Mark 1:29-31 And immediately, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.… We have — I. A SCENE OF DOMESTIC TROUBLE. 1. Trouble is widespread and manifold. 2. Earthly kinships are sources both of joy and grief. 3. Domestic trouble should not detain us from God's house. II. AN APPLICATION FOR BELIEF — "Anon they tell Him of her." 1. It was intercessory prayer. 2. We admire the simplicity of their request. 3. Nor should we overlook their promptness of suit. III. GRACIOUS INTERPOSITION. 1. Here is a nearer approach, Though Christ has come near to us He can come nearer yet. 2. Jesus Christ does not refrain from personal contact. 3. Christ's gracious touch elevates prostrate humanity — "He lifted her up." IV. GRATEFUL RECOMPENSE — "She ministered unto them." 1. The recipient of Christ's grace exhibits gratitude in a practical form. 2. Unconsciously she performed good service for others. 3. Jesus Christ stoops to accept service from all. V. CHRIST'S HEALING VIRTUE BRINGS TO LIGHT SOCIETY'S MANIFOLD SORES. 1. The life of men is also their light. Jesus revealed to men, and to society, their needs. Probably no one knew that there was a demoniac in the synagogue, until Jesus began to teach. Men hide their deeper needs even from themselves, until the Healer comes. 2. Men's minds naturally reason from the special to the general. 3. We must observe how tolerant Christ is of human prejudices and traditional habits. The inhabitants of Capernaum would not bring their sick until the sun had set, i.e., until the Sabbath had closed. Towards human ignorance He is inexpressibly pitiful. 4. The rewards of faithful service are larger service yet. Jesus had blessed a man, a family; now He is required to bless a city. So shall it be in heaven. Fidelity shall be honoured by more responsible service — "Be thou ruler over ten cities." VI. THE MANIFOLD NEEDS OF MAN DISCLOSE THE HIDDEN GLORY OF CHRIST. VII. CHRIST IS THE HOPE OF HUMANITY, BUT THE TERROR OF DEMONS. "The whole city was gathered to Him at the door." Men are more conscious of bodily evils, than of soul malady. But the goodness that attracts men, repels demons. (D. Davies, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. |
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