When Jesus Walks In

Scriptures for Today:

Mark 1:21-34 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. 29 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. 32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Introduction

We are back in the book of Mark. Last time we saw Jesus begin His public ministry, preaching the gospel and calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him. Now, starting in verse 21, Mark begins showing us what happens when Jesus actually walks into a place.

Think about how amazing it is that God, the Creator of all things, came into the world as a Human being.
If you haven’t thought about that, then you need to spend some time really thinking about how incredible that is.

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

You don’t want to be one of the ones who does not know Jesus. Once you think about it and understand the implications of Jesus walking into the world, it should change your life forever.

When Jesus walks in, things do not stay the same. Think about your own life.
What happens when Jesus walks into your decisions?
What happens when His Word walks into your marriage?
What happens when His authority enters your home?
What happens when His light exposes something you have been trying to hide?

A lot of people like the idea of having Jesus nearby. They want His help, His blessings, His protection, and His comfort. But when Jesus truly walks in, He also brings authority. He brings truth. He exposes darkness. He changes things.

And that is exactly what we are going to see in this passage.

As we study Mark 1:21–34, I want us to look at four truths about Jesus.

1. When Jesus Walks In, His Word Has Authority (vv. 21 – 22)

Mark 1:21-22 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

After Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, they went into Capernaum.

Capernaum would become an important place during the ministry of Jesus. Matthew tells us that Jesus left Nazareth and came and dwelt in Capernaum.

Matthew 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

So Jesus enters Capernaum, and on the sabbath day He goes into the synagogue.

A synagogue was a place where the Jews gathered together to hear the scriptures read and taught. This was something Jesus regularly did throughout His ministry.

Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Notice that it was His custom. Jesus made it a regular practice to gather where the Word of God was being read and taught.

There is a simple application for us right there. If Jesus Christ made it His custom to gather around the scriptures, shouldn’t we treat our gathering together around the scriptures as something of great importance?

But notice what Jesus does when He enters the synagogue: “he entered into the synagogue, and taught.”

Jesus begins teaching the people. And look at their reaction in verse 22:

“And they were astonished at his doctrine” The word doctrine simply means teaching or instruction.

People constantly want to separate Jesus from doctrine. They want the love of Jesus without truth.

They want a Jesus who comforts, accepts, and forgives, but never corrects, rebukes, or tells them that there are things they need to change. But that is not the Jesus of the Bible. You cannot say, “I love Jesus,” while rejecting the things that Jesus taught.

If you remove doctrine and truth from Jesus, you are not left with a more loving Jesus—you are left with a Jesus that you created in your own mind.

These people were astonished at the doctrine of Jesus because there was something very different about the way He taught.

“for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.”

They had heard the scribes teach before. The scribes studied the scriptures. They copied the scriptures. They taught the law to the people. But when Jesus stood up and began teaching, immediately they recognized that this was different. Jesus spoke with authority.

And there is an amazing contrast when you compare the way the prophets spoke with the way Jesus spoke.

Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets would repeatedly say: “Thus saith the LORD.”

But when Jesus came, He spoke differently. Over and over again Jesus said: “But I say unto you…”

Matthew 5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Do you see the difference? The prophets said: “Thus saith the LORD.”
Jesus said: “I say unto you.” That phrase is used 123 times in the KJV. 119 of those times are Jesus Christ.

He wasn’t claiming to receive authority from some earthly teacher.
He wasn’t quoting the opinions of other rabbis.
He was speaking with the authority of God Himself. Why?

Because this wasn’t just an ordinary man. This was THE WORD OF GOD standing in front of them.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…

The same God who spoke the universe into existence was now standing in a synagogue teaching the scriptures.

The same God who spoke to Moses was speaking to them. The same God who inspired the prophets was standing right in front of them. Of course He spoke with authority!

The prophets could say, “Thus saith the LORD.” Jesus could say, “I say unto you.”

And that is why the people immediately recognized that there was something completely different about His teaching. People heard Jesus speak and immediately recognized that His words carried an authority that no ordinary teacher possessed.

And this brings us back to the first truth from this passage: When Jesus Walks In, His Word Has Authority.
That was true in the synagogue in Capernaum, and it is still true today.

The question is: Does His Word actually have authority in your life?

It’s easy to say, “I believe the Bible.” It’s easy to listen to preaching.
But what happens when the Bible tells you something that you don’t want to hear?
What happens when God’s Word conflicts with what you want to do?
What happens when God’s Word tells you that something in your life needs to change?

That’s when you find out what actually has authority over you.

Is the final authority your feelings? Is it what your friends think? Is it what society says?
Is it what seems easiest at the moment? Or is the final authority in your life God’s Words?

Everyone wants to be their own authority. “I’ll decide what’s right for me.” “I’ll make my own truth.”

There is already a King. There is already an authority. There is already a Word that will stand forever.
Your own feelings can change from one day to the next.
But the Words of Jesus Christ do not change.

So when Jesus walks into your life, you don’t ask Him to adjust His Word to fit your life.
You adjust your life to fit His Word.

