Exorcist & Healer Without Peer

The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany in the Year of Mark continues our methodical journey through the first chapter of Mark.  Each week we see more evidence of the reign of God coming near as disciples are called, demons are cast out, and this week in Mark 1:29-39, healings occur.  Each is a further manifestation that the authority which the spirits of this age have is now being overcome by One whose authority is infinitely greater.

(The following questions seek to give an answer to some of the basic questions for Law and Gospel preachers, namely "what is the Word up to in this text?"  These questions have been designed as part of my brief guide to Law and Gospel preaching, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com or amazon.)

1.  How does the Word function in the text?  The Word, here Jesus, functions in the same way it has earlier in this chapter, as an announcement of Jesus' power over the spirits of this age.  Whether it is the fever Jesus casts out of Peter's mother-in-law, or the demons which are cast out, or the diseases which are healed, each announces that Jesus has authority over all which would rob the human person of the abundant life God wishes for them.  This is a gospel function.

2.  How is the Word not functioning in the text?  There is really no word of Law here.  Persons are lifted up as in need of a Savior, in the sense of needing deliverance from sickness and demons, but not in the sense of being estranged from God.  There is no judgement here.

3.  With whom are you identifying in the text?  It is usually most helpful to identify with those whom are being addressed by the Word, but here those addressed by the Word are fevers, sicknesses, and demons.  It is probably difficult to identify with them.  We, however, could identify with those who are controlled by such afflictions and powers.  We then would be in the position to experience the liberation that Jesus brings.

4.  What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text?  More than one commentator has identified Peter's mother-in-law as an example of discipleship since she immediately serves Jesus and his disciples following her healing.  That she is a good example goes without saying.  However, there may be more there than is often assumed.

5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text?  If we enter into the experience of those persons in this story who are healed and freed we can imagine some helpful couplets:  sick/well; bound/free; possessed by evil spirits/possessed by the Spirit.

6.  Exegetical work:  It is noteworthy that, as several writers have pointed out, (Boring, Donahue, Harrington), only in the Book of Mark is confrontation with evil spirits the initial public act of Jesus' ministry.  This continues to a notable degree in this text as "casting out demons" is brought up no less than three times.  Kittel has some interesting things to say in his extended discussion of the term daimones (demons).  Here are several excerpts: "In the NT there are two kingdoms, the kingdom of the prince of this world and the kingdom of God."  "...in most of the stories of possession what is at issue is not merely sickness but a destruction and distortion of the divine likeness in man according to creation."  "The NT bears witness to the victory won by Jesus over evil spirits - a victory which is efficacious for the community and will preserve it through the temptations of the last time." (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, vol. II, p. 18-19)  Eugene Boring, in his commentary on Mark, also notes the importance of exorcism in Jesus' ministry:  "Exorcism... is inseparably incorporated into Jesus' message. 'Authority' (exousia) is found nine times in Mark always with reference to Jesus... The same powerful word that calls people to discipleship (1:16-20) is present in Jesus' teaching with authority and conquest of the demonic element in human life (1:21-28), all of which is an aspect of the word of the dawning kingdom of God. (1:14-15)." (Mark, The NT Library, p. 63)  Boring also comments on the status of Peter's mother-in-law.  He explains that because of her fever she "is robbed of status and dignity, unable to offer hospitality in her own home."  "The fever 'leaves' her, like the unclean spirit in 1:25..."  "[Her service] means she is now restored to fullness of life, that she can serve guests in her own home." (Ibid, p. 66)

7.  Consider the insights of the pioneers of the New Homiletic?  How can we help our listeners recognize their shared story in this story?  That was the central question for Charles Rice and his colleagues.  In this text we might ask, "How can I as preacher bring the liberating Word to bear upon the shared story of suffering that our listeners carry?"

Blessings on your proclamation!