Mk 1:29-39
In 24 verses (1:21-45) of the first chapter of his Gospel, Mark portrays one day in the life of Jesus. In this section are found exorcisms, healings, and teaching which take place throughout the day and into the evening and the following morning.
Two Marcan characteristics of Jesus emerge from this picture. First, most of these deeds are done on the Sabbath, which was regulated by a whole collection of laws. By performing such mighty works on the Sabbath, Jesus was violating these laws and exerting his own authority.
Secondly, although he is clearly portrayed as a teacher/preacher, the content of Jesus’ teaching is never central to Mark. His emphasis is placed, rather, on the announcement of the kingdom of God being at hand and the repentance which should flow forth from this good news.
In effect, in Mark, Jesus always seems to be in a hurry. He travels quickly from one place to another and does more in one day than most people are able to do in a week!
This unique presentation of Jesus by Mark gives the whole story an urgency and pushes the reader on to the next section of the Gospel in order to see where Jesus is headed next and what he will be doing there.
His purpose in all of this traveling is to preach. As Mark portrays Jesus’ audience, his preaching had effect; that is, those who believed experienced the kingdom of God in Jesus. The reader, likewise, can experience it by reading and believing in the Gospel.