedures. He simply took her by the hand and helped her up. His healing power was a sign that He truly is the Son of God, sent to this world as our Savior.

Jesus did not come just to heal physical fevers. Doctors can take care of that. He came to shed His blood and die—because through His blood, the souls that were dead in sin can be made alive and receive salvation.

Fevers may return, but there is no greater grace than the healing that brings forgiveness of sins. That is the way to overcome the world. It’s the true path to salvation from all the dangers, diseases, pains, and wounds in this life.

Jesus Heals Many in Compassion and Mercy

“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).

As Jesus drove out demons and healed the sick, the news spread quickly throughout the whole town. People brought all the sick and demon-possessed to Him, and the entire town gathered at the door of Simon’s house.

This shows that even in the first century, just like today, there were many suffering from sickness and demon possession. Jesus healed many with all kinds of diseases and drove out many demons to lead people to believe that He is the Messiah sent by God.

There are two key reasons Jesus healed so many people:

First, because God is full of compassion and mercy. While we were still sinners—while we were enemies of God—He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as the sacrificial Passover Lamb. Even though we have no merit, and our hearts and actions are constantly evil from childhood, God remembered His covenant with Adam and gave His one and only Son to be sacrificed on the cross.

This God of great mercy opens the gates of heaven and gives eternal life to those who believe in the blood of His Son.

Second, because God knows how weak we are. In our natural state, people neither glorify God nor give Him thanks (Romans 1:21). God is the God of both salvation and judgment. Though He has every right to judge those who fall into evil, He holds off His judgment, giving people time to repent. The flood in Noah’s day, the city of Nineveh, and Sodom and Gomorrah are powerful examples.

The time to repent and return to God is during our lifetime.

God doesn’t want anyone to perish but desires that everyone would come to repentance:

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Jesus Forbids Demons from Speaking About Him

Jesus did not allow the demons to speak because they knew who He was—the Son of God. As Mark 1:24 says, even the demons recognize Jesus as “the Holy One of God.” But demons, though they know, do not submit. They rebel and oppose Him.

Even if someone says with their mouth that Jesus is the Christ, if they do not obey Him, it leads to destruction.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

The proof that someone truly believes Jesus is the Son of God is seen in their fruit—their obedience.

Abraham trusted God’s promise and obeyed to the point of offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Rahab, the prostitute in Jericho, believed in the Lord of heaven and earth and hid the Israelite spies, helping them escape safely.

James said faith without action—faith that does not obey—is dead:

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14–17).

We cannot help but give thanks and praise to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—for His authority, power, glory, honor, and majesty—who healed the sick and cast out demons so that we could receive forgiveness of sins.

Amen! Amen!

July 13, 2025
Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit (Mark 1:21–28)

 

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit (Mark 1:21–28)

Jesus came to this earth as God’s Messiah as promised by the Law and the Prophets. He came in the likeness of human(incarnation). Coming to Galilee—a land that had been looked down on—He began preaching the good news of God. “The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Now is the time to welcome the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. To receive the gospel, we must turn from lies, hatred, and complaining hearts, and come to God with gratitude and praise.

Jesus called His first disciples—Simon and Andrew, James and John. They left their boats, nets, and even their father to follow Jesus. But as young Jewish men, it was hard for them to accept a suffering Christ, because they longed for a strong, earthly kingdom. Eventually, they came to believe that Jesus—who died on the cross and rose again—was the very Christ whom the Scriptures had foretold. They became His witnesses throughout Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth in the first century.

In Mark 1:21–28, Jesus entered the synagogue in Capernaum and taught with authority and power as the Son of God, revealing the mystery of the kingdom of heaven. When He saw a man possessed by an impure spirit, He rebuked the spirit and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” And the evil spirit obeyed.

The Lord of the Sabbath

“They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.” (Mark 1:21)

Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was instituted on the seventh day of creation when God finished His creation work and declared the day holy and blessed. In Genesis 1, God created the heavens and the earth in six days, and on the seventh, He rested. But God’s “rest” was not just about stopping work—it pointed to something deeper.

The universe God created is vast, majestic, and glorious. The way the planets orbit, the sun shines, and the rain falls all reflect the Creator’s handiwork. Earth, the only planet where life thrives, receives its energy and resources through God’s provision.

Not only did God design the laws of nature, but He also created mankind in His image and in His likeness to rule over creation. Everything God made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). There was no flaw or lack. But among God’s creatures, one—“the morning star”—rebelled against the Lord, seeking to take His place. This being, Satan, tempted Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, bringing sin and death into the world.

In response, God promised a Redeemer—the “offspring of the woman,” Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15). God’s rest includes His completed work of creation, His response to humanity’s fall, and His promise of redemption. His rest is not anxious or worried—it is perfect peace and unshakable calm. Though the world is in chaos—wars, hatred, jealousy, and violence—God remains at rest.

This is beautifully shown in the risen Christ, who now sits at the right hand of God in heaven, waiting until all His enemies are made a footstool for His feet.

