Mark 2:1-2

Passage

After some time in the wilderness, Jesus returned home to Capernaum.  Again the crowds come out, more than could possibly fit into his house.  There was no room for them even to stand comfortably near the door.  While the crowds came to Him, Jesus preached God’s Word.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus goes back to Capernaum.  A few weeks ago in my sermon research I stumbled upon some data that comes out in these verses.  The Bible calls Capernaum the place where Jesus had a home.  Think about it for a second.  He was born in Bethlehem.  He was raised in Nazareth.  But as an adult He has chosen to call Capernaum home.  That should tell us something about the spiritual receptivity of Capernaum at this time and the relative non-receptivity of Nazareth.

Imagine being a part of Capernaum and knowing that Jesus chose to live among you!  How do you think you would respond if Jesus took up physical residence right next door to you?  What is the range of statements that could be made about your neighborhood if Jesus lived among you?

Second Thought:

The crowds hear about Jesus and they come.  They want to see what Jesus is up to.  The want to be there should something incredible happen.  Perhaps like all of us, on some level they just want to be entertained.  Whatever the reason, they come.  I think this is one of the primary reasons Jesus chooses Capernaum in which to dwell.  People are willing to respond.

Why is response important?  What kind of other attributes does response bring?  Think about how Jesus’ house must have felt.  How would you have described?  Energy?  Mood? Excitement?  Style?

Third Thought:

Jesus teaches about God’s Word.  Jesus has a captive audience, so He talks to them about God.  There is no better lesson than to teach about God’s Word and how it applies to our life.  People want to use all kinds of gimmicks and tricks.  The best lesson is starting with the truth and then applying it to life.

How often do you talk about God’s Word?  Why do you think many people feel the need to use tricks and gimmicks to talk about God’s Word?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 2:3-5