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The Bible Study – Our reading for Friday, February 16 is Mark 1:29-45. Christ’s first day of public ministry recorded in Mark is a busy one. Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Then at sundown the people of Capernaum bring their sick and demon possessed to Christ, the text tells us the whole city gathered at the door. The Saviour of the world fulfills Messianic prophecies by healing the sick and freeing those in bondage to evil. The same is true for us. The Gospel and the Sacraments instituted by Christ Himself, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, continue to save us from sin, death and the devil. Although our Lord had more to do in Capernaum, He takes time for private devotion, praying to the Father. When the disciples say that “everyone is looking for you,” our Lord explains, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” The mission to spread the Good News and heal continues today in and through Christ’s true Church. A leper appeals to Jesus, in faith saying, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Christ heals the man restoring his health and his place in society, uniting him once more with family and friends. Jesus also restores our relationship with our heavenly Father. Through His sacrificial death on the cross that paid for our sins, believers receive forgiveness and eternal life. Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto http://christlutherantoronto.org/beliefs