Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 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.
Jesus Heals Many
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.
We get a glimpse of Jesus teaching here in Capernaum. I posted a picture of Buddy and I standing really on top of that very temple where Jesus taught in Capernaum. This was one of my favorite places we visited because it was mostly still original. A temple is built over the synagogue but the rest of the town was still like it was 2000+ years ago. I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to be able to see these places where Jesus walked and talked and healed and cast out evil spirits. It has done so much for my Bible Study.
I love reading Mark's version of Jesus' story because he is dramatic. He speaks of the people being amazed at the authority Jesus spoke with. The people of Galilee could see the difference, perhaps because they were simple people, fishermen, common everyday people. When you go to Galilee, there is such a difference than Jerusalem. Its like going to farm country opposed to a big city like Atlanta. Its quiet, peaceful, serene as opposed to bustling, hectic and busy, no wonder Jesus loved it there and spent a lot of time there.
But can you imagine being there when the evil spirit spoke up and even called Jesus out by the "Holy One of God." How could you not believe in Christ when even the demons are calling him who He is.
He goes on and heals many people in the region and casts out more demons in the next few verses but at the end of verse 34 it says, "and Jesus healed many with various diseases. He also drove out many demons but He would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was." I love this verse because so many times people can get fearful of what Satan and his demons will do to us, looking around every corner for a demon of this and that, but this verse tells me I don't have to fear satan because Jesus has authority over demons and they can do nothing to us without permission from God if we are under God's authority. Everything that happens in this life is filtered through the hands of God for His good purpose in us, if we are His children. I take comfort in the fact that yes, "sometimes bad things happen to good people" but to know God has control over it in my life brings great comfort to me and I look for what He is trying to teach me through it. Yes, satan is always looking for a way to trip us up and he can tempt us and oppress us, but he cannot touch us when we are God's Children. "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." I John 4:4
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