He Was Preaching The Word.

(Mark 2:1-2 ESV) 1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.

Jesus did so many things while he was in human form. Mark 1 revealed a whirlwind of activity that kept Jesus moving at break-neck speed. Apparently, this pace continued for several days before he returned home to Capernaum. Even at home, people gathered in great numbers just to hear him speak. Jesus could have spoken about many topics. He was a carpenter by trade; he could have spent time showing them some of his handywork. He could have told stories of his childhood; like when his parents couldn’t find him because he was “about my father’s business.”

Mark 2 records an overflow crowd at his home in Capernaum. Scripture is clear, “many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door.” With this wonderful opportunity, “he was preaching the word to them.”

How appropriate that Jesus was busy doing the very thing he was sent to do. Luke records, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 ESV) Nothing could deter his purpose!

We are not told the specific words that Jesus spoke. However, we can summise that his words were authoritative and useful for building the faith of the audience. After all, it was in this setting that four men, moved by faith, removed the roof and lowered their paralytic friend into the presence of Jesus. Of course, this is where the story gets interesting. Jesus, instead of first healing the paralysis, forgives the man of his sins! The scribes were incensed when they heard the words of Jesus. Who did he think he was to declare anyone forgiven of their sins? So, to prove his authority, Jesus proceeded to heal the man.

The order in which these events unfolded is important. First, Jesus preached the word. We know that faith is built in our spirit as we hear and respond positively to the word of God. Second, Jesus dealt with the spiritual need before providing physical relief. It is important to remember, (Matthew 6:33 KJV) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Third, Jesus proved his authority by showing compassion on the man and healing his paralysis. While God always keeps things in proper order, he is always concerned for the personal needs of those who trust him. Finally, God receives the glory! Jesus preached and performed the things that would glorify the Father.

Let me remind you today of the power of God’s word. You can receive it many different forms. Sermons, songs, the word of a friend, scripture reading, devotionals, blogs (like this one); all of these things can bring the word of God into our lives so that faith increases in us. And, where their is faith, God moves in ways that transform our lives.

PRAYER: I declare that the Word is powerfully effective in my life. I realize that every victory I experience will have its root in the Word of God. I declare that as I read and meditate upon God’s Word, faith will rise and be sufficient to overcome every obstacle I face. Knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual maturity will be evident as my spirit is transformed by the Word. Amen.