The people in that synagogue were about to find out that the authority of Jesus wasn’t limited to His teaching. They heard the authority in His words.

Now they were about to see that authority demonstrated right in front of them.

2. When Jesus Walks In, Darkness Cannot Hide (vv. 23 – 28)

Mark 1:23-28 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

The people had just been astonished because Jesus taught with an authority that they had never heard before. Now they are about to see how far His authority extends.

Look at verse 23:
“And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,”

This was a religious gathering. People were assembled together to hear the Scriptures taught. Yet right there among them was a man with an unclean spirit. Possessed with a devil.

We don’t know how long this man had been there. We don’t know how many times he had attended the synagogue before this day. But on this day something was different. Jesus had walked in.

When Jesus Walks In, Darkness Cannot Hide.

Throughout the Bible, darkness is used as a picture of evil and sin, while Jesus Christ is described as the Light.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

What happens when you walk into a dark room and turn on the light? Everything that was in darkness is now exposed. That’s what happens here. The moment Jesus begins teaching, this unclean spirit cannot remain quiet.

Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?

Notice the reaction. “Let us alone.” That’s what darkness wants. Leave me alone. Don’t expose me. Don’t confront me. Don’t interfere with what I’m doing. And sin works the same way in our own lives.

When there is something in our life that we know is wrong, our flesh doesn’t want the Word of God shining a light on it. We would rather leave that door closed. We don’t want to hear preaching from the Bible that challenges our behavior. Why? Because darkness does not want to be exposed.

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

That’s why when we walk on certain streets in this city, people don’t want us there. They tell us to leave. They tell us “they own this street.” They tell us to “keep moving” because those that doeth evil hateth the light. They don’t want their deeds to be reproved by the truth of God’s Word. The unclean spirits and devils in this area don’t want us to bring the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ that will expose the evil.

But what is the proper response to have towards the light?

John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Allow God to expose the sin. Allow your deeds to be made manifest before God and He will do an amazing work in you. When Jesus walks in, darkness cannot hide.

Look what else the unclean spirit says:
“art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.”

The people in the synagogue are still trying to figure out who Jesus is. But the devil knew Jesus was not simply another teacher. He knew exactly who was standing in front of him. And he was afraid.

The devils know that judgment is coming. They know who Jesus is. They know His power.
And yet they are not saved. That’s why simply knowing facts about Jesus does not save you.

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

The devils believe that God exists. They know Jesus is the Son of God. They know He has authority.
They know there is coming judgment. But knowing those facts is not the same thing as putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Look how Jesus responds to the devil:
Mark 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Jesus doesn’t have a conversation with him. There is no negotiation. There is no long drawn out process or battle. He gives two simple commands:
“Hold thy peace.” and “Come out of him.”

Jesus is demonstrating His ultimate authority.  He speaks, and the devil must obey. It doesn’t have a choice.

Mark 1:26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

The spirit made one final violent display and came out immediately. Simply because Jesus told him to.
Satan has power, but his power is nothing compared to the power of God.

Some people think that God and Satan are two equal forces fighting against each other. They are not even close to being equal. Satan is a created being. Jesus Christ is the Creator. There is no battle over who has authority.

All power is given to Him in heaven and in earth. Jesus speaks, and devils obey. And that’s exactly what the people recognize in verse 27.

Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

If the devils recognize the authority of Jesus Christ, how much more should we? Jesus gives a command, and the spiritual realm has to obey.

Yet God gives us clear commandments in His Word, and we spend weeks, months, even years resisting Him. We know what He said. We know what needs to change. But instead of obeying, our response is essentially the same as the devils: “Let us alone; what have we to do with thee”

We need to listen and obey the words of the Creator, don’t resist Him. Allow Him to expose the darkness. Look at the next verse…

Mark 1:28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

People began talking about what they had witnessed. They had heard Him teach with authority.
They watched Him command an unclean spirit with authority. And word began spreading everywhere.

Jesus had walked into that synagogue, and by the time He walked out, everybody knew that something was different about this man.

3. When Jesus Walks In, He Will Change Your House (vv. 29 – 31)

Mark 1:29-31 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

After everything that happened in the synagogue, Jesus leaves with Simon, Andrew, James, and John and enters into Simon and Andrew’s house. And when they get there, they find a problem.

“Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever.”

Simon had just watched Jesus teach with authority. He had just watched Jesus command an unclean spirit to come out of a man. Now Jesus walks into Simon’s own house and someone who is close to him needs help. His own mother-in-law. Notice their immediate response: “and anon they tell him of her.”

The word anon means quickly or immediately. They didn’t waste any time. There was a need in the house, and they brought that need directly to Jesus. Look how Jesus responds:

Mark 1:31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Jesus goes directly to her. He takes her by the hand. He lifts her up. And once again we see the authority of Jesus Christ demonstrated. In the synagogue, an unclean spirit had to obey His voice. Here in Simon’s house, the fever immediately leaves at His touch. Nothing can resist the power of the almighty God.

There is no recovery time. If you’ve ever had a bad sickness, like the flu, it takes a while to regain your strength. But her strength was completely restored immediately. And notice what she does…

“and she ministered unto them.” She was lying sick and unable to serve, but after Jesus helped her, she got up and began ministering to others.

