Mark 1

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

What does Mark 1:37 mean?

Explanation

Mark 1:37 recounts a moment when Jesus's disciples find Him and inform Him that everyone is looking for Him.

This verse follows a period of Jesus’s intense ministry in Galilee, involving teaching, healing, and casting out demons. The disciples' statement highlights Jesus' growing popularity and the demand for His presence among the people.

The deeper meaning of this verse can be interpreted as a reflection on the human need for spiritual guidance and healing.

It underscores Jesus' role as a teacher and healer and illustrates the eagerness and desperation of people to be near Him, seeking both physical remedies and spiritual enlightenment.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Mark 1:37 falls within the early ministry of Jesus in Galilee. At this time, Jesus had begun to attract significant attention through His teachings and miracles. The historical context is rooted in the First Century AD Jewish society in the Roman-occupied region of Galilee.

It was a period characterized by Messianic expectations, social upheavals, and a thirst for authentic spiritual leadership against the backdrop of strict religious structures.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse contributes to the understanding of Jesus’s divine mission and the incarnational aspect of His ministry.

In Christian theology, this need of the people to seek out Jesus is often seen as a testament to Jesus’ power and authority, as well as his role as the shepherd to a searching flock.

From a more critical theological viewpoint, some might interpret this demand for Jesus' presence as indicative of the social conditions of the time, reflecting a deep-seated need for hope and liberation among the oppressed Jewish populace under Roman rule.

Practical Applications

This verse invites believers to recognize the importance of seeking spiritual guidance and support in their lives.

The pursuit of Jesus by the people signifies a proactive approach to addressing spiritual needs.

The practical application may include prioritizing time for prayer, meditation, and community worship in the busy routine of modern life.

Additionally, it can serve as an encouragement for individuals to seek out mentors and leaders who embody Christ-like compassion and wisdom to guide them in their personal growth and community service.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:36: "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
John 6:34: "Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread."
Luke 4:42: "And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "All men seek for thee" uses the word "ζητοῦσίν" (zētousin) from "ζητέω" (zēteō) meaning "to seek after, seek for, enquire, require." This verb indicates an active and diligent searching, reflecting the earnestness and sincerity of the people's attempt to find Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient myths and religions, there are parallels to the search for a divine figure or wisdom.

For example, in Greek mythology, the Oracle at Delphi was highly sought after for guidance.

In Buddhism, followers would seek out the Buddha for his teachings.

The universality of such quests illustrates a common theme across diverse cultures and religions: the human pursuit of truth and enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, the concept of people seeking out a notable figure like Jesus can be paralleled in modern psychology.

Psychologists recognize the human tendency to seek leaders during times of uncertainty or need, as part of a social and psychological support system, reflecting an innate aspect of human behavior.

Commentaries

Commentators over the centuries have provided various interpretations of Mark 1:37.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the diligent work of Christ in his Father's business and the people's eagerness to hear his teachings, seeing the gathering crowds as a field ripe for harvest.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary may discuss the themes of Jesus' authority and compassion as key to understanding why He was so sought after.

These commentaries bring out the diverse understandings among experts about the continual relevance of Jesus' ministry and the human need for connection with the divine.

Mark 1

Mark 1

What does Mark 1:37 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 1:37 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?