Disciples and Demons
The First Disciples Mark 1:16-20 As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
- What significance might the image of “fishers of men” have had, beyond just the idea that Jesus was talking to fishermen?
- What do you find significant about the response of the men (Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John) to Jesus’ statement? Was this a command or an invitation, and why?
Driving Out an Unclean Spirit Mark 1:21-28 They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes. Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God! ” Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him! ” And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him. They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.
- What was unique about Jesus’ teaching “with authority”? Why did that surprise people?
- What do you learn from the unclean spirit’s recognition of Jesus, and Jesus’ response?
Healings at Capernaum Mark 1:29-34 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town was assembled at the door, and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
- What truths do you see in the account of Simon’s mother-in-law’s healing?
- Why is it important that Mark made a distinction between “various diseases” and “demon-possession”? How did Jesus respond to each?
Preaching in Galilee Mark 1:35-38 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying. Simon and his companions searched for him, and when they found him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”
- Where does Jesus go and why? What do you learn from the disciples’ comment to Jesus, and Jesus’ response?