Gospel of Mark Part 9: Simon & Andrew's Home [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
Title: Raised Up to Serve
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:29–39 – “And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she began waiting on them. Now when evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was. And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus rose up, went out of the house, and went away to a desolate place, and was praying there. And Simon and his companions searched for Him; and they found Him, and said to Him, ‘Everyone is looking for You.’ And He said to them, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came out for.’ And He went, preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and casting out the demons.”
OPENING QUESTION
When has Jesus “raised you up” from a season of weakness or trouble, and how did you respond?
BACKGROUND
In the first chapter of Mark, we’ve seen Jesus baptized, tested in the wilderness, and begin His public ministry. He called His first four disciples—Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John—and began teaching in the synagogues. His authority was confirmed not only in His words but also in His works, as He cast out a demon in Capernaum. Now we see Jesus move from the public setting of the synagogue to the private setting of Simon and Andrew’s home, where His compassion and personal touch are revealed.
KEY POINTS
1. Jesus Raises Up Simon’s Mother-in-Law (Mark 1:29–31)
The Setting: After the synagogue service, Jesus and His disciples go to Simon and Andrew’s home.
The Need: Simon’s mother-in-law is sick with a fever.
The Action: The disciples bring her situation to Jesus immediately. He responds by taking her hand, raising her up, and healing her.
The Response: She begins serving them, showing that gratitude leads to service.
Lesson for Us:
When Jesus raises us up from sin, despair, or illness, our first response should be service to Him (Romans 12:1).
Bringing the needs of others to Jesus is a key role of discipleship (Philippians 4:6).
2. Jesus Ministers to the Masses (Mark 1:32–34)
The Crowd: That evening, the whole city gathers at the door.
The Ministry: Jesus heals many diseases and casts out many demons, refusing to let them speak because they knew His identity.
The Significance:
His compassion extended to all who came.
He demonstrated power over both physical illness and spiritual darkness (Matthew 8:16–17).
3. Jesus Prioritizes Prayer (Mark 1:35)
The Timing: Early in the morning, while it was still dark.
The Place: A solitary, desolate place away from distractions.
The Example: If Jesus, the Son of God, made prayer a priority, how much more must we? (Luke 5:16, Matthew 6:5–6)
4. Jesus Stays True to His Mission (Mark 1:36–39)
The Interruption: Simon and others find Him, saying everyone is looking for Him.
The Mission: Jesus makes it clear—He came to preach the good news in many places, not just one.
The Application:
Ministry is not about staying where it’s comfortable but about going where the message needs to be heard (Mark 16:15).
While there is value in long-term ministry in one place, the Great Commission compels us to continually reach the unreached.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What stands out to you most about Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law?
How can we model her response of immediate service after receiving help from the Lord?
Why do you think Jesus often sought solitary places for prayer?
What distractions in your life keep you from intentional time with God?
How can we balance ministering to the same people over time while still reaching new people with the gospel?
APPLICATION
Serve Out of Gratitude: Like Peter’s mother-in-law, respond to Jesus’ work in your life with humble service.
Bring Others to Jesus: Be intentional about interceding for others and introducing them to Christ.
Make Time for Prayer: Find your “desolate place” and meet God there regularly.
Stay on Mission: Keep your eyes on the gospel’s advancement, not just personal comfort or routine.
MEMORY VERSE
Mark 1:35 – “And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus rose up, went out of the house, and went away to a desolate place, and was praying there.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Ask God to give you a servant’s heart, to keep you grounded in humility, and to strengthen your commitment to His mission. Pray for opportunities to bring others to Jesus and the discipline to guard regular time with Him in prayer.
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