WITH AUTHORITY!
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Opening Prayer
Lord God, in your Word is everything I need for life, for joy, and for peace. Thank you for the wisdom, hope, and strength it offers me.
Read MARK 1:21—34
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Mark
Mark 1
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.
Reflect
Whose voice would you recognize anytime, anywhere? Is that from love or fear? How do you recognize the voice of Jesus? You may be surprised by who first fully recognizes Jesus in today’s passage.All this action happens in one day. It feels like a documentary film crew is following Jesus, scrambling to keep up with the pace at which he moves and acts. This man is both purposeful and responsive. His teaching is electrifying, especially when compared with the bland diet presented by the teachers of the law (v. 22). But it is not just the human audience who responds! The unclean spirits are the first to proclaim Jesus as Messiah. They know the genuine article when they see it (v. 24). They are not, however, those he came to save and serve.
Demons and disease are dispensed with—lovingly. This good news has very practical implications and consequences. Mark is laying down a rhythm here that will pulse through his gospel. Jesus is a teacher with authority. He is a healer with compassion. He drives out what is evil and unclean with determination. He is on a mission! He is different from other teachers, and his reputation quickly grows and spreads.
Apply
The same authority that silences the demons sends us out into the world to proclaim this good news. They had no choice but to obey Jesus. We do. Make the right choice today! Where might you proclaim good news?
Closing prayer
Jesus, thank you for your great power that is at work in me, for me, and through me. Give me wisdom to make right choices and courage to proclaim who you are to those around me.
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