Mark 1:21-28 - The Authority of Jesus

As we turn the pages through the gospel of Mark it is good to always keep something in mind. He is not making a record of Jesus' life in the same way that a modern biographer would. He is not writing how things happened in chronological order. Rather, he is unfolding events in a specific way tailored to convince us to believe that Jesus is the unique Son of God--and to compel us to become his committed followers. The way his gospel is laid out, the order in which he records the events, is all purposeful. Even the way he tells the stories is designed to make you a believer.

To begin telling the story of Jesus, Mark has chosen to recount a series of stories (pericopes) which will emphasize his uniqueness. Typical of Mark he tells them in rapid-fire succession. From them we are to understand that Jesus was no ordinary man and the fact that he was no ordinary man was evident from the beginning. 

In verses 21-28 of the first chapter we have an account from the life of Christ which emphasizes his authority--both in word and in deed. Mark recounts a time when Jesus entered the synagogue in  Capernaum and was asked to teach. His teaching amazed the people present, for "he spoke with authority, and not as the scribes." Then Mark tells us how Jesus was confronted by a demon-oppressed man and how Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out of him and what happens.

There is much to learn from this passage which still speaks to us today, and the story also has a point, a point which we would do well to heed. So I hope you will take the time to listen to the sermon. I've linked the audio file below. I think it will prove a blessing to you.

Click here: Mark 1:21-28 - The Authority of Jesus

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