“The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’” (Matthew 22:44)

God not only rests, but also invites all who believe in Christ to enter into His rest. In Christ, God blesses us with true peace. His rest is holy and complete—nothing lacking. Jesus calls His disciples to experience that rest. Anyone who comes to Him in faith will be filled with it.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

The People Were Amazed at His Teaching

“The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” (Mark 1:22)

People were amazed when Jesus taught in the synagogue. Every Sabbath, they had heard the teachers of the law, but Jesus was different. He spoke with authority. Jesus is the Son of God—the very one through whom all things were created. He didn’t quote other rabbis like the scribes did. The words that came from His mouth were words of truth that pierced people’s hearts.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1–3)

Jesus never sinned and there was no deceit in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22). He lived in perfect unity with the Father, and the Father dwelled in Him. So when Jesus spoke, He spoke the very words of God who created heaven and earth. He knows everyone. He knows what’s in a person’s heart and what they’re thinking.

“But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” (John 2:24–25)

Jesus will return as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the righteous Judge of the world (Revelation 19:16). God judges each person according to what they have done (Romans 2:6). Though He knows how deeply sin corrupts our thoughts and desires (Genesis 6:5; 8:21), He desires that we repent and turn back to what is good.

Before Jesus judges, He offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. His death on the cross was the Father’s plan and will from before the creation of the world. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, took our place and redeemed us. So when we hear and receive His teaching, it brings life, light, hope, joy, and peace.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

A Life that Matches His Words

When someone’s life matches their words, their influence is powerful. Jesus, the Son of God, is worthy of eternal glory, praise, and honor. Yet He came in human form, taking the nature of a servant, to save sinners. He preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. He was arrested, tried, and crucified to give life to those who were lost.

His teaching was the truth that brings life to the lost. He forgave the sins of the paralyzed man brought through the roof (Mark 2:5). He forgave Simon Peter, who said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man,” telling him, “Don’t be afraid” (Luke 5:8–10). He forgave the woman caught in adultery, saying, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

Through all this, Jesus was showing that He would shed His blood on the cross to pay for their sins. Because only through the precious blood of Christ can any person be cleansed from sin.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:23-28)

When Jesus was preaching in the synagogue, there was a man with unclean spirit. The man possessed by a demon wasn’t just sick or disturbed. He was tormented by a real, unseen spiritual force—a demon, impure and defiant toward God.

Why are these spirits called “unclean”? Because they oppose and reject God. They don’t submit to God but actively rebel against Him. And yet—even in rebellion—they know exactly who Jesus is. The demon said, “I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” That’s powerful. Even the forces of darkness recognize Jesus' true identity.

The Bible teaches us that demons were once among God’s highest angelic beings. But because of pride and rebellion, they fell under God’s judgment. As Isaiah says:

“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!... You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens... I will make myself like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:12–14)

However, Satan and his demons can only operate within limits that God permits. They’re not equal to God, nor do they have His power. A good example is in the book of Job. When Satan wanted to test Job, he had to get permission from God (Job 1:6–12). God allowed it—not to destroy Job—but to teach him and reveal a deeper understanding of faith, suffering, and God's sovereignty.

Even though Satan tried to break Job through suffering and loss, Job never cursed God. In the midst of his pain, Job cried out with honest questions, asking why he was suffering. His friends wrongly assumed he must have sinned. But in the end, Job’s integrity stood firm. And Satan’s lies and cruelty were exposed as powerless in the face of truth. The devil never win but always is humiliated and ashamed.

Jesus Himself called Satan “a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him... he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

Satan is a defeated creature. He must submit to the authority of Jesus. That’s why the demon cried out in fear in the synagogue. He knew Jesus was the Holy One of God—and that his time was up.

Jesus simply spoke: “Be quiet! Come out of him.” And the demon left—screaming, convulsing, defeated.

What a powerful reminder. The Word of Jesus silences the enemy. The authority of Christ drives out darkness. Even if Satan is crafty, deceitful, and determined to destroy, he cannot stand before the truth of God’s Word. As Peter wrote:

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:8–9)

Those who were in the synagogue were amazed—not just at the miracle, but at the authority behind it. They said, “Even the demons obey Him!”

That man, tormented for who knows how long, was finally free. People had probably given up on him. But Jesus didn’t. With a word, Jesus restored his mind, his peace, and his dignity.

Demons may be invisible, but they are real. They deceive, destroy, and torment. But they are still created beings—and they must bow before the living Word of God. Their power is nothing compared to the authority of Christ.

Let’s return to Job one more time. When God finally revealed Himself to Job, not with answers but with His presence and power, Job responded with humility and awe:

“Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know... My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:3, 5–6)

And what did God do? He blessed Job even more than before. He restored him. Because God is full of mercy and grace—even when He allows trials for a season, they always come with purpose, and always under His control.

The devil and his demons will one day be judged and destroyed forever. But for now, know this: Jesus still speaks with authority. He still sets people free. And no matter how dark the battle feels, we have victory through Him.

Amen!

July 6, 2025
Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotes are from the NIV.