1. Preachers and others interested: Who's preaching on Mark 1:39-49 this coming Sunday? Any insights? What Law/Gospel couplets are suggested?
2. Me: I think that Mark 1:39-49 is part of the early "epiphanies" revealing that Jesus is more than just a rabbi teaching. He verifies the inbreaking of the Kingdom through His teaching AND signs. This text adds healing to those signs, along with more exorcisms.
3. The Law seems to be our common human experience of condemnation, deterioration, and death. The Gospel is that Jesus overpowers all these things.
4. As is typical of healing narratives, Jesus takes Simon's MIL by the hand and raises her up. The resumption of her household duties may seem like a "rip off" to us, but for her, it's the restoration of her status in that society.
5. I also love that Jesus works to keep the main thing the main thing. His head isn't turned by the crowds extolling Him for His power. He came to preach and bring the Kingdom, not to feed His ego. He stays in touch with the Father. He refuses to be a king on people's terms.
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