A Narrow View of Jesus
Mark 1:29-45
Message #5
Don’t you know people with a narrow view of Jesus Christ? I’m not talking about a narrow view as in Jesus is the only way to heaven – that’s what the entire Bible says. I’m talking about people who latch on to one thing or one event or one type of scripture in the Bible and then build their entire view of Jesus Christ on that one narrow thing.
Isn’t it interesting that almost always the one thing that person latches onto, in some way, tends to serve their own needs? It happens in churches all the time, where churches get a narrow focus on one thing about God or his Word.
But it also happens outside the church with people who have some knowledge of the Bible. If they’ve grown up with the Ten Commandments, maybe they latch on to that and ignore everything else. If caring for the poor is their thing, then that one area is what they latch onto in the life of Jesus.
I’ve seen people take one parable and make an entire world view out of it – for them and others. Why do we tend to embrace these narrow views of Jesus, focusing on just one area or one theme in the Bible? Most often, it is in order to (in some way) serve our own purposes, which is exactly what we see today in Mark Chapter 1.
Today we’re going to see three separate situations where the people had a very narrow view of Jesus, and each time it was (in some way) to serve their own purposes. And one of these three events involve the Disciples who also miss the greater purpose of who Jesus is and why he came.
My prayer for us today is that we won’t do that – that we won’t put Jesus in our own box and then use him for our own purpose.
It all starts today in Mark 1:29.
Mark 1:29 (NLT)
29 After Jesus left the synagogue (in Capernaum) with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home.
Last week we saw the real authority of Jesus in the Synagogue at Capernaum both in his teaching and over the demonic realm. And today, right on the heels of that, verse 29 says: Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, and they went to Simon and Andrew’s home.
We love this place in Israel. Capernaum is so well-preserved; the ruins of the synagogue are incredible – we love to teach there. And it’s only may 150 feet from the synagogue to the family home of Peter and Andrew, which is also miraculously well-preserved (always a favorite).
And so, Jesus, with what will become the inner circle of Disciples, takes a short walk over to Peter’s house for a falafel and hummus lunch after a busy morning in the Synagogue. But when they get there, Peter’s mother-in-law is sick.
Mark 1:30 (NLT)
30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away.
First of all, this is Peter – the supposed first Pope of the Catholic Church – who’s mother-in-law is sick. But there is only one way to get a mother-in-law, and that’s to be married… (so, if that’s meaningful to you…)
So, Peter’s mother-in-law is sick, and the Disciples tell Jesus about her right away. And we read in Mark 1:31,
Mark 1:31 (NLT)
31 So he (Jesus) went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.
Now, Peter’s mother-in-law was not the one with the narrow view of Jesus. Those people are on their way. This is simply the great compassion of Jesus … He took her by the hand, helped her sit up, and the fever left her. But some people do see a narrow view here. They think Jesus was hungry, and Peter’s mother-in-law was the cook, so…
But… Jesus could’ve “made” his own lunch, right?
The true narrow view people show up in Mark 1:32.
Mark 1:32 (NLT)
32 That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus.
Talk about news spreading fast, and that’s without social media. This is later on the same day that Jesus healed the demon-possessed man in the Synagogue and fortunately, Jesus did have some lunch because he’s going to have a wild evening service. But, because it was the Sabbath, the people could not come out of their houses until after sunset.
And so again, verse 32 says, after sunset, they brought many sick and demon-possessed people to Jesus. Immediately the people storm Peter’s house where they knew Jesus was, and Mark 1:33 says,
Mark 1:33 says (NLT)
33 The whole town gathered at the door to watch.
Now, tell me please, how many of these people were interested in the bigger picture of who Jesus is or what he had come to do? I think it’s safe to say… zero.
This is having a narrow view of Jesus, and we can’t blame these people. They were, or they had with them, sick and demon-possessed people and that was all that was on their minds. And we would’ve probably had the narrow view in that moment.
But here’s the thing we’ve got to see. These people, and a bunch more like them, will continue to chase Jesus around for the next three years – and most of them never widen their view of him! Most of them will never stop seeking Jesus for just their physical needs at the moment – whether it’s healing, deliverance, or a free lunch. And some people today will never widen their view of Jesus Christ beyond seeing him as the one who’s supposed to meet all their current needs.
Jesus knew that he knew he would never see most of these people again. But still, he healed them.
Mark 1:34 (NLT)
34 So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. (again, we see his Real Authority over the Demonic Realm)
These people were receiving miraculous healing from Jesus. But did they ever widen their view of him? Did they ever get the bigger picture? Sadly, for most of them, it doesn’t seem like they did. And what was the wider view of this event? What was the bigger picture here? Certainly, scholars speculate answers to that question.
