The Gospel of Mark: Casting out Demons

That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. ~ Mark 1:32-24


The Sabbath has just about ended - or just ended - and there are more healings to happen. Who is it that brought all these people to be healed? 

And notice how quickly Jesus' fame has risen.

Why, you could say it was immediately!

Can you imagine the whole city gathered outside your door for healing?

Another theme of Mark enters in this passage. The Messianic Secret. As Mark progresses we will see over and over that Jesus tells those who know who he is to be quiet about it. Only the readers and the supernatural characters are let in on the secret so far. For those around Jesus, it isn't time yet.

So far, we don't know why that is. Why does Jesus want to keep his identity secret?

Why might you think?

And while  the unclean spirits and demons have said that they know Jesus, knowing isn't the same as following.

Yet already Jesus has followers, even though they don't know yet who he is.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen



Engagement Question:


Why do you think Jesus wants to keep his identity secret?

 

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