Miracles of Healing in the Gospel of Mark
16 Studies for Individual or Small Group
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It is noteworthy that Mark begins his account of Jesus’ public kingdom work with the healing of a man possessed by an unclean spirit. It is also significant that this healing occurred in the synagogue on the sabbath. Healing by exorcism was a central part of the ministry of Jesus, according to Mark’s gospel. Healing by exorcism was calculated and essential to God’s kingdom in several ways.
First, exorcism was central to the kingdom work of God. Healing defined Jesus’ divine mission as the Messiah of God. Second, healing was a sign that the kingdom of God had broken into human history. Third, the exorcisms showed the continuous conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Fourth, Mark interpreted healing and salvation as being inseparable. Biblically and theologically, they represent the two sides of the same coin. Fifth, the healing miracles demonstrated that Satan’s evil kingdom is no match for the kingdom of God. Sixth, Mark emphasized that healing would not only be central to the kingdom work of Jesus, but also for the church, the body of Christ. And seventh, the gospel of Mark demonstrated that Jesus healed the whole person. It is essential to understand that Jesus treated exorcism as more of a cure than a punishment.1
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Early on in my study, it became evident that Mark was not simply recounting the healing incidents that Jesus had performed. Mark looked at the healing miracles of Jesus through the lens of God’s perspective. What was significant to Mark and what captured my spiritual imagination was his interpretation of the healing miracles. He made it clear to the readers that Jesus clearly understood the redemptive implications of his mission as the Jewish healer-redeemer. Jesus fully embraced his Messianic mission to bring salvation to the Hebrew people. He would become the perfect sacrificial lamb of God to bring about the restoration of fallen humanity. In and through him, God’s good creation would be restored.
Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, God would create a new covenant of grace, which could be acceptable to both Jews and Gentiles. The healing miracles demonstrated the defeat of sin, sickness, death, and the evil influence of Satan’s demonic forces. Jesus did this by not only removing our sins but also taking the consequences of our sins upon himself, nailing them to the cross. All of Jesus’ healing miracles were interpreted similarly. I found Mark’s gospel both inspiring and informative, allowing me to see the heart, love, compassion, and mind of God for His creation.
About the Author
Dr. John I. Penn Is a retired ordained United Methodist minister. From 2002 to 2008, Penn served as the pastor of Simpson United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware. Before coming to Simpson, Penn served seven-and-a-half years as the Director of Spiritual Formation and Healing at Upper Room Ministries. As an ordained minister, he has served several pastorates in the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference. He has served the church for thirty-five years. Penn has served in two cross-racial appointments as associate pastor.
Dr. Penn is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. He is the author of several books: Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts (Upper Room Books), a companion workbook for Dr. Charles Bryant’s book of the same title; Getting Well, A Study for Children about Spiritual and Physical Healing (initially published by Abingdon Press); Equipped to Serve, A Study for Children about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and About Caring and Healing, An Activities and Coloring Book for Children.
He has also written booklets for youth and adults: What Everyone Should Know about Healing (Companion to About Caring and Healing); Understanding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit; and About the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Penn holds degrees from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Bachelor of Science in Music Education), Oral Roberts University (Master of Theology), Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary [now Palmer Theological Seminary] (Master of Divinity), and Wesley Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry).
Dr. Penn enjoys playing tennis, writing, gardening, composing music, reading, and listening to jazz. He is married to Gloria J. Parker Penn, the author of Miracles Still Happen. They have been blessed with six children (one deceased), ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Visit my website https://www.my-book-store.com .