But my focus today is, do you ask that bigger picture question…? When you come to Jesus for something you need? Healing, or deliverance or lunch? Do you ask the wider view question: Jesus, how does this fit into your bigger plan? And How can I know you better through this current need that I have? How can I have a wider view? And how can I see the bigger picture of what you might be doing in the midst of my current need?
Guys, if we only come to Jesus saying, “Fix my stuff and I’ll be on my way…” then we’ll never learn to know him personally, and we’ll never learn to be part of his bigger plan. Does that make sense? Okay, that was the first narrow view group.
The second narrow view group are the Disciples themselves.
Mark 1:35 (NLT)
35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Listen, please, I could teach an entire series on this one verse, and in fact, we have. It’s called “Alone With God,” and I believe it is one of the most important series I’ve ever taught. And if you look at the example of Jesus, here, you can easily see that being alone with God was incredibly important to him as well. If you’re interested in knowing why this is so important, get our “Alone With God” series.
But for today, we’re looking at the problem of us having a narrow view of Jesus, and we see the narrow view here of Jesus’ own Disciples.
Mark 1:36-37 (NLT)
36 Later Simon (Peter) and the others went out to find him.
37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
Remember, the Disciples were thinking the Messiah would be a social, political King (their narrow view), just like some people still think today. And they’re seeing the popularity numbers take off like a rocket here, and that’s good for the coming campaign. And so, what do you think the Disciples are implying with this line, “Everyone is looking for you.”?
Don’t you think they’re saying, “Jesus, we just got started yesterday, we’re on a roll, Boss, the people are all back today, and they’re looking for more of the same? So, let’s get back there, and let’s get to healin’ a bunch more people, ’cause if you keep this up, you’re gonna have this whole nation wrapped around your finger. Just keep goin’ with all that miracle stuff and we’re gonna be golden!”
Then, Mark 1:38 says,
Mark 1:38 (NLT)
38 But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”
Whoa, Jesus – no – too early. We gotta ride the momentum you created here. This is your new home town, and these people love you. You have a chance to build an army of loyal followers here. Now, let’s get back to giving the people what they want, okay chief?
NO! It’s not okay.
And I can just imagine Jesus just slowly standing up from the rock where he’d been alone with the father and just… walking away. And the Disciples are like, “Man, what’s he doing? He’s walking away from his first big win. We are gonna have to teach this guy a few things if he’s ever gonna have a Mega-Church!”
And Jesus does keep casting our demons, and he does keep healing but not for the reasons that the Disciples probably thought. Jesus heals and he delivers – out of his compassion – out of his love and his mercy toward us. But he does it as he is headed toward accomplishing his bigger plan and accomplishing his bigger purpose! Both in the world and in our lives! The question today is, are we looking for that?
And so, Mark 1:39 says,
Mark 1:39 (NLT)
39 So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
Then, finally, our third victim with a narrow view of Jesus.
Mark 1:40-41 (NLT)
40 A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”
Guys, Jesus is filled with mercy and compassion! And he heals and delivers out of that mercy and compassion. But that is not why Jesus came to earth! If Jesus didn’t stay focused on the wider view and on the bigger picture of his own plan and purpose, then this leper would’ve been healed temporarily. But he would’ve been lost for eternity – separated from God. And so would you and I.
I think one big reason for the narrow view some people have of Jesus is that eternity is not big enough in their minds. They’re consumed with their own immediate needs or what they see around them. And Jesus says, I care, and I will move in your life in order to carry you through this vapor that is your time on earth. But it is not the wider view of what I’m doing and it is not the bigger plan or purpose.
But, back to the compassion of the Lord in this moment.
Mark 1:42 says (NLT)
42 Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.
Praise the Lord – it’s wonderful! But then – look at the “then.”
Mark 1:43-44 (NLT)
43 Then (Literally: immediately) Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning:
44 “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Why would Jesus sternly warn this healed man to do exactly as he said? Does it really matter why? If you know the Lord Jesus at all and he miraculously heals you, and then he sternly warns you to do exactly what he says, should you really be asking him why? Wouldn’t you think obedience would just follow such a miraculous healing?
You would think so. But this guy did what he wanted. He did what served his own purposes – whatever they were.
Mark 1:45 (NLT)
45 But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, (of this man’s Narrow View) large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
Let me ask you this. Do you think this guy returned to be part of Jesus’ bigger plan and bigger purpose? No – I don’t think so either.
In all three of these events, these people had a very narrow view of Jesus. Fortunately, the Disciples eventually came around. How about you?
How long will it take us to look past our current circumstances and past our current needs and really commit to the Lord – to look for the wider view of what Jesus might be doing in our lives; to look for the bigger picture, for the bigger plan and the bigger purpose that Jesus is at work for in our lives?
I pray that we would refuse to have a narrow view of Jesus Christ in our lives. These people missed the bigger picture because they were focused on their own needs and on their own narrow view of Jesus. And 2,000 years later, we still see the exact same thing.