There are going to be needs in our lives and in our families that we cannot fix ourselves.
What did they do? They told Jesus.

Sometimes we spend a lot of time worrying about a problem, thinking about a problem, or trying to solve everything ourselves in our mind. You have to understand that you can’t figure everything out on your own. Give it over to Jesus.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

We may not always receive the exact outcome that we want, and this passage is not promising that every physical sickness will immediately be healed. But it does remind us where to bring the things that are beyond our ability. Bring them to Jesus.

And look at the great example that we have from Simon’s mother-in-law.
Jesus helped her, and she immediately used the strength He gave her to serve.

That should make us think: What are we doing with everything that God has done for us?
He has helped us. He has provided for us. He has given us strength. He has saved us and given us everlasting life. The least we can do is get up and serve Him. That’s what this woman did.

When Jesus lifts us up, most of the time we sit right back down and go to sleep. Thank God we have this example of how to respond to the power of Jesus in our lives. Immediate service for Him.

Let Jesus walk into your house, and let Him change it. Don’t leave him outside.
It’s the most wasteful act in all the universe to have the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, but you never seek His help. You never invite Him to fix things in your life.

He has the power and authority to fix your marriage, your children, your work situation, every need and desire that you are looking to fill… Jesus can fix it all for you. Just ask Him for help, and you have to take all of Jesus. Not just the parts that you like. When you truly invite Jesus into your home, and you listen and obey His commands, your house will change in an amazing way.

4. When Jesus Walks In, We bring everyone to Him (vv. 32 – 34)

Mark 1:32-34 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Remember what we just saw. Earlier in the day Jesus taught with authority like no one had ever heard before. He commanded the unclean devil to come out of the man in the synagogue. He healed Simon’s mother-in-law and restored her strength immediately.

Now by the time the sun goes down, look at what starts happening: “they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.”

Notice those words: “They brought unto him…”

These were people who had needs they could not fix themselves, so somebody else brought them to Jesus. They knew where the answer was. They couldn’t heal the sick. They couldn’t cast out the devils.
But they could bring them to Jesus.

I want you to think about that. We cannot save anybody. We cannot forgive someone’s sins. We cannot give someone everlasting life. We cannot change a person’s heart. But we know the One who can save them. It’s Jesus Christ. And it’s our job to bring people to Him. Just like we see here in verse 32.

That should be our attitude toward all the people around us. We have family members who need Jesus.
Neighbors who need Jesus. Coworkers who need Jesus. Thousands of people all around us who are spiritually lost, sick, dying, and on their way to hell. It’s our job to bring them to Jesus.

We preach the gospel to them. Show them from the Word of God how they can have everlasting life through the one and only savior.

Look what happened here when people started bringing others to Jesus:

Mark 1:33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.

Think about that scene. Earlier there were a handful of people inside Simon’s house. Now the sun has gone down, and there is a crowd gathered outside the door.
Why? Because people had heard what Jesus could do, and they wanted others to get to Him.

That’s how we ought to feel if Jesus Christ has saved us. If you truly understand what Jesus has done for you, why would you want to keep that to yourself?

There are people in this city that are dying right now without Jesus. Someone will most likely be shot tonight, God forbid, without Jesus. And maybe that will happen because someone never brought them to Jesus. Simply because they were too afraid or ashamed to preach the gospel.

How can you be ashamed of the power of God that gives everlasting life to anyone that believes?

Mark 1:34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

There were all kinds of problems standing at that door. Different people. Different diseases. Different situations. But there was one Jesus Christ who had authority over all of it.
And when we go out preaching the gospel, we’re going to meet all kinds of people too.

Different backgrounds. Different sins. Different families. Different lifestyles. Different problems.
And the good news is that you don’t need a different gospel for all of those different people.
They all have the same greatest need. They need Jesus Christ.

What must I do to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.
Our job is simple. We don’t have to decide who is worth bringing to Jesus. We don’t have to decide if somebody is too wicked, too religious, if someone won’t be interested based on how they look…

We simply bring everyone to Jesus and let him take care of the rest. That is exactly what the people in Capernaum were doing.

Closing

Think about everything that happened in this passage in just a short amount of time.

Jesus walked in, and His Word carried authority.
Jesus walked in, and darkness was exposed and cast out.
Jesus walked in, and a home was changed.
Jesus walked in, and people brought everyone to Him.

When Jesus walks in, things change in a big way.

Here is the question I want you to think about today:
What has changed in your life since Jesus walked in?

Now that you believe in Jesus…
Does His Word have authority over you?
When His light exposes something wrong in your life, do you get it right—or do you say, “Let us alone”?
When there is a burden that is too big for you to handle, are you trying to solve it yourself, or are you bringing it to Him?

And most importantly, now that you know who Jesus is, you understand His power and authority, and what He offers, who are you bringing to Him?

There are people all around us who desperately need what we already have.
We know the way. We know the truth. We know the Savior. So don’t keep Him to yourself.
Go find somebody and bring them to Jesus. Let’s Pray.