They Knew Him—Do You?

Theme Scripture: Mark 1:32-34 "And 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."

Introduction

Mark 1 begins with Jesus’ baptism, His temptation in the wilderness, and the beginning of His public ministry. After calling His first disciples, Peter, Andrew, James, and John; Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a town that would become a central hub for His ministry.

Jesus astonished the people in the synagogue with His teaching and authority (Mark 1:21-28). While there, He cast out an unclean spirit from a man, leaving the crowd amazed, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him!” (Mark 1:27). This public display of power began to spread His fame throughout Galilee.

After the synagogue service, Jesus entered Peter’s home, where Peter’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. In a compassionate act, Jesus took her by the hand, and the fever left her immediately. Not only was she healed, but she was fully restored to strength, enabling her to serve her guests (Mark 1:29-31).

This private miracle set the stage for the public demonstration of His power later that evening. The word of Jesus’ authority over sickness and demons spread rapidly, and by nightfall, the people of Capernaum brought their afflicted loved ones to Him.

1. The Gathering at the Door

As the Sabbath ended at sunset, the town came alive with movement. It was customary for the Jewish people to observe the Sabbath rest strictly, which limited travel and labor during the day. However, once the Sabbath was over, the people wasted no time. Mark 1:33 tells us, “The whole city was gathered together at the door.” The scene was one of urgency and hope, a crowd pressing in, desperate for healing and deliverance. This is where we pick up the story in Mark 1:32-34, witnessing the authority, compassion, and transformative power of Jesus Christ.

In Mark 1:32-34, we witness Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons in Capernaum, a busy fishing village by the Sea of Galilee. The story takes place shortly after Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law in Peter’s home. The news of this miracle spread like wildfire throughout the town. By evening, as the Sabbath ended and people were free to move without restriction, the entire city gathered at Peter’s door, bringing their sick and demon-possessed to Jesus. What followed was an extraordinary demonstration of His power: He healed diseases, expelled demons, and silenced the forces of darkness.

This story is more than an account of physical and spiritual healing; it is a testament to Jesus’ authority, compassion, and mission. Today, let us focus on the three transformative truths in this story: the recognition of His power, the response to His presence, and the results of encountering Him.

2. The Recognition of His Power

One of the most striking details in this passage is the reaction of the demons. Mark 1:34 says, “He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.” Even before the crowds fully understood who Jesus was, the spiritual realm recognized His authority.

What Did the Demons Know?

The Greek word for “knew” is γινώσκω (ginōskō), meaning to have intimate, experiential knowledge. The demons knew Jesus not merely as a man but as the eternal Son of God. In Mark 1:24, a demon-possessed man had cried out in the synagogue, “I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” This confession, though true, came from a place of rebellion and fear. Jesus silenced the demons because their proclamations were not aligned with His mission or timing.

This recognition underscores Jesus’ authority over all creation, including the spiritual realm. As James 2:19 declares, “Even the demons believe—and tremble!” The spiritual forces of darkness cannot stand before the light of Christ. I would like that God have given us power. Jesus gave us authority over demonic forces to emphasize His supremacy.

Scripture says in John 1:2, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” And Luke 10:17-19 says; 17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” 18 “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! 19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. Philippians 2:10-11 says: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”

A criminal or anyone surrenders the moment they see a police officer giving them orders, not because of the officer’s physical strength but because of the authority represented by the badge. Similarly, the demons recognize Jesus’ divine authority in us and cannot resist our command.

3. The Response to His Presence

The people of Capernaum responded to Jesus’ presence with urgency and faith. Mark 1:32 tells us, “They brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.” The townspeople actively sought Jesus, carrying their sick and afflicted to Him.

The Greek term for “brought” (φέρω, pherō) suggests an intentional act of carrying or leading someone. This was not passive faith, it was faith in action. Like the friends who lowered a paralyzed man through a roof to reach Jesus (Luke 5:19-20), these people demonstrated their belief in His ability to heal and deliver. Peter’s home became a place of hope and healing. Imagine the scene: the streets filled with people, the air buzzing with anticipation, and the doorway crowded with those desperate for a touch from Jesus. Wherever Jesus is, hope abounds. Matthew 11:28 says; “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.”

4. The Results of Encountering Him

The results of coming to Jesus were life-changing. Mark 1:34 tells us, “He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons.” His power was not limited by the number or severity of the afflictions. The term “healed” in Greek, θεραπεύω (therapeuō), implies complete restoration. Jesus not only relieved physical ailments but also restored spiritual and emotional well-being. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By His stripes we are healed,” affirming His mission to bring wholeness to humanity. Jesus silenced the demons, demonstrating His authority over them. His power extended beyond healing to controlling the forces of darkness, ensuring that His mission unfolded according to God’s timing.

• Acts 10:38: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth...who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.”

• Matthew 9:35: “Jesus went about all the cities and villages...healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”

What does these scriptures (Mark 1:32-34) mean for us today?

1. Come to Jesus

   Just as the people of Capernaum brought their burdens to Jesus, we must bring our struggles to Him. Whether it’s sickness, sin, or spiritual oppression, Jesus invites us to come: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

   
   

2. Recognize His Authority

   The demons knew Him, and so must we. Acknowledge His lordship over every area of your life, for Philippians 2:10 declares, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”

   
   

3. Live by Faith

   Faith is the key to unlocking God’s power. The people of Capernaum acted in faith, and so must we. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “He rewards those who diligently seek Him.”

Conclusion:

The story in Mark 1:32-34 is a testament to Jesus’ authority and compassion. The demons knew Him and trembled. The people sought Him and were healed. Today, the same Jesus stands ready to heal, deliver, and restore.

Who do you turn to in times of need? The same Jesus who healed the sick, cast out demons, and restored lives invites you to come to Him. He will never fail you.

The demons knew Him. The people sought Him. Will you? Bring your burdens to Jesus today, and experience His life-changing power.