Epiphany Season · Year B
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
February 7, 2027
Overview & Insights
“And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons.” (Mark 1:34)
Mark 1:21–38 describes one twenty-four-hour period (from Sabbath morn to Sunday morn). All of this material (including through 1:45) traces Jesus’s ministry to the crowds, who are filled with wonder at each new illustration of his healing power over demons and all kinds of illnesses (1:23–28, 32–34), leprosy in particular (1:41–45). In addition, with each new powerful act, Jesus’s popularity soars. The news spreads after the first miracle (1:28), with “the whole town gathered at the door” (1:33). Jesus tries to get away for a time of prayer and learns that “everyone is looking for” him (1:37). Then, after his final healing miracle, he can no longer enter the towns because people are streaming to him “from everywhere” (1:45). This extreme popularity with the crowds will be contrasted with its polar opposite in 2:1–3:6, his growing rejection by and opposition from the leaders.
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Commentary
Mark 1:29-39 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary on how Jesus reframes his mission from healing the crowds to proclaiming the good news across the towns.
Mark 1:29-39 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed reading of how the healing ministry begins to hem Jesus in and why he moves on to proclaim.
What Freedom Is For SALT Project
Connects Jesus the healer and liberator to the question of what freedom is actually for.
Mark 1 verse by verse Precept Austin
A verse-by-verse study of Mark 1 gathering word studies and cross references.
Mark 1:29-39 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reflection on Mark 1:29-39, the healing of Simon's mother-in-law and the many who came to Jesus.
Revealed Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Episcopal sermon on God revealed in Jesus across the day's readings, including the Mark 1:29-39 healing ministry.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
What is a day in the life of Jesus like in Mark 1?
Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, then the whole town at evening, and rising before dawn to pray he presses on to the next villages, for that is why he came out.
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