Mark 1:21-28
"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.'"
(Mark 1:27)
What do you want to be when you grow up? Vocational standards may influence the answer. While they may be difficult to achieve, these criteria often provide the authority we need to work in our chosen field.
In Jesus' day, young men studied for years to be teachers of the law, also known as scribes. Some began training as early as 14 and finished at age 40. Then they could be ordained as judges or use the title of rabbi.
But when Jesus taught them, He did not have the formal training His listeners had come to expect. Still, His teaching amazed them. But Jesus' teaching was not the only thing to inspire awe. They were also amazed at His authority over the spirit world. The evil spirit knew he had to obey Jesus' command. He recognized Jesus' authority…and so did the people who watched.
What the people did not realize was that Jesus' authority did not arise from merely learning the written word of God. Jesus taught and acted with authority because He is the living Word of God.
INSIGHT
IN WHAT AREAS SHOULD YOU SUBMIT TO JESUS CHRIST'S AUTHORITY IN YOUR LIFE? SUBMIT TO HIS AUTHORITY TODAY AND HE'LL AMAZE YOU, TOO.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 51-52
Psalm 96
Acts 19
Mark 1:21-28
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit
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[a] 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.
Footnotes:
a. Mark 1:23 Greek unclean; also in verses 26 and 2
BIG GOD ... LITTLE HEARTS [PART 5]
with Sally Lloyd-Jones
Do you know a prodigal? Are you a prodigal yourself? We are prone to wander away from Jesus, but fortunately He comes after us because He loves us. What is His message to those who have wandered?
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