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Jesus Takes Our Place
In Mark 1:21-2:17, we see that Jesus heals us and brings us close to God, not just by coming to us, but by taking our place.
What’s Happening?
Jesus begins showing his authority in a synagogue when he casts out an unclean spirit. The spirit itself declares that Jesus is the Holy One of God (Mark 1:24). Everyone is amazed—Jesus speaks and acts with authority unlike any other.
Soon the whole town gathers to Jesus for healing (Mark 1:33–34). Among them is a leper, who by law should have stayed outside the city. But instead of being defiled by touching him, Jesus heals him instantly. Ironically, the man returns to community life while Jesus himself is pushed out into a “lonely place” (Mark 1:45).
Back in Capernaum, Jesus heals a paralyzed man. But before he does, he declares, “Your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). The religious leaders accuse him of blasphemy, because only God can forgive sins. But Jesus proves his authority by both forgiving and healing (Mark 2:10–12).
Finally, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow him. When the religious leaders condemn him for eating with outcasts, Jesus replies, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
Where is the Gospel?
These three stories show us that Jesus, as God’s Son, has the authority to release people from everything that binds them—sin, sickness, and evil.
For the leper, Jesus reaches into uncleanness and restores him with a touch. For the paralytic, Jesus shows that his authority goes deeper than physical healing—it extends to the forgiveness of sins. For Levi, Jesus welcomes an outcast into his circle, showing that no one is too far gone to be restored.
This is the fulfillment of Isaiah 53, where God’s servant enters into our sickness and iniquity and carries them away. Jesus does not avoid our brokenness—he takes it on himself to heal it. He bears our diseases, removes our iniquities, and restores us to life with God.
The good news is that Jesus’ authority is not limited to one time or place. He still speaks forgiveness, heals brokenness, and welcomes sinners into his family.
See for Yourself
I pray that the Holy Spirit would open your eyes to see the God who has authority over sin, sickness, and evil. And may you see Jesus as the one who carries away your iniquity and heals you with his presence.