The Fame of Jesus Spread Abroad - Mark 1:28

Mark wrote how Jesus, “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 you, you Jesus of Nazareth? are you come to destroy us? I know you who thou are, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold your 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 commanded he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him”, and in chapter one and verse twenty-eight of his book, Mark wrote how all the people watching Jesus, “” where we read:

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

The verse reads, “And immediately his fame spread abroad ...” Mark began words, “and immediately” which means “and straightway and forthwith” “his fame spread abroad” or “Jesus' notoriety, rumor, report and audience went forth publicly and before the public”. Mark shared how Jesus' “notoriety” became widespread public knowledge.

The verse continues, “... throughout all the region round about Galilee.” Mark added the words, “throughout all the region” which means “toward each, every, the whole and everyone of the territories and neighboring countries” “round about Galilee” or “surrounding a region of northern Palestine, bounded on the north by Syria, on the west by Sidon, Tyre, Ptolemais and their territories and the promontory of Carmel, on the south by Samaria and on the east by the Jordan. It was divided into Upper Galilee and Lower Galilee”. Mark shared how the “news” of Jesus “spread” all over the region of “Galilee”.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how the “fame” of Jesus could not be contained. He was different than any other person these people ever heard or saw. He spoke with authority and “taught” them differently. He had power over “unclean spirits” and was worthy to be acknowledged by all who observed Him. God planned it this way because His Son Jesus was to be the “Savior and Lord” of the world. Those who yield their lives to Him not only acknowledge who He is but also bow down to worship the only One who is worthy of our praise.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus, “entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".