Follow along with Christ as he begins his ministry. Jesus’ first stop on his mission was the town of Capernaum. Here Jesus confronted the demonic world. Ezekial 28:11-17 gives a portrait of Satan, stating that he was “anointed as a guardian cherub.” As a guardian cherub, Satan was adorned with 9 of the stones found on the breastpiece of the high priest (Exodus 28:17-21).
When Jesus cast out the demons, he commanded them not to speak. Gill’s commentary (from eSword) states that Christ did not need their testimony and that he did not wish to be made known by them. Geneva’s commentary goes on to state that “Satan, who is a continual enemy of the truth, ought not to be heard, not even when he speaks truth.”
Peter, his brother Andrew, along with James and John were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee was filled with a wide variety of fish in great abundance. Because of the abundance of fish, fish became a staple of the local diet. The area attracted a larger and more varied population than other areas of Palestine. The article, “Cast Your Nets: Fishing at the Time of Christ,” describes the lifestyle of these men prior to being chosen as disciples of Christ. For an understanding of the affect of the weather on the sea, the Sea of Galilee webcam provides a live image of the sea.
Jesus’ healing of the leper was a clear sign to the Jews that he was doing something more miraculous than healing a disease — he was forgiving sins. For a better understanding of the correlation between leprosy and sin, read Gill’s commentary (eSword) where he describes the disease in great detail concluding:
“Between this disease and sin, there is a very great likeness. This disease is a very filthy one, and of a defiling nature, by the ceremonial law; under which it was considered rather as an uncleanness, than as a disease”
In the time of Christ a leper was not treated by a physician but by a priest. By curing the leper, Christ established his role as a priest, a high priest, and proved his Messiaship. The two birds offered by the leper at the temple for his cleansing are also symbolic of Christ. The killing of the first bird symbolizes Christ dying for our sins. The release of the second bird symbolizes Christ’s resurrection. (see Gill on eSword)
While teaching, Jesus again demonstrated that he had the power of the Lord God by forgiving sins, miraculously healing and discerning the thoughts of the Pharisees.
The Pharisees were teachers in the synagogues, religious examples in the eyes of the people and self-appointed guardians of the law and its proper observance. They considred the interpretations and regulations handed down by tradition to be virtually as authoritative as Scripture. (p. 1579 NIV Study Bible)
What the Pharisees viewed as blasphemy, others viewed as a demonstration of the divine power of Jesus.
As keepers of the law, the Pharisees believed Jesus was breaking the Sabbath law when he healed on the Sabbath. As a sign of the covenant between man and God, the Sabbath was to be a period of rest after finished works. By healing on the Sabbath, Christ demonstrated that the power of God present in grace did not allow misery to exist because it was the day of grace. In so doing, Jesus established himself as the Lord of the Sabbath.
That you may know that the Son of Mat has authority on earth to forgive sins.
Luke 5:24
