Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. (Mark 1:23-34)
Jesus does house calls. Your doctor may not come to your house (like they did years ago) to check on the family. Your friends may not run over to your house to help out when things get tough. But Jesus loves to come into our homes and heal.
The Jesus MO is that he is ready to enter any of our homes and heal the sick. It’s the kingdom ministry of Jesus to show up at any time, any hour of the night, with any situation, and he comes to offer healing.
Jesus loves being around family. As we read the gospel accounts of Jesus, we see him doing his most powerful ministry in homes. He eats with sinners, he heals sinners in their bedrooms, he even allows people to tear off roofs to homes to get in and see him! That’s coming later in Mark.
So, here’s what we’re learning about Jesus and kingdom ministry thus far in Mark. First he preaches the kingdom, second he picks disciples, third, he casts out demons, and now fourthly, he heals the sick.
How many of our churches are doing that kind of ministry?
How about this week we ask Jesus into our homes. Before we run to the doctor or a med, lets invite Jesus into our situation with our family. Lets invite him into our problems. Let’s invite him into our arguments. Let’s make room for Jesus to do a house call.
But be prepared. If you invite Jesus over to your home and he really shows up in power, the whole town might want to come over for dinner. So invite him in but cook a large meal!
When Jesus shows up, everything changes. His kingdom advance is the power we are yearning for. Invite Jesus into your family. He loves to make house calls.
On the Road,
Steve
