Digging Deeper: People Were Coming to Him
40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
2 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.
Mark 1:40-2:2 (ESV)
PEOPLE WERE COMING TO HIM
Growing up I loved the Atlanta Braves, and I loved collecting sports memorabilia. I vividly remember my third-grade field trip to watch the Braves play the San Diego Padres. I brought my brother’s glove, a stack of trading cards I received from my Christmas list, a baseball, and a black Sharpie. That day I walked out with 17 autographs, not because the stadium was empty, but because I could squeeze my body between people to get to the front. My dad watched in amazement because of his claustrophobia. Now why did I go to all of that effort? These guys were celebrities! Jeff Francoeur, Adam Laroche, and Braves legend, Ryan Langerhans (for some reason, Chipper wasn’t entertaining 10-year-olds that day).
Before we jump into our passage for the week, we need to understand why the house was full. Why was Jesus so sought after? This is only the second chapter of Mark. Jesus has just begun his public ministry after about 30 years of obscurity. So far Mark has talked of Jesus’ baptism, him being tempted, calling his disciples, and bringing about three miracles (healing a man with an unclean spirit, healing a town from sickness and demonic possession, and cleansing a leper).
I don’t know about you, but just one of those miracles is enough for me to want to fight a crowd at Turner Field for Jesus’ autograph! This house was over the fire code because they wanted to see Jesus perform a miracle in their own lives.
Jesus’ miracles were not just party tricks. They were life changing. Imagine being possessed by a demon, being sick for years, or being isolated from community due to a disease. To us these may just seem like simple Bible stories; but put yourself in their shoes. I would tell everyone I know!
Apparently, I am not alone. Jesus tried everything to remain obscure, but very soon he could not enter a town because people were coming from every quarter to see him. Jesus returned to Capernaum and immediately was surrounded by others looking for their own miracles. He was surrounded by people who were willing to do Whatever It Takes to get healed by Jesus.
For you today, are you willing to get to Jesus no matter the inconvenience? This house was not comfortable. There were a lot of people and no air conditioning. Maybe the line was out the door and Jesus was moving at the speed of the DMV. What if you had another meeting on your calendar for that day? What would be enough to send you away?
I would hate for us today to miss Jesus and the blessing he brings all because it does not fit on our calendar. Maybe today Jesus wants to speak to you. Will you allow yourself a few undistracted minutes to hear from him?
Sellers Hickman serves as College Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their one year old, Emery. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.