03
The Possessed Man in the Synagogue
Mark 1:21-28
Excitement tingles through Simon’s veins as he and his three fellow-fishermen walk alongside Jesus on their way to Capernaum. They hang onto His every word because He speaks so captivatingly. Simon soon forgets all his initial scepticism about this discipleship. For the first time in his life, things start to make sense to him. They do not even notice that the sun is setting and that it is nearly time for the Sabbath. They arrive in Capernaum just in time before sundown.
Out of habit, Simon puts on his ‘Sabbath face’ and behaves solemnly, as every good Jew should. He feels a bit uneasy that their new Teacher does not seem to be bothered by the unwritten rule that one should say and do as little as possible on the Sabbath. He carries on as if it were just an ordinary evening. “What kind of Rabbi is He?”
Upon arriving home, Simon excitedly tells his wife about his encounter and that he has decided to become a disciple of this Prophet, Jesus.
“But what about your work?” she asks. “When will you fish if you are following a Prophet all day? How will we survive?”
“The Lord will provide!” he explains with confidence.
“And there is another thing,” she tells him. “I am worried about my mother; she is not well - something is seriously wrong.”
That night, Simon barely sleeps. On the one hand, he worries about his mother-in-law’s illness, and on the other, he is excited about his new discipleship. On top of that, nagging uncertainty gnaws at him. He tosses and turns the entire night.
As soon as dawn breaks, Simon leaves the house to find Jesus. Jesus is already up and greets him cheerfully, “Shalom!” One by one, the other men arrive as well. “What are we doing today?” they wonder. Jesus reads their thoughts: “Come with Me to the synagogue,” He invites them.
When they arrive at the synagogue, Jesus immediately begins speaking with the men. He teaches them from the Scriptures, and everyone hangs on His every word. Simon listens, mesmerised by everything Jesus says. The scribes who usually preach only confuse his simple fisherman’s mind - they speak far above his understanding. But for the first time in his life, Simon hears the same teachings in a way so simple that he understands every word. Suddenly, the Scriptures make sense to him - they come alive!
But then, Simon is suddenly jolted out of his euphoria when someone storms into the synagogue, screaming hysterically. The man points his finger straight at Jesus and shrieks manically, “What have You to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”
“Take him out! He’s mad!” shouts one of the men.
They try to restrain him, but he is as strong as an ox. “Have You come to destroy us?” he wails, his voice echoing through the synagogue. Simon is instantly furious - how dare this man speak to his Rabbi in such a manner?
“I know who You are - You are the Holy One of God!” the man screams, foam bubbling at the corners of his mouth. Simon is shaken when he sees the man’s eyes - they are fiery, wild, animalistic.
Then, Simon hears his Master’s voice - sharp yet completely calm: “Be silent and come out of him!”
The next moment, the possessed man convulses violently, then lets out one last, loud cry. And suddenly, everything is over. Dazed, the man regains his senses. He is completely normal, and his eyes are peaceful.
Simon cannot believe what he has just witnessed. Everyone knows this possessed man, and everyone fears him. But now, for the very first time, he is calm and as normal as any other man. “What is happening here?” Simon wonders aloud. “Even the evil spirits obey Him when He speaks!” His respect for his new Teacher instantly grows. Right then and there, Simon decides that he has made the right choice in becoming Jesus’s disciple. “I will stand by Him through thick and thin!” he tells himself.
The news spreads like wildfire about this notorious possessed man who is suddenly healed. Across all of Galilee, Jesus, the Miracle Prophet, is suddenly on everyone’s lips, and Simon’s heart swells with pride for HIS Teacher. But deep in his heart, his concern for his mother-in-law grows. Her condition worsens by the day. What is he going to do?
The question is: do we need to see a miracle before we truly decide to follow Jesus? For the first disciples, it was probably necessary because they had no idea who Jesus really was. But you and I have known from childhood, through the Bible, who He is and about the marvellous things He has done. Yesterday, I asked if you were willing to follow Jesus. Today, I invite you to take that step. Moreover, He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us every step of the way. Let’s do this!
Prayer:
Lord,
from today, I want to follow You unconditionally with all my heart,
soul, and life. Please show me the way!