Mark 1:21-45

[21] They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

[22] The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

[23] Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,

[24] "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"

[25] "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!"

[26] The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

[27] The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."

[28] News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

[29] As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

[30] Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her.

[31] So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

[32] That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.

[33] The whole town gathered at the door,

[34] and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

[35] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

[36] Simon and his companions went to look for him,

[37] and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"

[38] Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."

[39] So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

[40] A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."

[41] Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!"

[42] Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

[43] Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning:

[44] "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."

[45] Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.