Mark 1:29 - Meaning and Application

In these verses, we have a particular account of one miracle Christ worked, the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, who was sick with a fever. We had this passage before in Matthew. Notice how, after Christ had done what spread his fame everywhere, he did not sit still, as some people think they may do once their name is known. He kept on doing good, because that was his goal, not his own honor.

When he came out of the synagogue, where he had taught and healed with divine authority, he still spoke freely with the poor fishermen who followed him, and he did not think this was beneath him. We should have the same humble mind that was in him. He went into Peter’s house, likely invited there for the kind of hospitality a poor fisherman could offer, and he accepted it. The apostles had left all for Christ, so what they had should not keep them from him, but they could still use it for his sake.

He healed Peter’s mother-in-law, who was sick. Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good, and he will repay richly for any welcome he receives. Notice how complete the healing was. When the fever left her, it did not leave her weak, as fevers often do. The same hand that healed her also strengthened her, so she was able to serve them. Healing is meant to fit us for action, so that we may serve Christ and those who belong to him for his sake.

We then get a general account of many healings he performed, sicknesses cured and demons driven out. This happened in the evening after the Sabbath, when the sun had set. Perhaps many hesitated to bring their sick to him until the Sabbath was over, but their weakness in this did not keep them from Christ. Though he showed that it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath, those who had been troubled by it were welcome to come at another time.

The number of people was great. The whole city gathered at the door, like beggars waiting for a gift. That one healing in the synagogue had drawn this crowd. When others do well with Christ, it should stir us to seek him too. Now the Sun of righteousness rises with healing in his wings, and people will gather to him. Christ was followed not only in the synagogue but also in a private house. Wherever he is, there should his servants and patients be. And after the Sabbath evening, when public worship is finished, we must still keep close to Jesus Christ. He healed, as Paul preached, both in public and from house to house.

Christ also showed great power as a healer. He healed all who were brought to him, no matter how many they were. He did not limit himself to one kind of disease. He healed those who had many different diseases, for his word was like a cure for every wound. He also repeated in the house that same miracle he had done in the synagogue, for he cast out many demons and did not allow the demons to speak, because he made them know who he was and silenced them. Or, as the words may be read, he would not let them say that they knew him. He would not allow any more of them to make the claim they had made in (Mark 1:24), “I know who you are.”

He then withdrew for private prayer, which gives us an example of secret prayer. Though as God he was prayed to, as man he prayed. Though he was honoring God and doing good in public, he still made time to be alone with his Father, and so he fulfilled all righteousness. Notice the time when Christ prayed. It was in the morning, the morning after the Sabbath day. When a Sabbath is over, we must not think we can put devotion aside until the next Sabbath. Even if we do not go to the synagogue, we should go to the throne of grace every day. This is especially true the morning after the Sabbath, so we can keep the good impressions of the day. This was also the morning of the first day of the week, which he later made important by another kind of early rising.

He prayed early, a long while before day. While others slept in their beds, he was praying, like a true Son of David who seeks God early and directs his prayer in the morning, even rising at midnight to give thanks. It has been said that the morning is a friend to learning, and it is no less a friend to grace. When our minds are freshest and most alive, we should set time aside for devotion. The one who is first and best should have our first and best.

The place where he prayed was a solitary place, either outside the town or in some quiet garden or outbuilding. Though he was not in danger of distraction or pride, he still withdrew to set an example of his own teaching: “When you pray, go into your room.” Secret prayer must be truly secret. Those who have the most public work, and the best kind of work, must still spend time alone with God. They must retire into solitude to speak with him and keep fellowship with him.

Then he returned to public work. The disciples thought they had risen early, but they found that their Master had risen before them. They asked which way he had gone, followed him to his solitary place, and found him at prayer. They told him that many people were looking for him, since there were many patients waiting for his help. “Everyone is looking for you,” they said. They were pleased that their Master had already become popular, and they wanted him to stay where they were, especially because it was their own city. We are often partial to places we know and care about.

But Christ answered that Capernaum must not keep the Messiah’s preaching and miracles for itself. They must go to the nearby towns and villages so he could preach there also and work miracles there, because that was why he had come. He had not come to stay in one place, but to go about doing good. Even the people of Israel’s villages would speak of the righteous acts of the Lord (Judges 5:11). Christ kept his eye on the purpose for which he came, and he held to it closely. He would not be turned aside by pressure or by the wishes of his friends. So he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and, to support and confirm his teaching, he cast out demons. Christ’s teaching is Satan’s ruin.