Healing in Capernaum.

(Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37).

When in Galilee, Christ mainly remained in Capernaum — so much so, that it became “His town.” Capernaum, located on the border of two domains — Galilee and Iturea, was outstanding for its salutary climate, material abundance and in general, had everything for those people wanting to converge in large numbers and listen to Christ. Living in Capernaum, the Lord taught on Saturdays in synagogues — houses where the Jews gathered for prayer. During their bondage, the Jews felt the necessity to gather in prayer meetings for common reading of the books of the Law and collective prayers. It was these meeting-places that became synagogues. However, Church services and sacrificial offerings could only be performed in the temple of Jerusalem. After the Jews’ return from bondage, the synagogue became an essential attribute in every settlement — in Palestine, as in every country of their settlement. The synagogue contained an urn, in which the books of the Law were preserved, a pulpit, from which these books were read and a seating area. Anyone that regarded himself as capable could read and interpret the Law and the Prophets. The individual usually stood up to read and sat down when it came to interpret what he had read. Continually listening to the lifeless word of their teacher-Scribes and Pharisees, the Galileans were astounded in hearing the Lord’s dynamic word. If the former interpreted the Law as its servants, Jesus spoke as One Who commanded authority. The Scribes and Pharisees, themselves not understanding the Law, distorted its meaning and were consequently, unconvincing in their interpretations. Whereas Jesus was speaking His own, ie. that which He had heard from His Father, and spoke authoritatively, convincingly and persuasively, which was producing a strong impression on the listeners.

At the time the Lord was teaching in one of the synagogues in Capernaum, there was a man possessed by demons. He unexpectedly cried out in a loud voice: “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!” This involuntary witness of truth - wrenched through the presence of the Son of God - was a cringing wail of fear, feigned and sycophantic aim at diverting judgment from itself; a slave’s lament, whose meeting with his master creates imaginings of impending torture and torment awaiting him. Perhaps by this witness, the enemy was hoping to undermine people’s trust in Jesus Christ, and we can see that the Lord indeed, forbade him to witness about Him, commanding: “Be quiet, and come out of him.” The possessed individual instantly fell to the ground in the middle of the synagogue, but stood up fully recovered, because the demons - in complying - had left him. Both Evangelists underline the extremely powerful impression this had on the people through the healing of the possessed person.