By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Mark 1:14-25

“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).

The Rev. Ron Purkey

Jesus came to Galilee as a preacher, heralding the good news that God’s kingdom had come to mankind in the person of Jesus. While he had not yet revealed the facts about his death on the cross, Jesus could still invite people to trust him and be redeemed.

First, Jesus authority over his destiny (Mark 1:16-20). Peter, Andrew, James, and John had met Jesus and trusted him some months before (John 1:35-49), but this was their call to full-time ministry as disciples. Zebedee must have had a profitable business because he could afford hired workers. At least seven of our Lord’s disciples were professional fishermen (John 21:1-2). Fishermen have courage and tenacity, and are willing to work hard; and they know how to work together. These are good qualities for “fishers of men.”

Second, Jesus authority over demons (Mark 1:21-28). Jesus made Capernaum his “headquarters” (Mark 2:1; 9:33) and went out from there to various parts of the country to minister. He often taught in the local synagogues, and on this particular Sabbath he delivered a man from the power of a demon. Even the demons must confess that Jesus is the son of God, but their confession does not save them (James 2:19). Mark often reports the amazement of people (Mark 1:22, 27; 2:12; 5:20, 42; 6:2, 51; 7:37; 10:26; 11:18). This one work of power spread Jesus’ fame to other places.

Third, Jesus authority over disease (Mark 1:29-34, 40-45). Peter’s house became a place of healing for the whole city! How important it is for us to “take Jesus home with us” after we have worshiped. The Lord met the need in the home and then used the home to meet the needs of others. The crowds did not come until the Sabbath had ended, because religious tradition said that healing was work that must not be done on the Sabbath.

But Jesus had deliberately broken that tradition already (Mark 1:21-28) and would do it again (Mark 3:1-5; John 5; John 9). Mark made a distinction between those who were diseased and those who were demon-possessed (Mark 1:32). While some physical affliction may be caused by demons (Luke 13:10-17), not every disease is demonic in origin.

Fourth, Jesus authority in prayer (Mark 2:35-39). No matter how much Jesus, the servant, labored to help others, he still took time early in the morning to meet with his father (Isaiah 50:4). This was the source of his power, for Jesus served on earth just as you and I must serve: by faith, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit. Workers who are too busy to pray are too busy, and God will not bless their efforts (John 15:5). If the son of God had to spend time in prayer while ministering on earth, how much more do we need to pray!

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.