Let’s let God be God. And let’s commit to join him in his bigger plan and his bigger purpose for this world and for our lives.
Isn’t it interesting that almost always the one thing that person latches onto, in some way, tends to serve their own needs? It happens in churches all the time, where churches get a narrow focus on one thing about God or his Word.
But it also happens outside the church with people who have some knowledge of the Bible. If they’ve grown up with the Ten Commandments, maybe they latch on to that and ignore everything else. If caring for the poor is their thing, then that one area is what they latch onto in the life of Jesus.
I’ve seen people take one parable and make an entire world view out of it – for them and others. Why do we tend to embrace these narrow views of Jesus, focusing on just one area or one theme in the Bible? Most often, it is in order to (in some way) serve our own purposes, which is exactly what we see today in Mark Chapter 1.
Today we’re going to see three separate situations where the people had a very narrow view of Jesus, and each time it was (in some way) to serve their own purposes. And one of these three events involve the Disciples who also miss the greater purpose of who Jesus is and why he came.
My prayer for us today is that we won’t do that – that we won’t put Jesus in our own box and then use him for our own purpose.
It all starts today in Mark 1:29.
Mark 1:29 (NLT)
29 After Jesus left the synagogue (in Capernaum) with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home.
Last week we saw the real authority of Jesus in the Synagogue at Capernaum both in his teaching and over the demonic realm. And today, right on the heels of that, verse 29 says: Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, and they went to Simon and Andrew’s home.
We love this place in Israel. Capernaum is so well-preserved; the ruins of the synagogue are incredible – we love to teach there. And it’s only may 150 feet from the synagogue to the family home of Peter and Andrew, which is also miraculously well-preserved (always a favorite).
And so, Jesus, with what will become the inner circle of Disciples, takes a short walk over to Peter’s house for a falafel and hummus lunch after a busy morning in the Synagogue. But when they get there, Peter’s mother-in-law is sick.
Mark 1:30 (NLT)
30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away.
First of all, this is Peter – the supposed first Pope of the Catholic Church – who’s mother-in-law is sick. But there is only one way to get a mother-in-law, and that’s to be married… (so, if that’s meaningful to you…)
So, Peter’s mother-in-law is sick, and the Disciples tell Jesus about her right away. And we read in Mark 1:31,
Mark 1:31 (NLT)
31 So he (Jesus) went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.
Now, Peter’s mother-in-law was not the one with the narrow view of Jesus. Those people are on their way. This is simply the great compassion of Jesus … He took her by the hand, helped her sit up, and the fever left her. But some people do see a narrow view here. They think Jesus was hungry, and Peter’s mother-in-law was the cook, so…
But… Jesus could’ve “made” his own lunch, right?
The true narrow view people show up in Mark 1:32.
Mark 1:32 (NLT)
32 That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus.
Talk about news spreading fast, and that’s without social media. This is later on the same day that Jesus healed the demon-possessed man in the Synagogue and fortunately, Jesus did have some lunch because he’s going to have a wild evening service. But, because it was the Sabbath, the people could not come out of their houses until after sunset.
And so again, verse 32 says, after sunset, they brought many sick and demon-possessed people to Jesus. Immediately the people storm Peter’s house where they knew Jesus was, and Mark 1:33 says,
Mark 1:33 says (NLT)
33 The whole town gathered at the door to watch.
Now, tell me please, how many of these people were interested in the bigger picture of who Jesus is or what he had come to do? I think it’s safe to say… zero.
This is having a narrow view of Jesus, and we can’t blame these people. They were, or they had with them, sick and demon-possessed people and that was all that was on their minds. And we would’ve probably had the narrow view in that moment.
But here’s the thing we’ve got to see. These people, and a bunch more like them, will continue to chase Jesus around for the next three years – and most of them never widen their view of him! Most of them will never stop seeking Jesus for just their physical needs at the moment – whether it’s healing, deliverance, or a free lunch. And some people today will never widen their view of Jesus Christ beyond seeing him as the one who’s supposed to meet all their current needs.
Jesus knew that he knew he would never see most of these people again. But still, he healed them.
Mark 1:34 (NLT)
34 So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. (again, we see his Real Authority over the Demonic Realm)
These people were receiving miraculous healing from Jesus. But did they ever widen their view of him? Did they ever get the bigger picture? Sadly, for most of them, it doesn’t seem like they did. And what was the wider view of this event? What was the bigger picture here? Certainly, scholars speculate answers to that question.
But my focus today is, do you ask that bigger picture question…? When you come to Jesus for something you need? Healing, or deliverance or lunch? Do you ask the wider view question: Jesus, how does this fit into your bigger plan? And How can I know you better through this current need that I have? How can I have a wider view? And how can I see the bigger picture of what you might be doing in the midst of my current need?
Guys, if we only come to Jesus saying, “Fix my stuff and I’ll be on my way…” then we’ll never learn to know him personally, and we’ll never learn to be part of his bigger plan. Does that make sense? Okay, that was the first narrow view group.
The second narrow view group are the Disciples themselves.
Mark 1:35 (NLT)
35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Listen, please, I could teach an entire series on this one verse, and in fact, we have. It’s called “Alone With God,” and I believe it is one of the most important series I’ve ever taught. And if you look at the example of Jesus, here, you can easily see that being alone with God was incredibly important to him as well. If you’re interested in knowing why this is so important, get our “Alone With God” series.
But for today, we’re looking at the problem of us having a narrow view of Jesus, and we see the narrow view here of Jesus’ own Disciples.
Mark 1:36-37 (NLT)
36 Later Simon (Peter) and the others went out to find him.
37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
Remember, the Disciples were thinking the Messiah would be a social, political King (their narrow view), just like some people still think today. And they’re seeing the popularity numbers take off like a rocket here, and that’s good for the coming campaign. And so, what do you think the Disciples are implying with this line, “Everyone is looking for you.”?
Don’t you think they’re saying, “Jesus, we just got started yesterday, we’re on a roll, Boss, the people are all back today, and they’re looking for more of the same? So, let’s get back there, and let’s get to healin’ a bunch more people, ’cause if you keep this up, you’re gonna have this whole nation wrapped around your finger. Just keep goin’ with all that miracle stuff and we’re gonna be golden!”
Then, Mark 1:38 says,
Mark 1:38 (NLT)
38 But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”
Whoa, Jesus – no – too early. We gotta ride the momentum you created here. This is your new home town, and these people love you. You have a chance to build an army of loyal followers here. Now, let’s get back to giving the people what they want, okay chief?
NO! It’s not okay.
And I can just imagine Jesus just slowly standing up from the rock where he’d been alone with the father and just… walking away. And the Disciples are like, “Man, what’s he doing? He’s walking away from his first big win. We are gonna have to teach this guy a few things if he’s ever gonna have a Mega-Church!”
And Jesus does keep casting our demons, and he does keep healing but not for the reasons that the Disciples probably thought. Jesus heals and he delivers – out of his compassion – out of his love and his mercy toward us. But he does it as he is headed toward accomplishing his bigger plan and accomplishing his bigger purpose! Both in the world and in our lives! The question today is, are we looking for that?
And so, Mark 1:39 says,
Mark 1:39 (NLT)
39 So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
Then, finally, our third victim with a narrow view of Jesus.
Mark 1:40-41 (NLT)
40 A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”
Guys, Jesus is filled with mercy and compassion! And he heals and delivers out of that mercy and compassion. But that is not why Jesus came to earth! If Jesus didn’t stay focused on the wider view and on the bigger picture of his own plan and purpose, then this leper would’ve been healed temporarily. But he would’ve been lost for eternity – separated from God. And so would you and I.
I think one big reason for the narrow view some people have of Jesus is that eternity is not big enough in their minds. They’re consumed with their own immediate needs or what they see around them. And Jesus says, I care, and I will move in your life in order to carry you through this vapor that is your time on earth. But it is not the wider view of what I’m doing and it is not the bigger plan or purpose.
But, back to the compassion of the Lord in this moment.
Mark 1:42 says (NLT)
42 Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.
Praise the Lord – it’s wonderful! But then – look at the “then.”
Mark 1:43-44 (NLT)
43 Then (Literally: immediately) Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning:
44 “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Why would Jesus sternly warn this healed man to do exactly as he said? Does it really matter why? If you know the Lord Jesus at all and he miraculously heals you, and then he sternly warns you to do exactly what he says, should you really be asking him why? Wouldn’t you think obedience would just follow such a miraculous healing?
You would think so. But this guy did what he wanted. He did what served his own purposes – whatever they were.
Mark 1:45 (NLT)
45 But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, (of this man’s Narrow View) large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
Let me ask you this. Do you think this guy returned to be part of Jesus’ bigger plan and bigger purpose? No – I don’t think so either.
In all three of these events, these people had a very narrow view of Jesus. Fortunately, the Disciples eventually came around. How about you?
How long will it take us to look past our current circumstances and past our current needs and really commit to the Lord – to look for the wider view of what Jesus might be doing in our lives; to look for the bigger picture, for the bigger plan and the bigger purpose that Jesus is at work for in our lives?
I pray that we would refuse to have a narrow view of Jesus Christ in our lives. These people missed the bigger picture because they were focused on their own needs and on their own narrow view of Jesus. And 2,000 years later, we still see the exact same thing.
Let’s let God be God. And let’s commit to join him in his bigger plan and his bigger purpose for this world and for our lives.